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HKEX Foundation has set up the HKEX Impact Funding Scheme (the Scheme) to support recognised Social Enterprises (SEs). The Scheme, in partnership with The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), aims to support SEs which have a clear social mission, revenue model, and a proven track record, to develop impactful and sustainable projects based on four focus areas: Financial Literacy, Diversity and Inclusion, Poverty Relief and Environmental Sustainability, serving a wide spectrum of people in need in our community and addressing various social and environmental challenges.

Application Details

Date of Application

The Scheme will accept online application from 3 July to 1 August 2024 at 5 p.m. 

Eligibility

Social Enterprises (SEs) that are:

  • Listed on the Social Enterprise Directory (SED) managed by the HKCSS; or
  • Accredited under the Social Enterprise Endorsement (SEE) Mark administered by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Social Enterprises (HKGCSE); or
  • Previously or currently supported by the government’s SE funding schemes, such as

The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund (SIE Fund);  

Enhancing Self-Reliance Through District Partnership Programme (ESR); and

Enhancing Employment of People with Disabilities through Small Enterprise Project (3E)

Funding Amount

The funding amount for each proposed project should range from HKD800,000 to HKD2,000,000.

Duration of Each Project

The duration of each proposed project should be 12 or 24 months.

(Starting from 1 December 2024 and to be completed on 30 November 2025 or 30 November 2026. Each project will have a 1-month preparation period before project launch)

Vetting Criteria

Vetting Criteria

Weighting

Relevance with the Scheme’s focus areas

    • Aligns with the HKEX Foundation’s focus area(s)

10%

Problem identification, need assessment and social and/or environmental impact

    • Good understanding on the root cause of the identified problem(s), need(s) of the target beneficiaries and the community/ environment
    • Competitor analysis and service gap / market niche to fill
    • Project’s ability to address identified social need(s) with clear intervention model and measurable output(s), outcome(s) and impact

20%

Business model, financial sustainability and cost effectiveness

    • A strong business model to ensure project’s long-term financial viability, including its ability to generate stable revenue streams and secure funding sources
    • Project’s potential for scalability, diversification, or revenue diversification
    • Team’s financial management capabilities, such as their ability to control costs and financial risk management
    • Cost effectiveness of the project
    • Provision of existing/ planned partnership, especially from corporate sector, potentially scale up the project and amplify the impact

20%

Team capability, leadership and partnership

    • Social Enterprise’s founder/ senior management/ team’s vision, attribute and commitment
    • Team’s overall experience in executing similar projects, or relevant track record and performance
    • The team’s all-rounded capabilities on project planning and execution.
    • Team’s capacity to adapt to changing project requirements, market conditions, or technological advancements

20%

Project content and planning

    • Project’s scalability or replicability, which can amplify its impact
    • Effective operational model and feasible work plan, make the best use of resources and time
    • Team’s approach to identifying and mitigating potential risks, dependencies, and interdependencies within the project

15%

Innovativeness

    • Project is distinctive, and able to drive social and/or technological innovations and development
    • Competitive advantages with similar projects/interventions
    • Maturity/ Readiness of the proposed innovative idea

15%

Rating scheme

 

Score

Description

0

Very poor

1

Unsatisfactory

1.5

2

Inadequate

2.5

3

Fair

3.5

Satisfactory

4

Good

4.5

Excellent

5

Exceptional

 

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.

 

FAQ

Please click HERE for FAQ.

 

Enquiries

The Hong Kong Council of Social Service

Email: [email protected]

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