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The following is issued on behalf of the Secretariat of the Beat Drugs Fund Association:
Organisations and individuals may, from tomorrow (November 1) until December 29, apply for grants from the Beat Drugs Fund to carry out anti-drug projects.
The Fund aims to promote worthwhile projects that can contribute to the fight against drug abuse in Hong Kong, and enlist community support for this effort.
For the 2007/08 funding exercise, proposals that are in line with the Fourth Three-year Plan on Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Services in Hong Kong (2006-2008), and projects which encourage occasional or experimental drug abusers to come forward for treatment will be given priority consideration.
On the research front, longitudinal studies on psychotropic substance abusers will be given priority consideration. Partnerships between tertiary institutions and non-government organisations through joint drug-related research projects are also encouraged.
Priority consideration will also be given to drug education projects targeting children or parents, and those that help curb cross-boundary substance abuse.
Grants disbursed by the fund will normally not exceed $3 million. The funding period will normally not exceed two years, except for projects that are regarded as exceptionally innovative, in which case the maximum grant can go up to $5 million and funding duration can last up to three years.
Application forms and guides to the funding exercise are now available on the website of the Narcotics Division, Security Bureau (www.nd.gov.hk/beat.htm). They can also be collected at the Secretariat of the Beat Drugs Fund Association (30/F, High Block) and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre (Roof Floor, Low Block) at Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway; all Public Enquiry Service Centres of the Home Affairs Department; and the District Social Welfare Offices of the Social Welfare Department.
Enquiries are welcome by phone at 2867 2737 or 2867 2286; by fax at 2810 1790; or via email to sbeon4@sb.gov.hk.
The Beat Drugs Fund was set up by the Government in 1996 with a capital base of $350 million to subsidise worthwhile community projects in the fight against drugs.
So far, 307 projects have been supported by the Beat Drugs Fund involving almost $143.53 million. Of the funds approved, about $39.06 million has been granted for 63 treatment and rehabilitation projects, $89.94 million for 224 preventive education and publicity projects, $4.06 million for eight research projects and $10.47 million for 12 mixed-type projects.
Ends/Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:00
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