Martin Li

    martin.mouse@163.com

    FUTIAN District has established a fund to subsidize nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with an annual government input of 20 million yuan (US$3.17 million).

    The fund will mainly be used to subsidize the nonprofitable projects of NGOs in Futian in fields including providing basic public services, improving the public good and providing residential community services, as well innovative projects such as improving social management.

    The district government plans to start accepting subsidy applications Aug. 25 in the first stage, during which subsidies will total 10 million yuan. All NGOs registered with the civil affairs bureau can apply for subsidies. The second stage is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of this year.

    A project will receive a subsidy of 1 million yuan at most. In addition, the district will award between 10,000 and 50,000 yuan to selected outstanding NGOs, projects and individuals each year.

    An independent team of no less than 25 experts will be tasked to review projects submitted by NGOs. The team will also conduct regular evaluation of fund use and performance of projects.

    “The fund is aimed at boosting development of NGOs and guiding them to pay attention to Futian and the well being of its residents. In addition, the fund is expected to get social resources involved in public service and social management, including enterprises, professionals, social workers and volunteers,” said Miao Ningli, director of the district’s social work commission.

    The fund is part of the district’s efforts to improve its governance in regard to social issues facing its residents. Among the other efforts is the opening of a base for NGO headquarters in May.

    The base covers an area of about 3,500 square meters and mainly provides NGOs services like project planning and evaluation, human resource service, annual check guidance and financial management.

    The base has served more than 200 NGOs, according to official statistics.

    The NGOs in the base have been involved in ten government-sponsored projects.

    The base is home to headquarters of NGOs like Shenzhen One Foundation and Shenzhen Charity Federation Duck Gaga Fund.

    The One Foundation has a focus on disaster relief, children’s welfare and philanthropy development. The duck fund pays attention to environment protection and youth growth.