Nonprofits Infrastructure Support
Strengthening Nonprofits’ Infrastructure
We provide programs and services that strengthen the organizational infrastructure of nonprofits, which is vital to the continuation and development of their activities. Many of the JNPOC’s programs–from NPO database service and technology donation programs to communication skills seminars and capacity-building training-support the infrastructure development of nonprofits.
We use a metaphor of “vessel” for nonprofit’s organizational infrastructure/capacity, whereas an individual project as a “cargo”. Even if “cargo” appears to be fancy, which might draw public attention and even appeals to fund-raising, an organization needs a constant watch to the “vessel” itself because without proper maintenance and mending, the “vessel” will eventually sink.
NPO Hiroba
Database for Japanese Nonprofits’ Disclosure and Visibility
With the aim of promoting access to and disclosure of information about nonprofits, JNPOC runs and administers a searchable online nonprofit organization database called NPO-Hiroba that contains data for all “Specified Nonprofit Corporations” (approx. 51,000 incorporated nonprofit organizations) in Japan. The basic information of new incorporated organizations is added periodically, and with a unique ID & password, each nonprofit can add and update its organizational information, which promotes the visibility and accountability of NPOs.
NPO Hiroba (Japanese)
TechSoup Japan
IT Support Service to Realize Nonprofits’ Potentials
TechSoup is a global program that provides IT support to nonprofits worldwide, from software donations and discounts to various IT services and programs. (TechSoup’s headquarters is in San Francisco, U.S.A., with 63 partner organizations around the globe.) JNPOC has operated TechSoup Japan since its launch in June 2009. In collaboration with global and domestic IT companies, we provide software donations, discounts, seminars, and technical support for cloud computing, strengthening the IT capacity of Japanese nonprofits that work toward solving social issues and promoting social change.
TechSoup
TechSoup Japan (Japanese)
Digital Infrastructure Enhancement Program
Collaborative Project with TIS, Japan NPO Center & TechSoup Japan
With the aim of strengthening the digital infrastructure of Japanese nonprofits, JNPOC and the TechSoup Japan arm of JNPOC assists TIS, a major IT services provider, with the implementation of its grant program that supports nonprofits’ digital tool improvement projects and provide human resources support by dispatching digital specialists. Both programs aim to improve nonprofits’ operational IT efficiency, thereby creating a deeper connection with their beneficiaries.
This unique program deploys TIS employee volunteers to participate in the preliminary screening process of NPOs for the grant program and as digital specialists who apply 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 propelled us to further discuss the role of NPOs/NGOs, civil society, and social issues in Japan and abroad from various angles. We launched an opinion site called NPO CROSS where people involved in NPOs discuss these matters from NPOs’ unique perspectives.
NPO CROSS (Japanese)
Tsutaeru Kotsu
Communication Skills Development for Nonprofits
Tsutaeru Kotsu, a collaborative project with Dentsu, an international advertising and public relations company, supports NPOs in improving their communication skills. In 2004, we created a workbook with tips to enhance nonprofits’ ability to convey their messages effectively.
With the workbook and communication specialists from Dentsu/NPOs, we also hold seminars in various locations. In order to make this opportunity available to more people, the content of the seminars is currently available as videos on YouTube.
Recognized for its impact, this collaborated project was selected as one of the Best 100 of Good Design Awards 2016.
Tsutaeru Kotsu (Japanese)
Workshop for Strengthening Organizational Capacity
Collaborating with Panasonic Corporation, JNPOC holds workshops for nonprofits to strengthen their institutional capacity. This program’s unique feature is that the leaders and staff of nonprofits undergo an “organizational diagnosis” that identifies the problems of the organization and the specific areas of capacity building in need of further improvement. After the assessment, organizations formulate and implement their organizational strategy by incorporating the advice received from professional and objective third parties.
Offering Training Opportunities for Organizational Capacity-Building
Local NPO support centers in communities across Japan provide services and seminars to local grassroots nonprofit associations and organizations. JNPOC believes that in order for these NPO support centers to play an active role locally, more organizational capacity-building opportunities should be provided. JNPOC holds staff training programs for newly appointed and middle-management NPO support center staff.
We offer similar learning opportunities for government and business sectors. With the aim of understanding nonprofits and civil society better and exploring cross-sector collaborative opportunities, JNPOC holds seminars targeted at newly-appointed local government staff in charge of the NPO division, as well as companies’ newly-appointed CSR staff.
Give2Asia
Providing a New Channel of Grant-Making for Japanese Nonprofits
Since 2010, JNPOC has been collaborating with the US-based nonprofit Give2Asia, which encourages and facilitates charitable giving to Asia by providing personalized services to donors and recipients. This collaboration opened up a new opportunity for Japanese nonprofits to obtain funds outside Japan. As the local advisor in Japan, JNPOC is responsible for grants administration, facilitating the donation process for Japanese nonprofits, and conducting research services when requested by Give2Asia. As of 2020, Give2Asia and JNPOC together have mediated 275 grants (totaling US$19.9 million), funded by 32 large corporate and institutional donors, supporting 105 charitable organizations. These large corporations include: State Street, Johnson and Johnson, Bank of America, Caterpillar, American Express, Prudential, Qualcomm, etc. This includes Give2Asia funds, funded by over 5,000 individual donors, that benefit specific Japan-based organizations and campaigns.
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.
