HKEX Foundation has set up the HKEX Impact Funding Scheme (the Scheme) to support local recognised Social Enterprises (SEs). The Scheme, in partnership with The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), aims to support SEs to develop innovative, vital and scalable solutions based on four focus areas: Financial Literacy, Social Empowerment, Talent Development 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 30 April to 28 May 2025 at 5 p.m.
Eligibility
Social Enterprises (SEs) that have a clear social mission, revenue model, and a proven track record and
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
SEs with Tree Mark; 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)
Focus Area
Environmental Sustainability
Raise awareness about climate change and sustainability, including but not limited to environmental education programmes for all ages
Promote and facilitate the conservation of natural habitats and biodiversity
Support initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints and strengthening community resilience to the effects of climate change
Any other project ideas that enhance environmental sustainability
Social Empowerment
Support and help different vulnerable groups of all ages to become self-sustainable and alleviated from poverty
Improve physical and mental wellness of disadvantaged and minority groups
Address tangible and developmental needs of the underprivileged in an effective and sustainable manner
Foster equality across different gender, ethnicity, abilities, socioeconomic status and other minority groups
Enhance the inclusiveness of mainstream society and services, in perspective of diversity
Any other project ideas that enhance social empowerment
Financial Literacy
Promote financial literacy for all ages, in particular for the disadvantaged
Provide education programmes on financial management such as scam prevention and retirement planning for vulnerable groups·
Safeguard individual’s right to access basic financial services and financial literacy education
Facilitate all ages to familiarise with FinTech and other advanced financial tools
Any other project ideas that enhance financial literacy
Talent Development
Foster an inclusive talent culture in education, workplace and the community
Equip different under-resourced groups with knowledge, skills, competence, values and attitudes needed to develop them as a future talent
Upskill or reskill individuals in need to engage with the future markets and drive economic growth
Develop future talents for sustainability related industries to create positive social & environmental impact
Any other project ideas that enhance talent development
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 November 2025 and to be completed on 31 October 2026 or 31 October 2027. Each project will have a 1-month preparation period before project launch)
Vetting Criteria
Relevance with the Scheme’s focus areas (10%)
Aligns with the HKEX Foundation’s focus area(s)
Problem identification, need assessment and social and/or environmental impact (20%)
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
Business model, financial sustainability and cost effectiveness (20%)
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
Team capability, leadership and partnership (20%)
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
Project content and planning (15%)
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
Innovativeness (15%)
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
HKEX Foundation was established in June 2020 to deepen our connectivity and long-standing commitment to addressing the social and environmental challenges faced by our communities. We create a positive and enduring impact in our community by collaborating with local charities and supporting various projects. HKEX Foundation is a recognised charitable entity under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance.
