Research and Development Projects (Hong Kong)

Deadline: 29-Sep-2026

The Research and Development Projects Funding Scheme provides grants to local non-profit-making organisations in Hong Kong for research and development projects that contribute to environmental protection and conservation. Supported through the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF), the scheme encourages community organisations, green groups, and educational institutions to develop innovative research and practical solutions to environmental challenges. The programme is particularly relevant to organisations seeking to undertake research and development activities that can contribute to environmental protection, conservation, and sustainable solutions in Hong Kong.

About the Research and Development Projects Funding Scheme

The Environment and Conservation Fund Research and Development Projects Funding Scheme supports local non-profit-making organisations undertaking research and development projects related to environmental protection. The scheme aims to encourage organisations and educational institutions to develop innovative approaches to environmental challenges. It provides an opportunity for eligible organisations to undertake research that can contribute to: - Environmental protection. - Environmental conservation. - Research and development. - Innovative environmental solutions. - Community-based environmental initiatives. Who Can Apply? The scheme is open to local non-profit-making organisations in Hong Kong.

Potential applicants include:

- Community bodies. - Green groups. - Educational institutions. - Kindergartens. - Primary schools. - Secondary schools. - Higher education institutions. - Other eligible local non-profit-making organisations. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their non-profit-making status through the required supporting documentation.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants must be local non-profit-making organisations in Hong Kong. Examples of eligible organisational status include: - Tax-exempt charities under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance. - Registered non-profit organisations. Applicants are required to submit supporting documentation to verify their organisational status. Organisations should ensure that the required evidence is available when preparing their application. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The scheme supports research and development projects related to environmental protection and conservation. Projects should aim to address environmental challenges through research, development, innovation, or the creation of practical solutions. Potential areas of work may involve environmental research and innovative approaches developed by: - Community organisations. - Green groups. - Schools. - Kindergartens. - Universities and other higher education institutions. - Other eligible non-profit organisations. Encouraging Innovation in Environmental Protection A key purpose of the scheme is to encourage organisations to develop innovative solutions and research initiatives addressing environmental challenges. This provides opportunities for community and educational organisations to participate in environmental research rather than limiting environmental innovation to specialised research institutions. Projects can therefore help connect research, education, community participation, and environmental protection. Support for Educational Institutions Educational institutions are specifically encouraged to participate in environmental research and development. Eligible educational applicants may include: - Kindergartens. - Primary schools. - Secondary schools. - Higher education institutions. The scheme can therefore provide an avenue for educational institutions to develop research and innovation projects that address environmental issues while involving students, educators, researchers, and the wider community where appropriate. Application and Vetting Process Applications under the scheme are subject to a vetting process by a subcommittee. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposals clearly explain the research and development project, its environmental relevance, and the intended contribution to environmental protection or conservation. The proposal should present the project in a clear and structured manner so that the vetting body can understand its objectives and proposed approach. Additional Presentation Requirement for Larger Projects Special consideration applies to projects with larger proposed budgets. If a project has a proposed budget exceeding HK$2,000,000, the principal investigator may be invited to present the proposal in person. Applicants seeking funding above this level should therefore be prepared to explain their project directly if requested during the vetting process. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their proposals by clearly demonstrating the environmental importance of their research and development project.

A strong proposal should clearly explain:

- The environmental challenge being addressed. - The purpose of the research and development project. - The proposed innovative solution or research approach. - How the project contributes to environmental protection or conservation. - The expected outcomes. - Why the applicant organisation is suitable to undertake the project. - How the proposed activities will address the identified environmental challenge. Projects with larger budgets should also be prepared for the possibility of an in-person presentation by the principal investigator. Why the Funding Scheme Matters Environmental challenges often require new research, technologies, approaches, and community-based solutions. The Research and Development Projects Funding Scheme provides an opportunity for Hong Kong’s non-profit sector and educational institutions to participate in this process. By supporting research and development, the scheme can help organisations explore innovative ways to address environmental challenges while strengthe