Deadline: 21-May-2026
The Child Development Fund (CDF) 2026–27 supports projects that enhance the long-term development of underprivileged children while fostering savings habits and financial literacy. Projects integrate targeted savings, personal development plans (PDPs), and mentorship, involving families, schools, NGOs, and government partners to reduce inter-generational poverty.
The programme encourages life skills, character building, and positive values, providing children with tools to plan, save, and achieve personal goals with structured guidance over three years.
Programme Focus
CDF projects aim to:
- Promote targeted savings combined with government matching contributions
- Guide children in creating and implementing Personal Development Plans (PDPs)
- Provide structured mentorship involving parents, guardians, and volunteer mentors
- Enhance character development, life skills, and financial literacy
- Reduce inter-generational poverty by fostering early positive habits
Project Structure
- Duration: Three years per project
- Implementation partners: Families, schools, NGOs, private sector, and government
- Target group: Primary 3 to Primary 6 students (ages 8–11)
- Enhanced features 2026–27:
- Early disbursement of savings (13th month) to support PDP execution
- Strengthened mentor and parent training programs
- Requirement for mentees to maintain active participation and satisfactory attendance for government matching funds
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
- Public sector schools and Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools
- NGOs without other public funding for the proposed project
- Joint applications allowed with up to two partner schools or NGOs; one organization serves as lead applicant
Funding and Scale
- Total CDF budget 2026–27: HK$1.26 billion
- Projects previously benefitted over 30,000 underprivileged children across ten project cycles
- Funding supports savings, PDP execution, mentorship programs, and capacity building
Key Benefits
- Early intervention for financial literacy and life skills
- Structured support through mentorship and parental involvement
- Opportunities for children to plan, save, and achieve personal goals
- Strengthens partnerships between schools, NGOs, and communities
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility as a public/DSS school or NGO
- Submit project proposal detailing target group, PDP structure, mentorship plan, and expected outcomes
- Designate a lead applicant if applying jointly
- Follow CDF guidance for budget, matching funds, and project management
- Monitor participation and attendance to qualify for government incentives
FAQs
1. Who can apply?
Public sector schools, DSS schools, and NGOs without other public funding.
2. What is the project duration?
Three years per funded project.
3. Which children are targeted?
Primary 3 to Primary 6 students.
4. How does the savings component work?
Children save regularly, with government matching contributions to support PDP execution.
5. Can multiple organisations collaborate?
Yes, up to two partner schools or NGOs, with one lead applicant.
6. Are parents and mentors involved?
Yes, they provide guidance, monitor progress, and participate in training programs.
Final Takeaway
The CDF 2026–27 provides a structured, collaborative approach to empowering underprivileged children through savings, personal development, and mentorship. It offers schools and NGOs the opportunity to improve children’s financial literacy, life skills, and long-term outcomes, creating a lasting impact on communities and breaking cycles of poverty.
For more information, visit Social Welfare Department.