Community Investment and Inclusion Fund invites applications ************************************************************ The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong, announced today (August 21) the formal launch of the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF) for application by the public. The $300 million Fund was introduced as a new initiative by the Chief Executive in the 2001 Policy Address. Speaking at a press conference to launch the Fund, Dr Yeoh said: "The Chief Executive has been very concerned about the social development of Hong Kong as a whole, as well as the well-being of individuals, especially the socially-marginalized. "We also see the need to invigorate and revitalize the society with a view to enhancing community participation, encouraging mutual help and support, thereby strengthening community network to support individuals and enhance social solidarity. The Fund, which aims to encourage mutual concern and aid among people and to promote community participation in district and cross-sectoral activities, is a concrete step to pursue the cause. It seeks to promote joint efforts between the community, the private sector and the Government. Our hope is that such efforts will result in the building up of social capital and encouraging the development of mutual help and community participation. The ultimate goal is to build a more compassionate, cohesive and vital society. "The community's motivation and dedication to help each other is essential. I urge the people of Hong Kong to take action now, to make use of the Fund to support your innovative ideas that could bring the community closer together and build a more compassionate and supportive society," Dr Yeoh said. The Fund will support community-initiated projects proposed by community groups, non-governmental organisations and the private sector, that seek to promote its broad objectives. It is open to proposals from different sectors and of different nature. Both territory-wide and local projects will be considered. The period of funding sought for a project should be for no longer than three years. The closing date of the first batch of applications is October 4, 2002. Applications to the Fund will be assessed by the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Committee. The Committee, set up in April 2002, is mainly responsible for handling applications including to examine and approve applications, and to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of funded projects. It is chaired by Dr Raymond Wu and is composed of a majority of non-official members as well as three ex-officio members. Information regarding applications to the Fund is available at the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau homepage (www.hwfb.gov.hk/ciif/index.htm). Printed copies of the CIIF Application Guide and Form are available for distribution at the following venues. A small number of tapes on the Guide for those with sight-barriers are also obtainable from the CIIF Secretariat. - CIIF Secretariat, Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, Room 2125, 21/F, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central; - Home Affairs Department (headquarters and District Offices); - Social Welfare Department (headquarters and District Social Welfare Offices); and - Hong Kong Council of Social Service. Five briefings will be organised in different districts for interested parties, to enhance their understanding on the objectives and scope of the Fund, as well as the application procedures. Detailed arrangements of the briefings are available in the aforesaid homepage. For enrollment to the briefings and enquiries on the Fund, please call the CIIF Secretariat. Wednesday, August 21, 2002