Community organizations and schools planning to carry out projects in promoting equal opportunities may apply for the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC)'s Community Participation Funding Programme, starting today (28 June 2004) until 31 July 2004. In this second batch of its funding programme, the EOC will continue to promote better understanding of the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance (FSDO). The funding programme aims to encourage community initiatives in undertaking projects to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of family status, sex, marital status, pregnancy and disability. As the FSDO is the latest of Hong Kong's three anti-discrimination ordinances, preference will be given to related applications.


Under the FSDO, "family status" means the status of having responsibility for the care of an "immediate family member", who is a person related by blood, marriage, adoption or affinity. Discrimination against someone on the ground of family status in certain areas such as employment, education, and provision of goods, facilities and services is unlawful. Projects promoting equal opportunities for persons with family status, and those with sustaining effects, will be accorded higher priority in 2004/05. Funding applications to the EOC should clearly explain how the planned activities would promote equal opportunities, and/or foster anti-discriminatory attitudes and behaviours. The maximum funding limit of each project is $30,000.


Since 1996, a total of 380 projects have been funded to promote public awareness of equal opportunities, through a variety of community programmes.


Interested organizations can contact the EOC Office on telephone 2511 8211, or on fax 2877 7600 to obtain details of the programme and funding application forms, or visit our website at http://www.eoc.org.hk/CE/more/funding/funding_b.htm


Enquiry: Ms. Shana Wong 21062218