Community Investment and Inclusion Fund

Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Briefing / Consultation Session 26 February 2002

Background • Announcement in the 2001 Policy Address • Suggestion from the Welfare Sector • “Community Care Fund”

Background • Social Capital • refers to the institutions, relationships, and norms that shape the quality and quantity of a society’s social interactions (World Bank definition); • help build a stronger community and enhancing social cohesion, for the development of a community of shared values, shared challenges and equal opportunities based on trust, hope and reciprocity among all its members.

Objectives of the Fund • To promote community participation and social inclusion, and enhance the community support network • To encourage and facilitate cross-sectoral co-operation

Objectives of the Fund The Fund will achieve its objectives through supporting projects which: • mobilize community resources to promote self-help and mutual-help in the community; • promote the integration and inclusion of social groups in the community, particularly those who are disadvantaged; and • encourage volunteerism and enhance the role and quality of the already substantial volunteer efforts which exist today.

Proposed Eligibility Criteria

Nature of Projects to be Supported • Community-initiated bottom-up projects which seek to promote the broad objectives of the Fund • Applications from functional groups and those with a territory-wide application will also be considered • Not intend to support one-off consumption activities (such as banquets, picnics and trips)

Eligible Applicants • Welfare organisations (subvented and non-subvented) and community groups • Individuals or government departments are not eligible • Joint applications are permissible

Eligible Applicants (Cont.) • Organisations should normally be registered. • For those who are not registered, preference will be given to those who are affiliated to a registered organisation or who possess a proven track record in organising public activities.

Application Requirements • details of organisation ; • objectives of the proposed project; • target groups; • details of the project (including operational plan, budget and timeframe); • intended outcomes;

Application Requirements (Cont.) • any proposed additional monitoring and evaluation mechanism; • financial and staffing plan; • the possible future of the projects, with a focus on their sustainability; • contribution (in terms of volunteer time and/or money from third parties); and • other components.

Assistance for Applicants • Health and Welfare Bureau (the Secretariat) • Home Affairs Department (including its District Offices) • Social Welfare Department (including its District Social Welfare Offices) • Hong Kong Council of Social Service • Non-governmental Organisations

Proposed Initial Priorities Projects that: • carry a welfare element and focus on assisting vulnerable groups; • target at the grassroots/neighbourhood level; • encourage community participation and building; • are innovative or pilot new services; • possess a longer-term social investment rather than short-term consumption focus;

Proposed Initial Priorities (Cont.) • exhibit prospects for longer-term sustainability which may produce lasting benefits for the community; • are in receipt of support from or in collaboration with the private sector etc.; and • are from organisations which have yet to be supported by CIIF.

Funding • Initial Capital: $300 Million

Funding (Cont.) Funding for individual project: • One-off capital funding or • time-limited recurrent funding or • a combination of both

Funding (Cont.) Level of funding per project: • No ceiling • Minimum: $20,000

Funding (Cont.) • We will consider supporting the staff costs and honorarium payments, where appropriate, for projects on a time-limited basis. • Any profit should be re-invested back into the project.

Funding (Cont.) • Projects will only be supported for a maximum of three years. • No quota on the number of projects to be supported, nor the level of allocation per annum.

Funding Approval • A dedicated committee will be set up to examine and approve applications under the Fund.

Fund Committee (Cont.) Proposed Terms of Reference • To advise the Secretary for Health and Welfare the most appropriate and effective means to facilitate the development of social capital in Hong Kong.

Fund Committee (Cont.) Proposed Terms of Reference (Cont.) • To handle applications for funding from the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund, including to examine and approve applications, to decide on the level of funding for each successful application, and to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of funded projects.

Fund Committee (Cont.) Proposed Terms of Reference (Cont.) • To advise the Secretary for Health and Welfare on all matters related to the administration of the Fund.

Fund Committee (Cont.) Composition • Chairperson: non-official • Non-official members: They will form the majority of the Committee, and will be from a wide variety of sectors, including welfare, education, business, academic, grassroots, and others as appropriate. • Ex-officio members: representatives from relevant bureaux and departments. • Secretariat: Health and Welfare Bureau

Monitoring and Evaluation • Half-yearly reports on the progress of all funded projects (including financial progress report) • Separate final evaluative report at the end of the project (including financial progress report) • Projects in receipt of funds in excess of a certain amount ($250,000) will be required to submit annual audited accounts

Monitoring and Evaluation (Cont.) • Visits to projects by both members of the Committee and staff of the Secretariat • External assessors • Annual Forum to review progress of the Fund to discuss a sampling of projects and to share best practices

Thank You

Community Investment and Inclusion Fund