Philanthropy For Better Cities Forum 2024
“Delivering Impactful Philanthropy in the Real World”
The Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum 2024 (“the Forum”) convenes against the backdrop of an evolving philanthropic landscape. Over the past few years, we have seen a significant rise in the number and diversity of actors, including corporations, investment funds and governments, seeking to contribute to social impact. Among businesses, many make intentional efforts to align their goals with societal development, leading to significant positive impacts for their communities. In finance, impact investing has gained traction, with a 63% growth in private impact investing from 2019 to 2022. Within the philanthropic landscape, we are seeing new actors emerge as economies expand and new wealth is created – particularly in Asia.
With this evolving backdrop, philanthropy can play a crucial role in pushing the right levers to ensure we are delivering impact. Our longstanding challenge has always been to ensure that our charity and effort really translate into tangible and sustainable impact. Without strong strategies and a clear understanding of what success looks like, initiatives may fail to achieve their goals or even work against broader societal improvement. Hence, as a philanthropic community, what have we learned about the science of planning, management and measurement of impact that can be deployed for the benefit of all stakeholders?
The Forum will gather stakeholders from various sectors to align on a shared vision of positive impact, and explore how philanthropic organisations can define and ensure their impact through methodologies of management and measurement. The event will also explore the synergy between the capital markets and philanthropy, exchanging ideas and innovations between these sectors to create widespread impact.
The overarching theme of the Forum is “Delivering Impactful Philanthropy in the Real World”. Through keynotes and panel discussions from leaders in various sectors, along with interactive sessions such as innovation showcases, attendees will come away with thoughtful inspiration, real-world insights and cutting-edge innovations to help them better deliver impact in the real world.
Convenor
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust
The Club can trace its long tradition of donating to charitable causes back to at least 1915, but it was in the 1950s, as Hong Kong struggled to cope with post-war reconstruction and a massive influx of immigrants, that this role became integral to its operation. In 1955, the Club formally decided to devote its surplus each year to charity and community projects, and in 1959, a separate company, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (Charities) Ltd, was formed to administer donations. In 1993, a new entity was established, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, to reflect the evolving nature, scale and scope of donations. The Charities Trust is one of the world’s top ten charity donors.
The Trust’s substantial donations to the community are made possible by the Club’s unique integrated business model, which comprises racing and racecourse entertainment, responsible sports wagering and lottery, a membership club, and charities and community contribution. Approximately 90% of the Club’s annual operating surplus after tax is donated to the Trust, enabling it to play a significant role in the community’s development.
Working with the Government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community partners, the Trust is committed to improving the quality of life of the people of Hong Kong. As a philanthropic organisation in its own right, the Trust also proactively identifies and initiates projects that anticipate future community and social needs.
Priority Areas
Over many years, the Club has established itself as a major social partner, helping to foster a caring and inclusive community in Hong Kong. It accomplishes this through donations made to its community partners via The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and through its own Trust initiated projects.
In alignment with Hong Kong's evolving needs, the Trust's strategic foci in the 2022-5 triennium comprises five priority areas — Positive Ageing and Elderly Care; Youth Development and Poverty Alleviation; Healthy Community; Talent and Sector Development; and Sports and Culture. In recognition of the importance of sustainable development, the Trust is incubating Sustainability as a sixth funding priority.
Positive Ageing & Elderly Care
Youth Development & Poverty Alleviation
Healthy Community
Talent & Sector Development
Sports & Culture
Sustainability
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Institute of Philanthropy
The Institute of Philanthropy was established in September 2023 through a strategic seed grant of HK$5 billion (US$640 million) from The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust. Established as a “think-fund-do” tank for China and Asia, the IoP is dedicated to promoting philanthropic thought leadership and enhancing sector capabilities at local, regional and global levels in collaboration with fellow funders. It seeks to provide an Asia-based platform bringing global stakeholders together to promote the betterment of societies everywhere.