### a. Cooperation with NGO Projects

Japan cooperates in a variety of ways to enable NGOs to implement aid activities smoothly. For example, in FY2010, 46 organizations utilized Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects, which provides funds to grassroots-level socio-economic development projects by NGOs, to implement 78 projects, including the construction of schools, assistance for disabled persons, vocational training, and improvement of maternal and child health. In addition, as of November 2011, 35 NGOs participate in the Japan Platform, an emergency humanitarian aid organization established in 2000 through a partnership among NGOs, the government, and the business community. The Japan Platform utilizes ODA funds as well as donations from private sector and individuals that have been contributed in advance to promptly distribute emergency supplies and medical assistance when a major disaster occurs. In FY2010, a total of ¥3.07 billion was disbursed for 74 projects in nine countries, including the one following earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, assistance for victims of flooding in Pakistan, and humanitarian assistance in southern Sudan, northern Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

In some cases, JICA’s technical cooperation projects are outsourced to private sectors including NGOs, putting to use the expertise and experience of NGOs, universities, and a variety of other organizations. Further, as part of its ODA activities, JICA conducts “JICA Partnership Program (JPP)” to outsource projects that have been proposed by NGOs, universities, and local governments bodies that directly contribute to the improvement of the lives of local residents in developing countries. In FY2010 JPP has provided funds for 211 projects in 48 countries.

Utilizing Grant Aid for Japanese NGO's Projects to train agricultural engineers in the Gaza Strip in Palestine (Photo: NPO Campaign for the Children of Palestine)

### b. Establishing Better Environment for NGO Activities

Further measures to support NGO activities include projects for establishing better environments for NGOs. For example, under the “NGO Consultant Scheme,” staff of Japanese NGOs who have experience and a favorable record of performance are commissioned by MOFA to address inquiries from the public and NGO stakeholders regarding NGO activities in international cooperation, or the management of NGO and development education. NGO consultants also provide site services at international cooperation events and conduct classes and seminars on the subject of international cooperation, and otherwise provide opportunities for many people to deepen their understanding of NGOs and international cooperation activities. Further, measures are taken to support NGOs in strengthening their organizations and capabilities, through hosting of “NGO study group” that serve as workshops.

### c. Dialogue and Partnership with NGOs

Since 1996, MOFA has held the NGO-MOFA Regular Meetings to promote a stronger partnership and encourage dialogue between NGO and MOfA. NGO and MOfA are and symposiums on such themes as fair trade and partnership between companies and NGOs.

JICA also provides a variety of training for NGO staff. For example, JICA conducts (i) training for NGO organizational strengthening through human resource development, (ii) method training in project management that utilizes project cycle management (PCM) to enable personnel to acquire project planning, proposal, and evaluation skills in developing countries, (iii) dispatching of advisors to strengthen NGO organizations with the aim of enhancing the ability of NGOs to engage in public relations and fundraising domestically, and (iv) dispatching of advisors to strengthen overseas NGO projects that provide expert guidance for the effective implementation of projects overseas.

exchanging opinions regarding ODA policies and funding assistance for NGOs such as Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects. Since 2002, the NGO-Embassy Meeting