Publicity and Education Projects Funding Scheme (Hong Kong)

The Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) Committee is accepting applications for the 2026/27 Publicity and Education Projects Funding Scheme to support initiatives that promote environmental protection, conservation, sustainable development, and green lifestyle practices in Hong Kong.

The programme supports projects focused on environmental education, public awareness, behavioural change, and community participation across themes such as waste reduction, biodiversity, carbon neutrality, clean air, and clean shorelines.

Overview of the Programme

The Environment and Conservation Fund was established by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to provide financial support for environmental education, research, conservation activities, and practical environmental projects.

The Publicity and Education Projects Funding Scheme primarily supports programmes that:

• Increase public environmental awareness
• Encourage sustainable lifestyles
• Promote direct community participation
• Support environmental education
• Introduce innovative environmental approaches
• Encourage environmentally responsible practices

The programme focuses on measurable environmental outcomes through education and public engagement.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Promote environmental awareness
• Encourage positive behavioural change
• Increase community participation
• Support sustainable living practices
• Strengthen environmental education
• Promote nature conservation
• Encourage innovative environmental solutions

2026/27 Project Themes and Funding Allocation

Waste Reduction at Source and Waste Recycling Projects

• Funding allocation: HK$15 million
• Supports:
  • Waste reduction campaigns
  • Recycling education
  • Community waste management initiatives
  • Circular economy awareness activities

Biodiversity Projects

• Funding allocation: HK$19 million
• Supports:
  • Species conservation awareness
  • Ecological education programmes
  • Biodiversity initiatives
  • Habitat protection activities

Carbon Neutrality and Low Carbon Living Projects

• Funding allocation: HK$10 million
• Supports:
  • Carbon reduction campaigns
  • Sustainable lifestyle education
  • Energy conservation awareness
  • Climate action initiatives

Clean Shorelines Projects

• Supports:
  • Coastal conservation awareness
  • Community clean-up initiatives
  • Marine environmental education

Clean Air Projects

• Supports:
  • Air quality awareness programmes
  • Pollution reduction initiatives
  • Public education activities

Other Theme Projects

This category supports projects involving:

• Water quality
• Noise reduction
• Greening initiatives
• Energy conservation
• Nature conservation
• Related environmental issues

Funding Information

Annual funding allocations include:

• Biodiversity Projects: HK$19 million
• Waste Reduction and Recycling Projects: HK$15 million
• Carbon Neutrality and Low Carbon Living Projects: HK$10 million
• Additional allocations available for other environmental themes

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include local nonprofit organizations in Hong Kong.

Eligible Organizations

Applicants may include:

• Community groups
• Environmental organizations
• Educational institutions
• Kindergartens
• Primary schools
• Secondary schools
• Other nonprofit organizations

Applicants must demonstrate legal registration and nonprofit status.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants may be required to submit:

• Registration certificates
• Organizational documents
• Proof of nonprofit status
• Other supporting eligibility documentation

Project Requirements

Projects should:

• Focus mainly on education and publicity activities
• Demonstrate measurable environmental impact
• Encourage behavioural change
• Promote community participation
• Adopt environmentally responsible implementation methods

Examples of environmentally responsible implementation include:

• Reducing waste generation
• Minimizing material consumption
• Reducing energy use

Project Duration

• General projects: Maximum 2 years
• First-time applicants: Normally 1 year or less
• Longer durations may require special justification and approval

National Security Compliance Requirements

Applicants are required to confirm compliance with conditions related to:

• National security provisions
• Public safety requirements
• Programme conditions and obligations

Why This Programme Matters

Environmental challenges continue to create long-term impacts through:

• Pollution
• Climate change
• Waste generation
• Biodiversity loss
• Unsustainable consumption patterns

The programme helps:

• Increase environmental literacy
• Encourage sustainable practices
• Strengthen community engagement
• Promote conservation
• Support long-term environmental improvement

How to Apply

Step 1: Select one project theme

• Applicants may select only one theme for each proposal.

Step 2: Develop a project proposal

Include:

• Project objectives
• Target audience
• Planned activities
• Expected outcomes
• Sustainability measures

Step 3: Define measurable indicators

Examples:

• Number of participants engaged
• Behavioural changes achieved
• Environmental impact indicators
• Awareness outcomes

Step 4: Prepare supporting documentation

Collect:

• Registration documents
• Eligibility proof
• Supporting organizational materials

Step 5: Submit the application

Submit the completed proposal and required documents according to programme guidelines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Selecting multiple themes in one proposal
• Failing to provide measurable outcomes
• Missing supporting documents
• Weak behavioural impact plans
• Ignoring environmentally responsible implementation practices

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly align with the selected theme
• Demonstrate measurable impact
• Include innovative elements
• Show community involvement
• Present realistic implementation plans
• Explain long-term sustainability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the ECF Publicity and Education Projects Funding Scheme?

It is a programme supporting environmental education and awareness initiatives in Hong Kong.

2. Which theme receives the highest funding allocation?

Biodiversity Projects receive the highest allocation with HK$19 million.

3. Who can apply?

Community groups, environmental organizations, educational institutions, schools, and nonprofit organizations.

4. Can one proposal include multiple themes?

No. Each proposal may only select one project theme.

5. What is the standard project duration?

Projects generally should not exceed 2 years.

6. Are first-time applicants subject to different requirements?

Yes. First-time applicants are normally limited to projects lasting up to 1 year.

7. Are measurable outcomes required?

Yes. Projects must demonstrate tangible and measurable environmental impacts.

Conclusion

The Environment and Conservation Fund Publicity and Education Projects Funding Scheme supports community-based initiatives that encourage environmental awareness and sustainable behaviour in Hong Kong. Through education, public participation, and innovative approaches, the programme aims to create measurable environmental benefits and strengthen long-term sustainability efforts.