Business · Companies · 3 hrs ago
Trust Bank and READYFOR Join to Help Universities Raise and Invest Donations
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank and fundraising company READYFOR have formed a partnership to support universities in Japan.
They plan to help universities raise donations and manage the money as endowment funds.
These funds invest donations over the long term, with investment gains used for education and research.
Japanese universities are looking to donations as government funding declines and the population of young people shrinks.
Some universities have started or expanded endowments, but many still find it hard to attract donations.
READYFOR will help plan fundraising and approach major donors, while the bank will support asset management and investment.
The companies will offer universities services tailored to their needs, from fundraising through investment.
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank and crowdfunding operator READYFOR announced a partnership to help universities raise donations and manage endowment funds.
The partnership aims to provide support from fundraising through investment, tailored to each university’s needs.
READYFOR will help develop donation strategies and secure major gifts, while the bank brings expertise in asset management and university fundraising.
The companies plan to offer their services to universities of different sizes and in different regions.
- Who
- Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank and READYFOR, a crowdfunding operator.
- What
- They announced a partnership to support universities with donation fundraising and endowment management.
- When
- October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Japan.
- Why
- To combine their expertise and offer universities support from fundraising through investment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank set up a team at its head office dedicated to school corporations.
READYFOR began offering fundraising services beyond one-off crowdfunding campaigns.
The University of Tokyo’s investment assets, including endowments, were worth about ¥70 billion at the end of the month.
Kansai University began accepting donations for its endowment, the Kansai Mirai Fund.
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank and READYFOR announced their partnership.
- Partnership
- Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank and READYFOR
- Announcement
- October 13, 2026
- University of Tokyo assets
- About ¥70 billion at the end of April 2026, including endowments
- Kansai Mirai Fund target
- At least ¥15 billion by fiscal 2036
- Bank’s school-sector assets under management
- About twice fiscal 2019 levels recently
Sources
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