Call for Applications: 2025 Small Grants Scheme for Creative and Inter-Asian Research Projects: (Deadline 31 May, 2025)

Introduction

The Foundation’s Small Grants Scheme has been established to support creative scholarship and independent projects with a strong inter-disciplinary and inter-Asian approach. It is particularly aimed at fostering a global community of scholars and practitioners who challenge conventional thinking and pursue innovative knowledge production and dissemination methods. Unlike traditional funding agencies, this Scheme offers critical support to unconventional and creative research endeavors. In 2024, 16 awards were successfully granted across two rounds.

About the Opportunity

For the 2025 cycle, the Small Grants Scheme will offer:

– Number of Awards: 12 awards (additional awards may be granted based on proposal quality and available funding).
– Grant Amount: Up to HK$75,000 per award.
– Project Focus: Creative, inter-disciplinary, and inter-regional research with a focus on the broadly defined region of Asia.
– Project Duration: Projects are typically yearlong.

Eligibility

The Foundation welcomes applications from:

– Post-graduate students.
– Early-career scholars.
– Independent practitioners with unconventional career trajectories.

Eligible projects must:

– Engage in creative and inter-disciplinary research.
– Have a significant inter-Asian or regional Asia component.
– Align with the Foundation’s mission to innovate and challenge traditional scholarship.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents to [email protected] by the stated deadline:

– Short CV (maximum 2 pages):
– Include current affiliation(s) and contact details.
– Project Proposal (maximum 2 pages, including budget):
– Outline the project’s objectives, significance, and methodology.
– Explain alignment with the Foundation’s goals.
– Specify project start and end dates.
– Provide a total project budget and detailed cost breakdown.
– Indicate the amount requested (up to HK$75,000) and mention any other funding sources if applicable.
– Note: The Foundation does not cover expenses related to staff time, training, or loss of earnings.
– Names and Contact Information of Two Referees:
– Provide names, affiliations, and email addresses.
– Referees do not need to submit letters; the Foundation will contact them directly if necessary.

Application Deadline

– Deadline for Applications: Saturday, 31 May 2025.

All applications must be submitted via email to [email protected].

Assessment and Announcement

– Applications will be reviewed by a sub-committee of the Foundation’s Advisory Board.
– Recommendations will be made to the Foundation’s directors.
– Successful applicants will be notified by early September 2025.

Grant Disbursement, Reporting, and Deliverables

– Initial Disbursement: 50% of the grant will be released upon acceptance.
– Midway Progress Report: A brief (maximum 5 pages) report is required midway through the project. Upon approval, the remaining 50% of the grant will be disbursed.
– Final Report:
– A final report (maximum 5 pages) and a one-page expenses report with receipts must be submitted within three months after project completion.
– Reports and receipts will be reviewed for assessment and accounting purposes.

Enquiries

For procedural questions, please contact Ms. Joan Cheng at [email protected]