NGOs can obtain a dollar-for-dollar grant of up to HK$2 million from a government fund to launch social service projects, doubling the amount previously allowed. The Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged (PFD), has HK$200 million available for welfare groups to implement projects for the needy. The fund, set up in 2005 after the policy address, started its latest request for applications yesterday. It allows welfare groups to submit a maximum of 10 proposals, each of which may be allocated a fund of up to HK$2 million. depending on the amount of any matching grant contributed from businesses. 'We encourage the business sector and NGOs to work together to help disadvantaged groups in the community,' deputy director of social welfare (services) Fung Pak-yan said, after announcing fund details. He said the department welcomed creative projects that could benefit underprivileged groups such as low income families, victims of domestic violence and ex-offenders. For the third round of applications, launched in October last year, every organisation could hand in three proposals and each would be granted a maximum HK$1 million. The fund has allocated HK$29.5 million for 70 NGOs to implement 97 projects to help 380,000 people in need, the department said. Among these beneficiaries was Caritas Hong Kong.
