About HKJC

Institute of Philanthropy (IoP)

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has a rich history of giving back, particularly during the city’s most challenging hours, with its first charitable donations dating from as early as 1915. For over a century, we have witnessed how philanthropy, embedded in the Club’s integrated business model, has positively responded to the ever-changing social, economic and welfare needs of Hong Kong, bringing hope to the people and bettering society. In partnership with our non-governmental organisation grantees, we have learned the synergistic power of collaboration to create greater and longer-lasting impact for our beneficiaries.

This legacy has presented an exceptional opportunity for the Club to establish the IoP, a “think-fund-do” tank dedicated to promoting philanthropic thought leadership at the local, regional and global levels together with its funder partners.

The IoP was formally inaugurated at the “Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum” in Hong Kong last September.

Rooted in the East for the World

Grounded in the East, the IoP acknowledges Asia’s growing importance in the global philanthropic ecosystem. As the demand for philanthropic knowledge and competencies rises with economic growth and development, the IoP aims to provide a convening platform for fellow foundations to promote the common good for societies everywhere.

The Club and its Charities Trust have earmarked a strategic grant of HK$6.8 billion (US$870 million) to fulfil the IoP’s mission of becoming a “think-fund-do” tank for China and Asia.

Vision and Mission

Vision:

Working towards the betterment of societies everywhere through impactful philanthropy

Mission:

As a global “think-fund-do” tank anchored in the East, we will:

  1. Bridge regional and global philanthropic efforts for the greater good.
  2. Scale strategic and innovative solutions to address regional and global challenges.
  3. Accelerate the professionalisation of the philanthropic sector.

A “Think-Fund-Do Tank”

Our work will focus on:

1

Connecting and Convening

We will build a platform that brings together thought leaders, philanthropists and key stakeholders to learn and exchange philanthropic best practices; in addition we will actively engage in local, regional and global events to bridge stakeholders across different spectra and levels all round the world.

2

Synthesising and Sharing

We will bring together fellow foundations and other institutions through various means, such as joint publications and case studies, to consolidate and disseminate knowledge, as well as co-create and co-fund projects.

3

Building Professional Capacities

We will develop programmes to enhance the skills and capacities of professionals in the philanthropic and non-profit sectors. This includes strengthening the philanthropic industry, particularly in Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area cities, by establishing industry-wide infrastructure and standards in areas like professional grant making, outcome-based funding, and impact measurement.

4

Commissioning and Supporting Research

We will collaborate with leading universities, institutes, foundations, think tanks and philanthropic stakeholders to conduct and commission research around issues pertinent to the sector.