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Start Your Grant Application

Please confirm that you have read and understood the selection criteria for the OSC grant application.  The self-assessment phase. Before you begin, you must download and complete our official Grant Proposal Form. Your online application details must precisely match this document for a successful submission.

Download Official Grant Proposal Form
Start Application

Application Guidelines

Submission
Eligibility
Funding Focus Area
Funding Amount
Project Period
Selection Process Timeline
Selection Criteria
Info Session and Impact Showcase
Important Reminder
Useful Links

Each year, SCMP Charities conducts an open call for funding applications to select worthy beneficiaries for OSC’s citywide fundraising campaign. Hong Kong-based non-profit charitable organisations are invited to apply, with priority given to supporting charities operating without much funding support from the government or other large patrons. From 1 June – 13 July 2026, Operation Santa Claus opens a new round of funding proposals to select beneficiaries for this year’s citywide fundraising campaign. Details as follow:

Submission

Please submit your proposal by filling in an online application (available from 1 June 2026 onwards). Further instructions will be provided throughout the application system.

Application Closed
Eligibility
To better identify and align with OSC’s mission to support smaller charities, an organisation will be eligible to apply if it
  • Is a non-profit charitable organisation registered in Hong Kong and exempt from tax under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance.
  • Has a current Certificate of Incorporation.
  • Does not receive Social Welfare Department major subvention allocation
  • Does not exceed in the previous financial year annual expenditure of HK$15 million.
  • To encourage collaboration, applications requesting HK$600,000 or above are highly recommended to include at least two organisations working together. The other organisation(s) can be a charity, social enterprise or private company.
Funding Focus Area
*Elimination criteria:  
  • For the sole benefit of animals
  • Religious activities
  • Political lobbying
Funding Amount

The maximum funding amount is HK$1 million per project. The funding will be distributed in instalments.

Project Period

The funded project must commence on 1 April 2027. Project period ranges from 1 year to 3 years, half-yearly projects are also accepted (i.e. 1.5 years, 2.5 years).

Selection Process Timeline
1 Jun 2026
Funding application opens
13 Jul 2026 noon
Funding application deadline
14 Jul - Aug 2026
Review & vetting by OSC
*For Shortlisted Applicants Only
Early Aug 2026
Shortlisted applicants receives email notification
Mid Aug 2026
In-person presentation to OSC Selection Committee
End Aug 2026
Due diligence by HKCSS
*For Final Selected Applicants Only
End Jan 2027
Confirmation and Announcement
Apr 2027

Signing of grant acceptance “Terms & Conditions” & 1st instalment funds disbursement

Apr 2027 onwards
Project implementation, reporting and media interview
Selection Criteria 
The proposals will be evaluated by the Selection Committee using the following criteria:
  • Mission Alignment: Directly serve people with demonstrated needs in Hong Kong as identified in the funding focus areas
  • Measurable Impact: Ability to prove delivery of positive output, outcome and impact to the beneficiaries via evidence-based evaluation methods
  • Innovative pilot: Demonstrates creativity with unique solutions or fresh methodologies to address identified needs, with priority given to pilot projects
  • Long-term Sustainability: Demonstrates capacity and clear plan to sustain its service and expand its impact after the initial funding ends
  • Organizational Capability and Financial Viability: Proven capability and capacity to effectively deliver project deliverables through transparent governance, accountability, and financial prudence with a reasonable and scalable budget.
Info Session and Impact Showcase 
The OSC team and past beneficiaries will be sharing first-hand insights into funding requirements and valuable application tips.
NGOs interested in applying are welcome to join us: 
  • Date: 2 June 2026
  • Time: 4PM-5:30PM
  • Format: Online
Application Closed
Important Reminder
  • Project proposals should be written in English unless specified.
  • The proposal in application for OSC funding must not overlap with any existing grants. If the project is co-sponsored by other parties, please state the funding source(s) clearly and indicate the proposed usage of OSC funding in your proposal.
  • Any project which is not chosen for final presentation is regarded as not being shortlisted.

Connect with Us

Get the latest news and updates of Operation Santa Claus.

For Enquiries:

Please contact us on (852) 2680 8159 or email osc@scmp.com

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Operation Santa Claus (OSC), a homegrown flagship annual fundraising drive jointly established by SCMP and RTHK in 1988, has grown from modest beginnings to become one of Hong Kong’s most recognised charity initiatives. It connects thousands of partners, fostering philanthropy, with its legacy continued by SCMP Charities Limited, a tax exempted charitable institute under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (File No.: 91/7320).

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