2024/25 Logo Application
- Introduction of the Scheme & Recognition Mechanism
- Eligibility
- Application & Nomination Procedures
- Scope & Criteria
- Application Schedule & Fee
- Application Guidelines
- Special Category
- Conferring Logos, Lodging Complaints and Delisting
- Useful Information & FAQs
Introduction
The Caring Company Scheme adapts international sustainability standards to local contexts, assisting local enterprises in meeting foundational requirements and setting basic thresholds for practicing a caring culture, aiming to drive businesses towards a new phase of responsible operations. Simultaneously, the Scheme, through establishing platforms for diverse activities, foster communication and collaboration between businesses and social welfare sector, paving the way for broader opportunities in developing cross-sector community initiatives that address social needs.
Recognition Mechanism
The Caring Company Scheme assesses and evaluates the positive societal impact brought about by companies / organisations in terms of overall governance, policy management, data tracking, disclosure and collaboration for sustainable development based on the annual responses and data submitted by the applicants. Recognition is then granted based on their overall performance.
Caring Performance Recognition
Companies / organisations that successfully receive the logo in a given year are categorised into Large Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises (Caring Company Logo applications), and Organisations (Caring Organisation Logo applications). Each category is further divided into four levels of recognition based on performance.
- Actively participated
- Above-average performance
- Advanced performance
- Leading performance
Recognition for Consecutive Participation
To honour companies and organisations that have actively participated in community partnerships through the Caring Company Scheme over the past 23 years, the Scheme will continue to recognise participant joined in or before the 2023/24 cycle under the previous recognition system – namely the receipt of consecutive participation logo. Companies with accumulated annual recognition for 5 consecutive years or more will receive the Consecutive Years logo if they meet the current Scheme’s requirements. However, this recognition will no longer apply to companies and organisations newly joining in 2024/25 cycle.
Logos
Caring Performance Recognition
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Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo recognises the company’s and organisation’s dedication to sustainability and their efforts to cultivate a caring culture within society.
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Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo (Above-average performance )
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Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo (Advanced performance)
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Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo (Leading performance)
Recognition for Consecutive Participation
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Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo (5 or above consecutive years of participation)
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Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo (10 or above consecutive years of participation)
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Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo (15 or above consecutive years of participation)
Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo (20 or above consecutive years of participation)
For companies or organisations with fewer than 5 consecutive years, their years of participation will continue to be counted, and they may receive the 5 Year logo once they reach the 5 consecutive years milestone. This recognition system will no longer apply to newly joined companies / organisations in 2024/25 cycle.
Eligibility of Companies & Organisations Applying for the Logo (Applicants)
Apply Caring Company Logo
- Companies applying for the Caring Company Logo must be registered with Business Registration and the business must be in operation in Hong Kong for at least 1 year.
- If a company operates as a group, the holding company and its subsidiaries must submit applications separately.
Apply Caring Organisation Logo
- Organisations applying for the Caring Organisation Logo must be established in Hong Kong for at least 1 year.
- Government departments, statutory bodies, chambers of commerce, professional bodies, international service clubs, alumni associations, and philanthropic foundations, hospitals, universities and tertiary educational institutions under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Department, are eligible for application.
- Organisations, societies and groups of any other nature will not be considered at this moment.
Remarks: An applicant must invite at least one charitable organisation to be its nominator. Self-nominations will NOT be accepted (EXCEPT in the case of government departments).
Eligibility of Nominators
Eligible nominators should be charitable organisations exempt from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (according to the effective date of Inland Revenue Department, registered in Hong Kong for at least 1 year). They can be HKCSS Agency Members or other charitable organisations, which include social welfare, educational, medical, environmental, cultural, recreational and sports, and international and cross-border organisations.
- HKCSS Agency Members (for the list of members, please visit https://ngo.hkcss.org.hk/search )
- Other charitable organisations (for the list of tax-exempt charitable organisations, please visit http://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/tax/ach_index.htm)
1. Nominators are not eligible to apply for the Caring Company or Caring Organisation Logo in the same year under any circumstances
2. Nominations from political groups are not accepted
3. Nominations from religious organisations are accepted but only non-religious community service activities will be considered
For first-time applicants / nominators, they can directly apply for an account through the online application system.
To promote environmental protection and simplify the application process, starting this year (2024/25), applications for the Caring Company Scheme must be submitted via the online system. Paper applications will no longer be accepted. The Scheme’s paperless initiative is one of the collective actions in the Caring Company Scheme encouraging companies and organisations to implement environmental measures. We look forward to working together to build a sustainable society.
The application procedures for companies applying for the Caring Company Logo and organisations applying for the Caring Organisation Logo (collectively referred to as "applicants") via the online system are as follows:
Application Procedures (for Applicants)
Click here to download
Nomination Procedures (for Nominators)
Click here to download
Scope and Criteria
Each application consists of 6 sections, which include
- Company / Organisation Information
- Contact Person Details
- Form A: Community Partnership
- Form B: Sustainability
- Caring Ambassador
- Application Fee
The applicant must complete all the 6 sections of the application by the application deadline.
