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The Community Against Drugs Scheme (CADS), which provides funds from the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) for anti-drug education and publicity projects by the community, is inviting funding applications for projects to be carried out from August 2003 to February 2004.
Interested parties may apply to the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau from tomorrow, May 1. Applications must be submitted by June 14.
The objective of the CADS is to encourage non-profit organisations, including voluntary bodies and schools, to launch preventive education and publicity projects to further the anti-drug cause. Since its inception in 1992, the scheme has been an integral part of ACAN's anti-drug programme.
"In view of the latest drug abuse trend, projects targeting psychotropic substance abuse and high-risk youth will be given priority consideration in this year's application exercise," a spokesman for the Narcotics Division said.
"Priority will also be given to projects of an interactive nature, organised by young people, on the prevention of psychotropic substance abuse by youth.
"The ceiling of the grant for each application remains at $40,000 this year," the spokesman added.
A panel comprising ACAN members, representatives of the Narcotics Division and relevant Government departments will be set up to vet the applications.
"Each application will be assessed on its merits by the vetting panel. The selection criteria will include the objective of the project, degree of innovation, number of beneficiaries, scale and level of publicity, degree of substantiation as regards feasibility and cost-effectiveness. Consideration will also be given to the past performance of the applicant in using ACAN funds, if any," the spokesman said.
Application forms are available at the Narcotics Division, 30th Floor, High Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong. Copies can also be obtained by facsimile on the anti-drug hotline 2366 8822 and on Narcotics Division's homepage(http://www.nd.gov.hk).
Enquiries can be made by telephone at 2867 2760 or by fax at 2810 1773.
Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their applications in July.
End/Wednesday, April 30, 2003
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