March 2024

Sylff Leadership Initiatives (SLI)CALL FOR APPLICATIONSCurrent and graduated fellows who are committed to taking the small steps that can make a big difference forthe benefit of society are encouraged to apply for an SLI grant to undertake initiatives that are aligned with theSylff mission. The Sylff Association will provide a maximum of US$10,000 per successful project.
1. About Sylff Leadership Initiatives (SLI)
To encourage Sylff fellows to take initiatives that can change society for the better, the Sylff Associationprovides financial support for two categories of SLI activities: (1) social action projects and (2) the organizationof a forum, conference, seminar, or workshop; such gatherings may be of either an academic or nonacademic
nature, but academic meetings must address tangible social issues and aim to have real-world impact. An
important consideration in screening applicants is whether or not the proposed project was initiated by theSylff fellow. Past SLI activities are described in “Awardees & Reports.”(http://www.tokyofoundation.org/sylff/support_programs/sli/awardees-reports)
The Sylff Philosophy
Issues of pressing concern today are becoming more and more intertwined with other complex, global-scaleproblems, and no one country can resolve them alone. The parties affected by the problems may not all havethe same values and interests or share economic or political orientations. Underlying the Sylff philosophy is thedesire to support “leaders” with the passion and ability to serve the common interests of humanity, transcending
narrow national, religious, ethnic, and other differences to undertake socially constructive leadership initiativesand act in an inclusive manner, respecting diversity in cultures and values.
2. Eligibility(1) Applications must be submitted by one or more current/graduated Sylff fellows.
(2) The proposed project must be initiated by a fellow and geared toward making a contribution to society.
(3) The proposal must be for a (1) social action project or a (2) forum-type event.
(Note)In addition to the above eligibility requirements, the following should also be considered:--SLI does not finance pure research.
SLI does not finance projects that were initiated by a non-fellow.
SLI grants may be used to finance ongoing projects originally conceived outside the SLI framework,
but such projects must be in line with the aims of SLI.
Projects should be at the implementation stage, ready to create significant social impact with thehelp of an SLI grant. SLI does not support projects at the foundation-building stage, where work is
still needed to develop an impactful framework.
Priority will be given to creative and innovative approaches that can be expected to generate or
catalyze significant social change.

3. Application(1) Period of Application
Applications will be accepted throughout the year.
(2) Application and Screening Procedures
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Application and screening procedures consist of the following two stages:a.

Preliminary Application (Concept Paper)
Applicants must submit a concept paper (prescribed form downloadable as Word file) at least fourmonths prior to the project’s implementation (exceptions may be considered in unavoidable
circumstances; please contact the Sylff Association secretariat for details). Applicants should indicate
the issue they wish to address, the project’s goals, the approaches to be taken, and anticipated socialimpact.
The concept paper will be reviewed by the Sylff Association secretariat; successful applications willproceed to the formal application stage.

b.

Formal Application
Applicants whose concept papers have been approved are invited to submit a formal applicationconsisting of the following: Application form (prescribed form downloadable as Word file) Detailed proposal (Word file, 2,000 words maximum)
The detailed proposal should address the following:- Issue: What is the key issue you wish to address and why are you addressing it?
- Activities and approaches: What do you hope to do and how will you do it?
- Objectives and goals: What are your objectives and goals?
- Initiative: How you are proposing, organizing, and leading the project?
- Relevance and significance: Why is the project relevant and significant? For whom?
- Feasibility: Provide arguments for the feasibility of the proposed project.
- Number: Indicate the number of project participants and their respective roles.
- Expected outcomes: Outline expected outcomes in both short and mid-long terms.
- Others: Describe other aspects to help reviewers judge the proposed project.
 Budget (sample downloadable as Excel file) Schedule BiosSubmit a brief biographical sketch (within 100 words) for each applicant and other project
members, including their background, current position or occupation, academic or professional
interests, and role in the proposed project.
 References
Two letters of recommendation should be submitted. They should be written by those who
endorse the project and are familiar with your academic achievements and/or social engagement
activities.

(3) Notification
Applicants will be notified of the results so as to provide sufficient lead time for the implementation ofthe project.
(4) Award Disbursement
a. The award will be disbursed directly to successful applicants. An Agreement will be signed between
the applicant and the Tokyo Foundation. In principle, the full amount will be paid in one installment
before the project is implemented.
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b. A project report, including a narrative description of the results and a financial report, shall besubmitted by all applicants. The financial report must be accompanied by receipts. Should actualexpenditures turn out to be significantly less than the amount disbursed, the Foundation will request
a refund of the unexpended funds.
4. Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated from the following five perspectives:(1) The applicant’s commitment to the social issue being addressed and the importance of his/her role in
the project(2) Prospects for positive change in the conditions of the issue’s stakeholders(3) The originality of the project and the extent to which the proposal reflects the applicant’s knowledge,
experience, insight, or network(4) The likelihood that the project will serve as a model or foundation for subsequent, larger-scale initiatives(5) The feasibility of the budget, schedule, and partners in advancing the project
Improving Your Chances of Winning an Award
Many concept papers for socially worthwhile projects are submitted but wind up getting rejected because
they lack specifics. Proposals for concrete, well-planned action that can be expected to have tangible impact
will have a much better chance of winning an SLI award. To improve your chances, please look over the list
below. Based on the applications we have received to date, successful concept papers: Contain explanations of the issues being addressed that are concise and can be readily understood bythose without specialized knowledge or outside a specific demographic.
 Address issues that are within the scope of the proposed action.
 Propose projects designed to provide a direct solution to identified issues, with a feasible budget andimplementation plan.
 Showcase how the applicant has initiated and will actively lead the project.
 Illustrate how the applicant’s experience, knowledge, and expertise will make a unique contribution.
 Clearly define the change that the projects aim to achieve or inspire among the participants andstakeholders.
5. Awards(1) The maximum award per project is $10,000. Additional funding may be provided, but only whennecessary to accommodate requests expressly made by the Sylff Association secretariat.
(2) An SLI award may be used to cover the following expenses:
International travel, domestic transportation, accommodations, honoraria for experts,* meeting room/hall
rental, refreshments served at meetings, acquisition of resource materials, printing and copying ofdocuments, consumables, supplies, communication costs, etc.
It may NOT be used for the following: Personnel costs for outsourced logistics, record-keeping, event planning, and/or other project-relatedservices
 Purchases of property or other assets
 Other items as determined by the secretariat
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(3) Awards may be combined with other funds or financial resources.
* The award covers honoraria only to those whose expertise is vital to the success of the project. If you are
uncertain whether a person qualifies, please consult the Sylff Association secretariat.
6. Others(1) SLI awardees will be requested to share the outcome of their projects with the Sylff Association in avariety of formats, including articles on the Sylff website.
(2) Members of the Sylff Association (secretariat staff and Sylff fellows not associated with the project) may
visit and observe awarded projects.
(3) All application documents and communication must be written in English.

***Inquiries and applications should be directed to:

Sylff Association Secretariat
Attn: Sylff Leadership Initiatives Coordinator
Email: sylff[a]tkfd.or.jp (replace [a] with @).
The Sylff Association secretariat will accept inquiries related to this program via email ONLY.

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