Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution (FESCO, formerly known as the Nippon Kenshokai Foundation) is a private incorporated body established in 1971. Its activities are funded by investment profits from a base fund of 2,050,000,000 yen, as well as donations from other foundations.

In September 2010, FESCO changed its name to "Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution" to work as a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation under authorization from the Japanese Cabinet Office's Public Interest Corporation Commission.

Its main activity is to publicize and make known the good works of those who have contributed to society. This is done to award them for their pains and efforts and largely unrecognized contributions to society, as well as to promote community service movements and the development of society as a whole.

Fields awarded now include emergency life saving, transportation and traffic safety, promotion of social welfare, education of young people, development of local societies, international cooperation, protection of the environment and conservation of the safety of the sea, etc.

Awards are given every year. Candidates are widely nominated from the general population. There are no limitations or conditions regarding age, job, sex, religion, residence, etc., for selection of candidates.

The persons of learning and experience serving on the Award Selection Committee select awardees after examining the services and contributions made by nominated candidates . The final 50 award recipients are determined after the Board of Directors of the Foundation approves the report of the Award Selection Committee.

The award ceremony is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with co-support from the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications.

Main awardees are given five hundred thousand yen donated by The Nippon Foundation Prize, together with some token for the memory of the honor. Also, a book summarizing their achievements is prepared and distributed to libraries, etc., of all prefectures of Japan.