【Press release on 31 March 2022】HKCSS, in partnership with HKEX Foundation again in setting up the HKEX Impact Funding Scheme (the Scheme). With a grant of extra HK$10 million, the Scheme supports social enterprises (SEs) to implement community projects with the mission of solving social and environmental issues. The Scheme accepts applications from eligible SEs starting from today.
The Scheme focuses on the four focus areas of the Foundation, i.e. Financial Literacy, Diversity and Inclusion, Poverty Relief and Environmental Sustainability, and with the overall aim to support SEs to undertake new practices and ideas, or enhance their current practices in order to serve and support more targeted groups, and also solve the social problems and environmental challenges.
HKEX Group Chief Communications Officer and HKEX Foundation Company Secretary, Tori Cowley said: “HKEX Foundation is delighted to making this funding available to Hong Kong’s innovative and progressive social enterprises. We are excited about hearing from organisations that have impactful projects that we can support as part of our ongoing commitment to the long-term health of our community. As a purpose-led organisation, we are focused on helping to bring about meaningful and positive change so that society, our community, our customers and our markets can thrive. ”
Ms. Jessica Tam, Head of HKCSS Social Enterprise Business Centre, thanked the Foundation for its support to the SEs as well as its recognition to their impact in the community. She said, “From the HKCSS annually compiled SE Directory, it is known that the number of local SEs continues growing, and the scope of service areas they have involved in are also diversified, which shows more and more social entrepreneurs are providing various solutions to social and environmental problems. Even under the pandemic, many SEs still make good use of the spirit of social innovation and their own flexible nature in order to make efforts in promoting the well-being of the society. I believe that with the support of the HKEX Foundation, SEs will be able to further respond to the needs of the community.”
The Scheme is opening for application from today to 30 April 2022. More details can be found at hkcss.org.hk.
About HKEX Foundation
HKEX Foundation was established in June 2020 to deepen HKEX’s connectivity and long-standing commitment to addressing the social and environmental challenges faced by our communities. It is a recognised charitable entity under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. HKEX Foundation supports those in need through partnerships with local charities and funding projects across four focus areas: Financial Literacy, Diversity and Inclusion, Poverty Relief, and Environmental Sustainability.
About The Hong Kong Council of Social Service
The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) is a federation of non-governmental social service agencies in Hong Kong. The Council represents more than 500 Agency Members, providing more than 90% of social welfare services in Hong Kong. HKCSS is committed to building a social service sector that is highly accountable, efficient, effective and responsive to social needs, upholding the long-term sustainable development of society and the well-being of all citizens.