Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)

The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of the Government of Japan is open for Namibia‑based grassroots projects that deliver direct, tangible benefits to vulnerable people and communities. Through the Embassy of Japan in Namibia, the GGP funds small‑scale, community‑level infrastructure and equipment projects implemented by registered NGOs, community organisations, educational and medical institutions, and local authorities, with a maximum grant size of N$ 1,172,405 (approx. USD 66,666) for the 2026 fiscal year and a project period of up to one year.​

Eligible countries

This call is country‑specific:

• Eligible country: Namibia (project sites must be located in Namibia).​
• Applications must be submitted to the Embassy of Japan in Namibia (Windhoek).​

Who can apply

Eligible applicants:​

• NGOs registered for at least 2 years (including:
  • Non‑governmental organisations
  • Community‑based organisations
  • Educational institutions (e.g. primary, secondary, vocational, special schools)
  • Medical institutions (e.g. clinics, hospitals)
  • Local government / local authorities)
• The applicant organisation must have at least 3 years of experience in the sector of the proposed project.
• The organisation must have a stable foundation in terms of finance, human resources and management.
• Only one application per organisation per fiscal year is allowed.
• Individuals and private companies are generally not eligible, but for‑profit entities that provide public services (e.g. some medical institutions, schools, humanitarian service providers) may be considered eligible in exceptional cases.​

What types of projects are supported

The GGP focuses on tangible, small‑scale improvements that directly enhance basic services at community level, for example:​

• Education sector (using the Education application form):
  • Construction of standard classrooms, library blocks (excluding books), laboratory blocks (excluding lab equipment), IT rooms (excluding computers), workshop classrooms, student toilets, school halls.
  • Provision of classroom furniture (desks, chairs), water supply systems (e.g. water tanks and pipelines).​
• Medical & health sector (using the General application form):
  • Construction of clinics or medical facilities.
  • Provision of medical equipment, mobile clinics, ambulances.​
• Agriculture, forestry and fisheries (General form):
  • Construction of irrigation farming systems or aquaculture facilities (excluding boreholes).​
• Social welfare (General form):
  • Construction of care centres for children, people with disabilities, orphans / street children, etc.​
• Other small infrastructure (General form):
  • Construction of water supply systems (tanks, pumps, pipelines; excluding deep wells).
  • Small infrastructure such as small bridges, waste management facilities.​

Projects that are NOT financed include:​

• Research assistance at advanced academic institutions, scholarships/sponsorships.
• Projects focused on internal capacity development of the applicant organisation.
• Purely commercial projects or those aimed at employment creation for specific individuals or organisations.
• Projects with political, missionary or military purposes.
• Consumables and small fixtures, maintenance costs for facilities/equipment.
• General administrative costs of the applicant (running costs, staff salaries, etc.).

Grant size, coverage and limitations

Maximum grant limit (FY 2026):​

• N$ 1,172,405 (calculated at N$ 17 / USD 1 as an estimated rate; final amount may change with exchange rates).
• This is roughly USD 66,666 (assuming USD 1 = JPY 150; rate to be confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan).

Eligible expenditure:​

• Materials and labour costs for construction.
• Purchase of equipment.
• Transportation costs for items.
• Skill training strictly necessary to operate new items (e.g. training on new equipment).
• External audit fees.

Non‑eligible expenditure:​

• VAT (Value‑added tax).
• Bank charges.
• Consumables.
• Maintenance costs for facilities and equipment.
• Contingency budgets.
• Administrative and running costs of the applicant (e.g. salaries, overheads).
• Project preparation expenses such as architectural fees, quantity surveys.

Applicants must provide itemised budgets and 3 quotations (with VAT indicated) from different suppliers for each item, and the most reasonable quotation(s) will be selected.​

Important:​

• The GGP is a once‑off grant per project; no additional funding will be provided even if costs exceed the grant due to unforeseen circumstances.
• The grant is committed in USD, converted from the Namibian Dollar amount using applicable exchange rates; the final NAD amount received may be slightly more or less than requested.

Project period:​

• Projects must, in principle, be completed within one year from the date of signing the grant contract.
• Extensions may be considered only in exceptional cases and must be agreed with the Embassy.

Implementation, maintenance and reporting

Recipients must:​

• Implement the project within the agreed timeframe and budget.
• Maintain granted facilities/equipment in good condition for at least 5 years, including undertaking necessary repairs and replacements.
• Submit interim and completion reports on project progress and grant utilisation, according to deadlines in the grant contract.
• Commission and submit an external audit report at the end of the project (audit costs may be included in the project budget).
• Ensure that if funds are misused or used for non‑approved purposes, the Embassy may claim a partial or full refund of the grant.​

Co‑financing: GGP can be co‑financed with other donors, as long as roles and items funded by each donor are clearly defined in the application.​

Application process and deadline

Application forms:​

• Two different application forms are available on the Embassy of Japan in Namibia website:
  • “Education” form – for school infrastructure and related education projects.
  • “General” form – for all other sectors (health, agriculture, social welfare, water, small infrastructure, etc.).
• Applicants must choose the appropriate form and ensure all annexes and documents are attached as per the checklist.

Submission requirements:​

• Closing date for FY 2026: 28 February 2026.

• Applications must be submitted in hard copy (by hand or reliable delivery) to:

  Embassy of Japan – Economic Cooperation Section (GGP)
  78 Sam Nujoma Drive, Klein Windhoek
  P.O. Box 23025, Windhoek
  Namibia

• Applications by fax or email will NOT be accepted.
• Applicants should keep a full copy of their submission (including quotations and attachments) for their records.​