JAPAN
FUNDRAISING
ASSOCIATION

We foster an ecosystem for diverse capital for
impact to further drive social change.

Japan Fundraising Association

About us, Who we are, What we do

Building International Partnerships
for Social Change The Japan Fundraising Association is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen the culture of philanthropy and fundraising in Japan. In recent years, we have been expanding collaborations with international foundations and funders, serving as a hub that connects global resources with local efforts to tackle social challenges. Through initiatives such as the Certified Fundraiser Program, the Fundraising Japan (FRJ) Conference, and philanthropy education for youth, we empower changemakers and promote innovative giving across sectors.

Message from
Masa Uo,
President & CEO

The Japan Fundraising Association(JFRA) is a unique platform that connects social innovation experiences in Japan and around the world to promote the evolution of bringing more private capital to solve social issues.

JFRA offers three values. First, it has Japan's leading network for human resource development and experience sharing that supports practitioners of NPOs and social businesses from the perspectives of fundraising and impact management.

Second, it serves as a hub that provides a one-stop system for innovating the flow of private capital across a wide range of areas, including fundraising, impact management, donations, and impact investing.

Third, it acts as an incubator for initiatives aimed at fostering diverse ecosystems, such as legacy giving, high-net-worth individual philanthropy, impact management, and impact philanthropy.

We will maximize collective impact through ecosystem building for mobilizing grant and investment to solve social issues by leveraging our close ties with global networks such as GSG Impact, AVPN, CSES in South Korea, and the US-Japan Foundation, as well as through our annual conference, which is one of the largest in the social sector in Japan, and our collaboration with over 2,500 corporate and individual members.

Today’s Japan faces a huge financial deficit and many social challenges including decreasing birth rate, aging population and social isolation. We find ourselves in the position of an “advanced” country in terms of seriousness and degree of social problems which other countries will one day face. It means that if we find solutions to these pressing issues in an innovative way, we may help other countries solve similar problems in the future.

We would like to serve as a bridge connecting Japan and the world to accelerate social innovation. Let's work together to create collective impact and make a great difference in the world.

Message from
Masa Uo,
President & CEO

jfra — Masataka (Masa) Uo
President＆CEO
The Japan Fundraising
Association

Japan’s Leading
Platform of
Philanthropy and
Social Investment

We are a leading platform to incubate and develop ecosystems to advance philanthropy and social investment.

AVPN Partnership

JFRA is working to build an ecosystem to move diverse capital toward impact in Japan and Asia, as the representative market partner of AVPN (formerly Asian Venture Philanthropy Network) in Japan.

JFRA’s Unique Contribution

Catalyzing Social Impact: JFRA’s Role in Building a Giving and
Impact-based Ecosystem At JFRA, we catalyze social impact by fostering a culture of giving, sustainable finance, and cross-sector collaboration. As a central hub for social finance and innovation in Japan, we bridge philanthropy, fundraising, and impact investing to build an ecosystem where purpose-driven initiatives can thrive. Our work empowers changemakers through education, blended finance practices, and strategic partnerships—laying the foundation for a more inclusive and impact-oriented society.

A Hybrid Hub for Social
Finance

As a central hub of social finance, JFRA bridges fundraising, philanthropy, and impact investing. We foster learning, collaboration, and innovation—practicing blended finance initiatives in-house.

An Incubator for Social
Innovation

JFRA plays a key role in launching and supporting transformative initiatives. We have co-founded the Local Giving Association, promoted dormant deposit utilization, supported the establishment of the Global Steering Group (GSG) in Japan, and helped launch SIMI (Social Impact Management Initiative).

Host of Asia's Largest
Fundraising Conference

JFRA organizes the largest fundraising conference in Asia, “Fundraising Japan Conference (FRJ)”, bringing together fundraising professionals, thought leaders, and changemakers from across the region to explore the future of social impact and philanthropy.

Leveraging Global
Capital for
Local Impact

We are dedicated to fostering an ecosystem that mobilizes diverse capital for impact, fostering a dynamic capital flow to drive social change with international partners.

Outcome-based Funding for IMM

Outcome-based Funding
for IMM

In collaboration with the Center for Social Value Enhancement Studies (CSES), the corporate foundation of SK Group Korea, we operate the "Outcomes-based Funding for IMM", a funding program based on outcomes, designed for social enterprises working to address social issues.

Single Parent Empowerment Program

In partnership with a major global credit card brand, we strive to drive systemic change by addressing structural challenges in housing assistance, mental health care, and employment support for single mothers and women facing unexpected pregnancies through multiple programs.

"HERstory" Career Partner
Program

"HERstory" Career Partner Program

In partnership with a major global financial institution, we support nonprofits advancing employment and career opportunities for women facing challenges. By strengthening these organizations, we aim to create a society where more women can achieve their career aspirations.

Values in Action:
Education for
Giving, Investing,
and Living Well

Since 2010, we have provided a variety of educational programs, from hands-on philanthropy programs for children to programs for adults exploring the relationship between money choices—donation, investment, and spending—and well-being.

Learning by
Giving

“Learning by Giving” is a hands-on educational program where children learn about philanthropy and social contribution by researching social issues, evaluating nonprofit organizations, and making real donation decisions.

Classroom for
Giving

"Classroom for Giving" is an experiential learning program in 200+ schools, helping children explore social issues, the joy of giving based on their values, and the challenges of collective decision-making through lectures and workshops.

from Me

"from Me" is a card game that simulates how different uses of money—donating, investing, consuming, and saving—impact well-being. Used in schools, corporate training, and community events, it has engaged over 6,550 participants since February 2023.

The People Driving
Global Impact
Connecting Giving
Across Borders

Within the Japan Fundraising Association, a group of dedicated members is actively engaged in international collaboration. Through partnerships, knowledge exchange, and cross-border initiatives, they are helping to expand a culture of giving and social investment beyond Japan.
Each of these members brings a unique global perspective and plays a key role in building bridges between Japan and the world. Together, they are shaping a more connected, innovative, and inclusive fundraising ecosystem.