Since 2003, the Mizuho USA Foundation has had one mission: to strengthen and sustain our surrounding communities.
Program Grants and Guidelines
We support innovative programs in New York City focused on:
- Affordable housing, including funding to facilitate access to and increase the supply of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. While we do not make grants for building rehabilitation or construction, we do consider programs supporting affordable housing development and preservation, homeownership, and sustainable development. We also fund programs that help prevent or end homelessness.
- Workforce development including programs that strengthen and promote the workforce development field through technical assistance and training for nonprofits, and programs that help low- and moderate-income individuals develop the skills essential to self-sufficiency with an emphasis on job preparedness and entry programs, employment retention, career advancement and financial capability.
- Economic development, including programs that foster economic and commercial revitalization through small business development, entrepreneurship, and job creation and retention initiatives.
- College and Career Readiness, including programs that prepare underserved students to gain admission and successfully transition from high school to higher education through academic and life skills support, and/or work experience.
See 2019 Grant List.
How to apply
To apply for a grant, your organization must:
- Be recognized as tax-exempt under IRC Section 501 (c)(3) and classified as a public charity under Section 509(a)(1) or Section 509(a)(2) and NOT a supporting organization under Section 509(a)(3)
- Present a proposal that satisfies the Mizuho USA Foundation guidelines
- Not discriminate based on age, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief
- Comply with US anti-terrorism laws and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act and Executive Order 13224, pertaining to US-based nonprofits acting outside the US
We look for:
- New program initiatives with broad impact
- Education and training programs that foster community development
- Efficacy, distinctiveness and the potential to be replicated
- Potential for self-sufficiency or support from other sources in the future
- Efficient use of funds and resources
- Opportunities for Mizuho Americas employees to get involved
We don’t fund:
- General operating support
- Individuals
- Religious, sectarian, fraternal, veteran, athletic or labor groups
- Organizations or programs outside the US
- Political causes, candidates, campaigns or lobbying programs
- Fundraising events (e.g., charitable dinners, sporting events)
- Advertising
- Endowment or capital campaigns
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, this year the Mizuho USA Foundation is focusing its grantmaking on supporting its current and former grantees through a competitive RFP process. Our goal in 2020 is to support selected grantees focused on the recovery of New York City’s small businesses and employment, who are implementing innovative and measureable responses to the economic impact of COVID-19 in underserved communities.
The deadline for applications was August 31, 2020. Grant decisions will be announced in November.
Please return to the Foundation’s website in 2Q2021 for information about submitting grant applications in 2021.
We remain committed as always to supporting our grantees who serve some of the most vulnerable members of the New York City community.
Contact information:
Mizuho USA Foundation, Inc.
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020-1104
+1 212 282 4192
mizuho.usa.foundation@mizuhogroup.com
Employee-Engagement Grants
Our employees in the US can decide where they want to make an impact and request grants for nonprofits in education, arts and culture, health, environment and community development through our:
- Community Involvement Grants Program: small grants to nonprofits with which Mizuho offices volunteer
- Matching Gifts Program: a 1-to-1 match for qualifying contributions made by eligible employees to qualifying nonprofits
Foundation Leadership
Mizuho USA Foundation Board of Directors
Martin G. Mand
Jill M. Considine
Teiji Teramoto, Chairman and CEO, Mizuho Americas; Chairman, Mizuho Bank (USA)
Hiroyuki Kasama, President and CEO, Mizuho Bank (USA)
Koichi Zaiki, Managing Director, Americas Department, Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
Mizuho USA Foundation Officers
Martin G. Mand, Chairman
Hiroyuki Kasama, President
Koichi Zaiki, Secretary
Paul Dankers, Treasurer
Lesley H. Palmer, Executive Director
Leah Markham, Program Officer
Albert Scarola, Assistant Treasurer