The Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) 13 more high returns and value-added community investment initiatives **************************************************** The Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) announced on 17.9.2008 that the CIIF had just approved a further 13 projects during the 13th batch of application involving funding of $18 Million. To date, the CIIF has invested in almost 190 social capital building projects with a total funding of over $180 Million allocated. . The nature of these 13 new initiatives varies. They range from neighbourhood building in Tin Shui Wai, youth development in new communities such as Tung Chung, and fostering relationships between the old and young through care and play. Some good practice models derived from various CIIF projects will be applied to building up new communities such as Ching Ho Estates in the North district as well as reviving older communities such as Kwai Chung. In meeting up with the approved project teams, Mr. Yeung Ka Sing, Chairman of the CIIF Committee, noted that he was very gratified that “ projects funded by the CIIF over the last six years have generated many encouraging results. With the latest round of exciting projects coming on stream, engaging new partners and developing more flagship project in targeted districts, we are confident they will magnify the impact of social capital building. This will facilitate mainstreaming social capital concepts and good practices to regular welfare services.” Prof Leung Cho-bun, Chairman of the CIIF Assessment and Evaluation Sub-committee, was very encouraged to note that one third of the approved projects are embarking on second phase developments, attempting further breakthroughs in social capital building strategies and practices. Project teams who were pioneers in social capital development are now aiming to scale up the community impacts of their new initiatives. . Please refer to the appendix for approved projects list. The latest information is also available at the CIIF website < http://www.ciif.gov.hk. >. The CIIF is now inviting the next batch of applications with a closing date of 30 November 2008. A new initiative to be invited as part of the new batch will be announced at two workshops to be held in October. Details will be posted on the CIIF website shortly Media Enquiries: CIIF Secretariat Mrs Grace Ng, Project Management Officer (Tel: 2136 2700) Ms Elsie Tsang, Deputy Project Management Officer (Tel: 2509 0642)