Japanese Award (MIDP) 2026: $125,000 Grant for NGOs Driving Innovation in Peace and Human Security

The 2026 edition of the MIDP Awards presents a powerful opportunity for non-profit organizations to secure funding and scale impactful solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. With a strong focus on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for Peace and Human Security, this global call invites NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to submit transformative projects that are already in the implementation phase and demonstrate high potential for impact.

This prestigious award program is designed to uplift initiatives that directly serve marginalized and disadvantaged communities in developing nations, especially those recognized as low- and middle-income countries by the World Bank.

About the MIDP Awards 2026

The MIDP Awards recognize and support projects that demonstrate innovation, scalability, and measurable impact. The program prioritizes solutions that improve service delivery and address real-world challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

Key Focus Areas

Projects submitted under this call should:

1. Address urgent needs of underserved communities
   • Improve livelihoods
   • Deliver rapid and tangible results
2. Promote sustainable development
   • Enable scalability and long-term impact
   • Strengthen systems and infrastructure
3. Leverage innovation
   • Use science, technology, and creative approaches
   • Introduce new models or improve existing systems

Funding and Award Structure

A total of US$125,000 in grants will be awarded to the most outstanding projects:

• Two First Prize Winners
  • Each receives US$50,000
• Second Prize Winner
  • Receives US$25,000

Additional Benefits

Beyond funding, awardees will receive:

• Dedicated Technical Advisor
  • Guidance throughout the entire implementation period
• Global Recognition
  • Visibility among international development stakeholders
• Opportunity for Scale-Up
  • Pathway to larger funding mechanisms

Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) Award

Top-performing projects from the MIDP Awards will have an opportunity to compete for the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) Award.

What Makes JSDF Unique?

• Targets community-driven development initiatives
• Focuses on:
  • Poverty reduction
  • Improved access to services and infrastructure
  • Increased productivity

Funding Opportunity

• Eligible projects may receive up to US$200,000
• Selection occurs after at least 12 months of successful MIDP grant implementation
• Projects are assessed for replicability and large-scale impact

Connector Grant: Expanding Global Collaboration

Introduced in 2022, the Connector Grant is designed to foster international collaboration and evidence-based scaling.

Purpose of the Connector Grant

• Support partnerships between:
  • Research institutions (ORD grantees)
  • MIDP and JSDF award recipients
• Strengthen:
  • Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
  • Impact measurement systems

Key Outcomes

• Enhanced project credibility through research-backed insights
• Improved scalability through collaborative frameworks
• Stronger global development networks

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Non-profit NGOs
• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

Project Requirements

Eligible projects must:

• Already be in the implementation phase
• Demonstrate high potential for impact
• Target marginalized and vulnerable populations
• Be located in developing countries

What Makes a Winning Proposal?

Projects that stand out typically:

• Offer innovative and practical solutions
• Show clear evidence of impact
• Address real community needs
• Have strong potential for scaling up
• Include measurable outcomes and sustainability plans

Application Resources

Applicants are encouraged to review all supporting materials before submission. Click to open the supporting resources for your review.

They include:

• MIDP Project Call and Guidelines
• Application Template
• Indicators Template
• FAQs
• Documents required for shortlisted applications
• Call for MIDP Reviewers

These resources provide detailed insights into:

• Eligibility criteria
• Review process
• Selection methodology
• Application procedures

For more information about this opportunity, click HERE

Deadline

The deadline for submission of applications is:

June 17, 2026 (6:00 PM IST)

Late submissions will not be considered, so applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare and submit their proposals well in advance.

Grievance and Support

For any concerns regarding the implementation of the program or its outcomes, applicants may reach out via:

• Email: awards@gdn.int
• Copy: fobino@gdn.int

Additional guidance is available through the official GDN website.

Why You Should Apply

This is more than just a funding opportunity—it is a chance to:

• Transform lives in underserved communities
• Scale impactful innovations globally
• Collaborate with international experts
• Gain recognition and long-term support

If your organization is already driving change and looking to expand its reach, the MIDP Awards 2026 could be the catalyst you need.

Discover more Grant opportunities on OFY HERE