The Community Investment & Inclusion Fund Committee has approved over $12 million for 14 projects selected from the second batch of applications.

Three more projects from the first batch have also been awarded funding. During its initial year of operation, the committee allocated over $23 million to 29 projects.

Committee's chairman Dr Raymond Wu said the fund aims to mobilise community resources and collaboration. The seed funding provides the added incentive to implement new and sustainable ideas.

The second batch of applicants ranged from established non-government organisations, grassroots women's networks, relatively small residents groups, schools, and parent-teacher associations.

Community integration, empowerment and capacity-building are the themes of several selected projects. There are also some projects offering help to ethnic minorities and low-income families.

The fund will be open for a third batch of applications from September 1 to November 15.

Application forms and general advice are available from the Health Welfare & Food Bureau, District Offices of the Social Welfare Department and the Home Affairs Department.

Applicants will be invited to the fund's inaugural sharing forum to be held on October 9. Further briefings for prospective applicants will be organised later in October.