HSBC HONG KONG COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME 2020

“Support Hong Kong!” with Doubled Funding to HK$36 Million  

 Providing Prompt Assistance to Disadvantaged Groups to Combat COVID-19

The HSBC Hong Kong Community Partnership Programme (HSBC Hong Kong CPP) today unveiled its new direction in 2020 with the theme of “Support Hong Kong!”. Continuing its mission of building a cohesive and harmonious community, the Programme this year aims to offer prompt assistance to disadvantaged groups impacted by COVID-19 in Hong Kong by leveraging on local non-governmental organisations’ (NGOs) expertise and understanding of the most urgent needs of the community. HSBC Hong Kong CPP will double its funding to HK$36 million to assist these NGOs in developing inspirational projects to help target communities sustain themselves through the economic and social turbulence while acquiring the skills needed in future.                                                      

This year, HSBC Hong Kong CPP 2020 will support up to 100 projects across all 18 districts and the individual project funding ceiling has been increased by 40% to HK$700,000. 

Mr. Peter Wong, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, said, “For 155 years, HSBC and Hong Kong have stood together, supporting each other through good times and bad. As Hong Kong battles the economic and social fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak, we are reaching out to our communities to assist those most in need. Hong Kong is strong and resilient, and with the help of institutions like HSBC, we can not only get through this, but emerge stronger and more successful than ever.”

Under the dire environment today, HSBC Hong Kong CPP 2020 is committed to driving initiatives that can provide sustained services in response to the pressing needs of disadvantaged communities, including vulnerable individuals, care-givers and low-income families, and to inspiring district-based community initiatives to enhance social inclusiveness. In the long run, the Programme aims to help different target groups develop both hard and soft skills in order to enhance their long-term employability, as well as to foster mental wellness. It also aims to enhance cross-sector collaboration to address the social needs of local districts and help NGOs in Hong Kong build capacity, while fostering overall well-being and improving quality of life in our society.    

Mr. Chua Hoi Wai, Chief Executive, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, said, “With the proven achievements of HSBC Hong Kong CPP over the past few years, Hong Kong has indeed been equipped with exciting new talents and improved social capital. Social service organisations have established an extended network, connecting all stakeholders to unleash potential talent in building a more vibrant and harmonious society. Amidst the current challenging times, these charities and community groups are in fact on the front line and have a more comprehensive understanding of the needs and conditions of the different sectors affected. We believe HSBC Hong Kong CPP 2020 can provide concrete and immediate relief to these social service bodies, so that they can offer prompt assistance to disadvantaged groups during these difficult times. When the epidemic is alleviated, the Programme will continue to promote partnerships between different stakeholders and create synergy to speed up recovery for those most in need.”  

HSBC Hong Kong CPP 2020 is now open for applications until 6 May 2020. Charitable organisations exempt from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap112) for at least 3 years are eligible to apply via the HSBC Hong Kong CPP official website: www.communitypartnership.org.hk. Results will be announced in end-June 2020.

This year, HSBC Hong Kong CPP 2020 will continue its key initiatives on developing future skills and enhancing social harmony by organising the SMART Community Hackathon, CPP in Schools and the HSBC Hong Kong Community Festival to feature the achievements of district partnerships. 

To find out more about the “HSBC Hong Kong Community Partnership Programme”, please visit: www.communitypartnership.org.hk.

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Notes to editors:

HSBC Hong Kong Community Partnership Programme

Since its launch in 2012, the HSBC Hong Kong Community Partnership Programme (CPP) has been supported by the Home Affairs Department, the Social Welfare Department and The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS). HKCSS has been appointed by HSBC to administer the applications and monitor the grant projects. The CPP aims to inspire district-based community initiatives to foster a more inclusive society. Also, it encourages cross-sector collaboration to address the social needs of local districts and help charities and community organisations in Hong Kong build capacity. The CPP has supported more than 1,100 projects benefiting 4.3 million people since its launch.

The Hong Kong Council of Social Service

The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) is a federation of non-governmental social service agencies of Hong Kong. The Council represents more than 480 Agency Members, providing quality social welfare services through their 3,000 operating units 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.