FBL Overview

Main features

• Projects should be able to benefit the public at large or specific groups, and should be in line with government policies

• Projects should involve the innovative application of technologies

• Project themes include daily living, education, environment, health, safety, transport, etc. which can benefit the community

• Project deliverables can be in the form of mobile apps, products, devices, equipment, tools, services, software, or any other forms with valid justifications

• Project deliverables should be developed and rolled out within 12 months, and run for at least two consecutive years after roll-out (except for projects that are one-off in nature)

• An approved project will receive a grant up to 90% of the total eligible costs of the project or HK$5 million, whichever is the less

• Projects should not be profit-making during the funding period

• Projects should primarily be developed within Hong Kong

Eligibility for FBL

Eligible Applicants include:

• Non-governmental organisations receiving subvention from the Social Welfare Department

• Public bodies under Section 2 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201), except the Government Bureaux/Departments, the Executive Council and the Legislative Council

• Professional bodies

• Trade associations

• Social service organisations exempted from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112)

The above organisations should either be registered under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) or the former Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32); or statutory corporations established under any Ordinances in Hong Kong. Other organisations may also be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Assessment Mechanism and Criteria

Applications will be considered by the FBL Assessment Panel. The terms of reference and membership of the Assessment Panel are at here.

The Assessment Panel will assess each eligible application based on the following criteria:

• Benefits brought to the public or specific community group(s)

• Innovation and technology content

• Feasibility and sustainability

• Financial considerations

• Technical and management capability of the Applicant