Nonprofits Infrastructure Support
Strengthening Nonprofits’ Infrastructure
We offer programs and services that strengthen the organizational infrastructure vital for nonprofits’ continued activity and development. Many of JNPOC’s programs—including our NPO database service, tech support programs, communication skills seminars, and capacity-building training—directly support nonprofit infrastructure development.
We use the metaphor of a “vessel” to represent a nonprofit’s organizational infrastructure and capacity, while an individual project is considered “cargo.” Even if a cargo seems impressive and draws public attention, potentially even appealing to fundraising efforts, an organization must constantly monitor its vessel. Without proper maintenance and mending, the vessel will eventually sink. This is precisely why we stress the importance of a strong organizational infrastructure.
NPO Hiroba
Database for Japanese Nonprofits’ Disclosure and Visibility
With the aim of promoting access to and transparency of information about nonprofits, JNPOC operates and manages NPO-Hiroba, a searchable online database. This platform compiles data on all “Specified Nonprofit Corporations” (approximately 50,000 incorporated nonprofit organizations) across Japan.
Using a unique ID and password, each nonprofit can then add and update its own organizational details, which significantly enhances the visibility and accountability of NPOs.
NPO Hiroba (Japanese)
TechSoup Japan
IT Support Services to Help Nonprofits Realize Their Potential
TechSoup is a global program dedicated to providing technological support and tools to nonprofit organizations. Headquartered in San Francisco, U.S.A., TechSoup operates through a vast network of over 60 partner organizations worldwide, reaching 234 countries and territories. Its services include donations and discounts on IT products and services, alongside various IT support projects.
In Japan, JNPOC has managed the TechSoup Japan program since its launch in June 2009. By facilitating access to IT products and services and promoting IT knowledge and usage—in collaboration with both global and domestic IT companies—the program plays a vital role in strengthening the IT capacity of nonprofits working to solve social issues and drive positive social change.
TechSoup
TechSoup Japan (Japanese)
Digital Infrastructure Enhancement Program
Collaborative Project with TIS, Japan NPO Center & TechSoup Japan
To strengthen the digital infrastructure of Japanese nonprofits, JNPOC, through its TechSoup Japan arm, collaborates with TIS, a major IT services provider. This partnership involves implementing a grant program that supports nonprofits’ digital tool improvement projects and provides human resources support by dispatching digital specialists. Both initiatives aim to enhance nonprofits’ operational IT efficiency, fostering deeper connections with their beneficiaries.
This unique program leverages TIS employee volunteers who participate in the preliminary screening of NPOs for the grant program. These volunteers also serve as digital specialists, applying their experience, knowledge, and skills to support selected NPOs.
Digital Infrastructure Enhancement Program (Japanese)
NPO Cross
Online site on civil society discussions
The 20th anniversary of the NPO Law has prompted broader discussions on the evolving roles of NPOs/NGOs, civil society, and social issues, both within Japan and globally. To facilitate these conversations, we launched NPO CROSS, an opinion platform where JNPOC staff and volunteer writers, all deeply involved with NPOs, share their unique perspectives on these critical topics.
Furthermore, we translate selected articles into English to provide English-speaking readers with insights into current developments within Japan and its civil society.
NPO CROSS (Japanese)
Tsutaeru Kotsu
Communication Skills Development for Nonprofits
A collaborative initiative with Dentsu, an international advertising and public relations company, “Tsutaeru Kotsu” is dedicated to bolstering NPOs’ communication capabilities. Our efforts began in 2004 with the creation of a workbook providing practical tips for nonprofits to convey their messages more effectively.
In addition to the workbook, we host seminars across various locations, featuring communication specialists from Dentsu and the NPO sector. To expand access to this valuable training, the seminar content is now available on YouTube as video lessons.
The significant impact of this collaborative project was recognized when it was chosen as one of the Best 100 entries in the Good Design Awards 2016.
Tsutaeru Kotsu (Japanese)
Offering Training Opportunities for Organizational Capacity-Building
To raise awareness of the importance of organizational foundations among NPOs and NGOs active in various fields, JNPOC holds several opportunities for nonprofits to strengthen their institutional capacity.
With the support from Panasonic Holdings, one program delivers directly to NPOs and NGOs, while the other is for organizations and individuals supporting local NPOs. The former program includes lectures on the basic concepts of strengthening organizational infrastructure, case study stories from NPOs that received Panasonic grants to improve their organizational infrastructure, and workshops where participants can explore their organizational issues. This program is held in several locations throughout Japan each year with the help of local NPO support centers.
In the latter program, which targets the staff of local NPO support organizations, JNPOC offers a practical training program that enables participants to systematically learn the knowledge and practical skills needed to support local grassroots organizations, while conducting organizational diagnosis of actual NPOs to identify the problems of the organization and the specific areas of capacity building in need of further improvement with recommendations.
Give2Asia / Myriad USA
Providing a New Channel of Grant-Making for Japanese Nonprofits
In 2010, JNPOC began its collaboration with Give2Asia, a U.S.-based nonprofit that encouraged and facilitated charitable giving to Asia through personalized services. This partnership opened new funding opportunities for Japanese nonprofits from outside Japan. As Give2Asia’s local advisor in Japan, JNPOC was responsible for grants administration, facilitating the donation process, and conducting research services upon request.
In January 2024, Give2Asia united with the King Baudouin Foundation United States (KBFUS) and rebranded as Myriad USA. Most of Give2Asia’s activities for Japan have now transitioned to Myriad USA, for whom JNPOC continues to serve as an independent service provider.
CSO Accountability Portal
Gateway to Civil Society Organization Accountability Good Practices in Japan and Asia-Pacific
JNPOC believes that nonprofit organizations or civil society organizations (CSOs) need to be held accountable to their own stakeholders about their accountability practices including financial oversight, transparency and information disclosure, public support and effective management. In 2016 JNPOC launched a bilingual portal site that introduces what practices exist in Asia-Pacific as well as within Japan’s nonprofit sector to ensure organizational accountability, which has not been well-known in the CSO community in Asia-Pacific.
