Service-Learning Grant

AY2026-27 Sem1_Call_for_Application_Banner AY2026-27 Sem1_Call_for_Application_Banner
Applications can be submitted via Students and Staff Service Platform (SSSP).
Background

The Centre for Innovative Service-Learning (CISL) was established in December 2017 to contribute to the provision of Best Student Experience in the Institutional Strategic Plan 2018-2028. To provide support to faculty members for the development and implementation of service-learning (SL) courses at HKBU, the Service-Learning Grant (SL Grant) has been set up by the CISL to:

  1. encourage course instructors to integrate SL elements into the curriculum;

  2. enhance the teaching and learning of SL at HKBU; and

  3. promote transdisciplinary collaboration on SL courses and initiatives.
     
Eligibility

Academic and teaching staff who design and deliver the following are eligible for the SL Grant:

  1. UGC-funded credit-bearing courses with SL components (see definition), or

  2. Non-credit bearing service projects with a roadmap for conversion into UGC-funded credit-bearing courses.

GE Capstone courses are NOT eligible for the Grants as they are supported by other funding sources.
 

Selection Process and Criteria

Credit-bearing courses with SL components will be given higher priority than non-credit bearing service projects which will be converted into credit-bearing courses.
The assessment is based on the following criteria:

  1. Achieving Intended Learning Outcomes of Service-Learning

  2. Aligning the SL components with ILOs

  3. Integrating new ideas and SL elements in the curriculum or project

  4. Bringing educational benefits to students and impact to the service recipients and community

  5. Developing new pedagogical or teaching approaches in SL

Applications for the SL Grant will be assessed and approved by a Review Panel formed under the Committee on Innovative Service-Learning (ISLC). Approval is subject to funding availability.
 

Funding Amount

The funding provided for each successful application will vary according to the projected expenses:

SL Geographical Location
Grant for Course Instructor/Project Leader

(On reimbursement basis with receipts)

(up to)
Student Subsidy:
Local Expense

(Opt-in direct subsidy; No receipts required.)

(up to)
Student Subsidy:
Outbound Expense

(Transportation, accommodation and meals to be paid to travel agency as a group or reimbursement upon receipts/invoice)

(up to)

Hong Kong

up to $30,000/project

3-tiered options:

  • Not required; or
  • $100/student; or
  • $300/student

N/A

China (except Hong Kong)

up to $50,000/project

N/A

$2,500/student

Asia Pacific

up to $70,000/project

N/A

$3,500/student

Others

up to $100,000/project

N/A

$5,000/student

When applying for the Service-Learning Grant, applicants are required to:

  • select the appropriate subsidy tier; and 
  • provide a clear justification based on the arrangement of SL activities, the nature of student deliverables and the associated logistical requirements.

The justification will be considered as part of the overall budget assessment by the Review Panel.

Requests exceeding the maximum amount will be considered by the SL Grant Review Panel on a case-by-case bases.

 

Use of Funding

The SL Grant can be used to support expenses related to the development and delivery of the SL component:

Grant for Course Instructor/Project Leader

  • Part-time project assistants or student helpers 
  • General supplies and printing 
  • Services directly relevant to SL component (e.g. guest speakers, translators, graphic designer) 
  • Group travel expenses 

Student Subsidy

  • Individual transportation 
  • Individual project materials 
  • Airfare, accommodation and meals (for non-local service activities)

 

Application Period

The application period for AY2026-27 Semester 1 is now until 31 July 2026. Applications are to be submitted online on the Students and Staff Service Platform (SSSP). 

In order for approved SL Grant funding to be available at the start of the semester or earlier, interested members are advised to submit their applications as early as possible.



Application Guildelines

CISL-M01 SL Grant Application Guideline

 

Acknowledgement

CISL would like to express our deepest gratitude to our donor for their generous donation:

cropped SLMG_AY25-26 funding cropped SLMG_AY25-26 funding

 

 
 
Application

Click HERE to apply via Students and Staff Service Platform (SSSP)

 

Consultation Services and Enquiries

Miss Kasey Hui

Manager (Service-Learning)

Tel: 3411 2069

Email: kaseyhui@hkbu.edu.hk