Hokkaido Aid Fund

Main results of Nitori social contribution activities

• ・Indonesia Sumatran-Andaman Earthquake Relief fund　200 million yen
• ・Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake Relief fund　100 million yen
• ・Great Sichuan China Earthquake Relief fund 100 million yen (also implemented other activities such as fund-raising efforts at Nitori stores)
• ・Scholarships for international students in Asia Annual 　60 million yen
• ・Contribution to the NPO Japan Alliance for Humanitarian Demining Support (JAHDS)
• ・Donations of schoolbook satchels to foster homes and mother and child life support facilities throughout Japan

Etc.

Fiscal 2008 Nitori 100 million yen Hokkaido Aid Fund activity groups (listed in order of Japanese syllabary)

The period for receipt of “Applications for the Fiscal 2009 Hokkaido Aid Fund” has ended.

1 Activity implementation standards

Activities must be to actively address issues faced by Hokkaido (environmental problems, declining birthrate, etc.), and be extended into and developed in the next generation

2 Summary of activities

Provides subsidies to cover the necessary expenditures for implementation of planned activities in the following sectors in fiscal 2009.

1. Environment:Afforestation for local greening such as planting of cherry and maple trees and natural environment protection activities
   ※For afforestation, only sapling costs are eligible for subsidies. Flowering plants are also excluded.
2. Education:Activities related to training of human resources in activities such as art, culture and literature
3. Tourism:Activities that contribute to tourism in Hokkaido
4. Welfare:Protection and support services intended for senior citizens, socially vulnerable individuals, youth and similar persons in Hokkaido

3 Person eligible for subsidies

Groups and individuals whose activities are based in Hokkaido, and which are or will carry out their activities in Hokkaido.
(Recipients can also be volunteer groups that are not organized according to a format such as NPO or public service corporation. However, they must be able to exercise proper accounting controls.)

Note: The Fund cannot accept applications from municipalities (except for afforestation) or from groups or individuals that are based on specific political or social thought, religions or other creeds. Your understanding is appreciated.

4 Eligible period for subsidized activities

From April 1, 2009 to February 20, 2010

• ・Sponsorship of events such as excursions, hands-on learning activities, concerts, exhibitions and tree-planting festivities
• ・Implementation of seminars, symposia, etc.
• ・Costs for management of distinct local organizations and facilities, creation of PR materials, and repair and improvement of local resources
• ・Publication, editing and translation
• ・Social contribution activities

Etc.

5 Eligible area for activities

Limited to Hokkaido.

6 Amount and number of subsidies provided

The Fund provides subsidy amounts, based on an examination and according to set standards, from a total fund of 100 million yen.

• ・Afforestation: Sapling fees and the cost of supporting posts only are eligible for subsidy; other amounts are not eligible.
• ・Education, tourism and welfare: Group management expenses such as personnel costs, costs to purchase parts for equipment unrelated to the group’s activities etc. are not eligible for subsidies.

7 Examination procedure

1. Nitori establishes a Selection Committee at Nitori Co., Ltd.
2. The Selection Committee is composed of specialists, advisors and other individuals in each sector.
3. The secretariat makes a preliminary examination of the applications submitted, and forwards the applications that should be considered to the Selection Committee.
   When an application lack required items or there are uncertain points, an interview is conducted by telephone.
4. Applications are discussed by the Selection Committee based on the application materials, interview and other information. Approval and the subsidy amount are decided for each candidate.

8 Confirmation of implementation of activities eligible for subsidies and verification of the use of subsidy funds

Nitori will confirm whether the activities eligible for subsidy are being implemented appropriately by means such as on-site investigations.
In addition, after activities have been completed, Nitori requests the groups or individuals that received subsidies to submit a report on the results of the subsidized activities, together with photographs of the activities, plus receipts and other materials that will enable Nitori to verify how the subsidy funds were used.
Amounts corresponding to expenses for which expenditures cannot be certified will be subtracted from the total activity expense amount.

Nitori will investigate whether the activities eligible for subsidy have been performed in accordance with the application through on-the-spot inspection, the submission of the activity report and an accounting audit after the activities have been completed.

9 Future schedule (tentative)

The above schedule may vary somewhat depending on the number of applicants or other factors. Your understanding is appreciated.