Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction

What is the JFPR?

Japan established the JFPR in May 2000 to provide grants for projects supporting poverty reduction and related social development activities that can add value to projects financed by ADB. In 2010, the JFPR expanded its scope of grant assistance to provide technical assistance grants in addition to project grants.

What are the priorities?

Priority is placed on the poorest and most  vulnerable groups living in destitution in ADB developing member countries (DMCs), primarily on innovative programs designed or implemented by local communities or NGOs which contribute to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals especially in health and education,

What kind of activities are eligible for JFPR grants?

The grants are intended to focus on activities which

  • respond directly to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable groups through new and innovative methods;
  • support initiatives that lead to rapid, demonstrable benefits with positive prospects of developing into sustainable activities; or
  • build ownership, capacity, empowerment and participation of local communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other civil society groups to facilitate their involvement in projects financed by ADB.

Who is eligible to receive JFPR grants?

All ADB DMCs are eligible for JFPR grants.

Who supports the JFPR?

Japan supports this fund. As of 31 December 2010, the total JFPR funds made available totaled about $445.8 million. ADB had approved 137 grant projects ($352.9 million equivalent) and 30 technical assistance projects ($25.4 million equivalent).

Grants Approved in 2011

DMC/JFPR No. Title Grant($million) ADB Approval
Bangladesh
9153 Institutional Support for Migrant Workers' Remittance 2.00 18 January 2011
Bhutan
9155 Advancing Economic Opportunities of Women and Girls 1.95 4 February 2011
Cambodia
9156 Improving Market Access for the Poor in Central Cambodia 1.90 16 February 2011
Nepal
9157 Reducing Child Malnutrition through Social Protection 2.00 28 February 2011
9159 Support for Targeted and Sustainable Development Programs for Highly Marginalized Groups 2.70 30 March 2011
Regional
9158 Improving Gender-Inclusive Access to Clean and Renewable Energy in Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka 3.00 18 March 2011
9160 Developing Sustainable Alternative Livelihoods in Coastal Fishing Communities in the Coral Triangle: Indonesia and Philippines 2.00 2 November 11
Sri Lanka
9154 Improving Community-Based Rural Water Supply and Sanitation in Post-Conflict Areas of Jaffna and Kilinochchi 2.00 4 February 2011
 Total Approvals in 2011 17.55 8 Projects