Apply now for Design Trust Seed and Feature Grants (Hong Kong)

Deadline: 20-Oct-2026

The Design Trust offers Seed and Feature Grants to support creative research, development, and public programmes that benefit Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The grants support a broad range of creative and research initiatives, including research projects, exhibitions, publications, books, films, documentaries, television projects, and public programmes. Projects should demonstrate meaningful impact on Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area while contributing to knowledge regionally and internationally.

About the Design Trust Seed and Feature Grants

The Seed and Feature Grants are designed to support creative research and development as well as initiatives that contribute to the public realm. The programme encourages projects that can generate knowledge and have a broad impact across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Both research-focused and public-facing projects can be considered. Supplementary public programmes alongside publication or media projects may strengthen an application. What Activities Can the Grants Support? Funding can support a wide range of creative, research, and public-facing activities.

Eligible project types include:

- Creative research and development. - Books published in English. - Bilingual English and Chinese books. - Feature films. - Television projects. - Documentaries. - Public programmes. - Exhibitions. - Publications. - Other initiatives that benefit the public realm. Projects should demonstrate significant impact on Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Seed Grants Seed Grants support projects that can be completed within 12 months. They are intended to provide support for creative research, development, and related initiatives at an earlier stage. Applicants should demonstrate the project’s relevance to Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area and explain how the proposed activities can contribute to knowledge or benefit the public. Feature Grants Feature Grants support larger or more developed projects that require a longer period for completion. Feature Grant projects must be completed within 24 months. Projects may involve research, publications, media production, exhibitions, or public programmes, provided they demonstrate significant impact on Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. How Much Funding Is Available? Design Trust may provide full or partial funding of the amount requested. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, meaning the amount awarded may depend on the project and the assessment of the application. Applicants should therefore provide a clear and well-supported budget explaining the funding required for the proposed activities. Eligible Costs Designer fees and academic remuneration are eligible costs under the programme. However, travel and living expenses are not covered by the grants and should be sourced from elsewhere. Applicants should ensure that their proposed budgets distinguish eligible project costs from expenses that must be supported through other sources. Project Impact Projects should demonstrate significant impact on Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The programme encourages initiatives that can enrich knowledge both regionally and internationally while contributing to the public realm. Applicants should clearly explain the project’s potential benefits and broader impact. Public Programmes Public engagement is an important consideration for supported projects. Supplementary public programmes alongside publication or media projects may increase the likelihood of success. Such activities can help extend the reach of a project and create opportunities for the public to engage with its research or creative outcomes. Project Duration The programme has different completion periods depending on the grant type.

- Seed Grants: Projects must be completed within 12 months.

- Feature Grants: Projects must be completed within 24 months.

Applicants should ensure that their proposed timeline is realistic and allows the project to be completed within the relevant period. Mid-Term Review and Interim Presentation Projects valued at more than HKD 100,000 or projects of longer duration require additional monitoring. For these projects, a mid-term review and interim presentation are required. Applicants should therefore plan for this review and presentation as part of the overall project schedule. Completion Reports A completion report must be submitted within two months of project completion. Applicants should allow sufficient time to prepare and submit the required report following the conclusion of the funded project. Application Frequency Applicants may apply for the grants up to two times per calendar year. The programme also places limits on the number of grants that can be received by an individual or collective. Applicants should consider these limits when planning multiple applications during the year. Application Review and Notification Applications are reviewed twice a year. All applicants are notified of the outcome within approximately 8 to 10 weeks. Applicants should therefore expect the assessment process to take several weeks after submission. Funding Agreement and Installments Successful applicants must sign an agreement with Design Trust before funding is released. The first installment of funding will be provided within 30 business days of signing the agreement. Subsequent installments are released following successful review or submission of the required completion reports, as applicable. Key Facts About Design Trust Seed and Feature Grants

- Funder: Design Trust

- Grant types: Seed Grants and Feature Grants

- Geographic impact: Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area

- Focus: Creative research, development, and public programmes

- Supported activities: Research, exhibitions, publications, books, films, television, documentaries, and public programmes

- Book languages: English or bilingual English and Chinese

- Funding approach: Full or partial funding of the requested amount

- Funding decisions: