Frequently Asked Questions
1. What grants are available?
Up to three grants of a maximum of 100,000 yen each will be awarded in 2026, depending on the number of strong applications that meet the requirements. Grant recipients will conduct their research during the 2027 Japanese academic school year (April 2027โMarch 2028).
2. Who can apply for the grants?
The grants are available for JALT members who do not already have access to institutional assistance or research grant funding from their place(s) of employment. The grants are specifically designed for part-time teachers working at any level from kindergarten to tertiary, as well as teachers working independently, for companies, or at language schools. Full-time teachers who do not have access to institutional research funding may also apply. Teachers doing graduate work on a part-time basis while working as teachers may apply. Grants are not available for full-time graduate students.
3. Are co-authored projects allowed?
Projects involving more than one researcher are welcome; however, the maximum grant amount is fixed at 100,000 yen regardless of the number of researchers involved. One principal researcher submits the application and is responsible for the project and grant funds. Up to two additional researchers may be included; requests involving more than two will be considered if there are special circumstances.
Grant recipients are required to submit four reports during the research year: three short quarterly reports and a longer final report. The quarterly reports focus on progress, any issues encountered, adjustments made, and plans for the next stage. The final report covers the same topics and also includes a section on initial findings. Reports are sent to the committee by the deadline dates shown in the schedule (Section 7).
4. Do grant recipients need to write reports about their research?
5. What support can grant recipients get from JALT?
If they wish, grant recipients have the opportunity to receive guidance and feedback from experienced teacher-researchers on the committee. Committee members can provide advice and support to help recipients develop and execute their projects successfully. However, applicants are expected to understand the methods of their study and be capable of carrying out all stages of the project independently.
6. What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on October 18, 2026. Applicants will be informed of the results in mid-November 2026. Grant recipients will also be announced at the JALT2026 conference and on the JALT website.
7. What is the schedule for completing the research?
The main research period runs from April 2027 through March 2028. The full schedule is shown below.
| Year | Date | Deadline / Activity |
| 2026 | July 1 โ Oct 18 | Application period |
| 2026 | Oct 19 โ Nov 8 | Vetting period and selection by grants committee |
| 2026 | Mid-November | Applicants and recipients informed of results |
| 2026 | Late November | Recipients announced at JALT2026 conference |
| 2026 | December | Grants paid out; finalization of research plan |
| 2027 | April 1 | Formal research period starts |
| 2027 | June 30 | Deadline for first quarterly report |
| 2027 | September 30 | Deadline for second quarterly report |
| 2027 | December 31 | Deadline for third quarterly report |
| 2028 | March 31 | Deadline for final report |
| 2028 | Fall | Presentation at JALT2028 conference |
8. When should grant recipients present their research?
Grant recipients are expected to give a presentation at the annual JALT national conference after their research is complete (i.e., Fall 2028 for 2026 grant recipients), or at another JALT-sponsored event. This gives recipients the opportunity to share their completed project with the JALT community. An unvetted presentation slot at the annual JALT conference is reserved for grant recipients. Please inform the committee chair of your presentation plans.
9. How do I apply?
- Download the application form by clicking the link below.
- Complete all sections and, if possible, have an experienced researcher review your proposal before submitting.
- Save the file as Family.Given.Application.JRG2026 and send it as an email attachment to: researchgrants@jalt.org
- Deadline: 11:59 pm, October 18, 2026
10. Feedback & Inquiries
If you have suggestions for improving these guidelines or any questions about the grants, please contact us at researchgrants@jalt.org.
Thank you for your interest.
JALT Research Grants Committee