Scope for "Form A: Community Partnership" and "Form B: Sustainability":
| Form A: Community Partnership |
|---|
|
| Filling requirements: Out of 5 criteria, 2 or more must be mutually confirmed by both the applicant and the nominator |
| Validity period of Form A :1 January 2024 to 30 September 2025 |
| Form B: Sustainability |
|---|
| This section is to be completed by the applicant. Applicants need to answer questions related to their sustainability practices across 4 areas in social, economic, environmental, and partnership. |
| Validity period of Form B: a 12-month period within 1 July 2023 and 30 September 2025 |
Caring Ambassadors
The nomination for Caring Ambassadors is to encourage employees who actively support and participate in community activities organised by their companies or organisations. A maximum of 3 staff members can be nominated by each applicant. If the applicant becomes a recipient of the Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo, the recommended staff member(s) will automatically become "Caring Ambassador(s)" and receive a digital certificate.
There is no required roles and duties set for Caring Ambassadors, but we encourage them to actively promote and participate in community engagement with their companies / organisations.
2024/25 Application Schedule
| Date | |
|---|---|
| 20 March 2025 | Application for the 2024/25 cycle starts. Launch of new online system – Applicants* and nominators can access into the system to learn about the new features and filling out the following sections in advance:
|
| 15 and 16 April 2025 | Online information session – Use of the new system and overall application procedures |
| 20 and 21 May 2025 | Details of "Form B: Sustainability" were announced at the S+ Summit cum Expo 2025 |
| 19, 20 and 27 June 2025 |
Capacity Building Workshops – Introduce of the content of Form B in details
|
| 4 July 2025 |
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| 23 July 2025 | Online information session (for charitable organisations) – Introduce the role of nominators and application procedures of the Scheme |
| 25 July and 1, 12, 13 and 28 August 2025 | Second round of Capacity Building Workshops – Introduce of the content of Form B in details |
| September 2025 (dates tbc) | Online Q&A – Responding to applicants' inquiries regarding Form B |
| 8 October 2025, 6pm | Application deadline for the 2024/25 cycle |
| December 2025 | Result announcement |
| January 2026 | Recognition ceremony (details to be announced together with application results in December 2025) |
Application Fee
The one-time application fee is HK$600, not to be affected by the number of nominators, and to be paid by the companies / organisations applying for the logo. The fee is non-refundable, and tax exemption is not applicable.
Application Guidelines
- Please submit your application and upload the relevant supporting documents through the Caring Company Scheme online application system (https://www.ccnomination.net/).
- The application deadline is 8 October 2025, 6pm (subject to the time to be shown on the online system).
- Each “Form A: Community Partnership” will only record the collaboration between one applicant and one nominator. If an applicant has multiple nominators, all criteria filled in Form A will be aggregated.
- Some criteria require supporting documents for verification. Please refer to the relevant form for more details.
- Incomplete information in the application form will render the application invalid or subject to rejection without further notice.
- During the review period, the Caring Company Scheme may request additional details from the applicant to verify the submitted information.
- The application results are scheduled to be announced in December 2025. By then, applicants can login to the online application system to view the results. Besides, corresponding contact points provided by the applicants will also receive notification emails regarding the results.
- The Caring Company Logo / Caring Organisation Logo status of all logo recipients, including the company /organisation name, consecutive years and the Logo, are not transferable. If a company operates as a group, the holding company and its subsidiaries must submit applications separately.
- There are no auto-renewals or exemption arrangements for the Scheme. Companies / Organisations must submit applications each year.
- The Caring Company Scheme reserves the right of to the final decision.
Special Category
Details will be announced in Q1 2026 through the Caring Company Scheme website and email. Please stay tuned for updates.
Considerations on Conferring Logos, Lodging Complaints and Delisting
- All decisions of The Caring Company Scheme are fully formulated and monitored by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service and the relevant committees (hereinafter referred to as "HKCSS").
- Companies and organisations that have received the Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo must agree to the value, mission and vision of the Caring Company Scheme and comply with the validation criteria.
- HKCSS shall not associate with companies / organisations whose businesses or practices are considered contradictory to the values and missions of the Council. Admission to the Caring Company Scheme is at the Council’s sole discretion.
- HKCSS reserves the right to withhold the applications or delist the Caring Company / Caring Organisation logo status of companies / organisations in the interest of the integrity of the Caring Company Scheme.
- In the event of any conviction involving a criminal offence within or outside Hong Kong jurisdiction, any verdict of ethical conviction brought by a statutory body, or any judgment of infringement of business ethics and / or lack of credibility by the Caring Company Scheme, HKCSS reserves the right of issuing warnings to the concerned company or organisation and revoke its right to use the Logo.
- Companies and organisations have made self-declarations on business ethics in their applications. In the event of suspicion of infringing business ethics, HKCSS reserves the right to suspend the company / organisation from using the Logo until the Caring Company Scheme is satisfied that clarification from the concerned company / organisation aligns with the declaration.
- HKCSS will not address complaints regarding contracts or commercial disputes. However, if a complaint is related to business ethics, integrity, or violations of any adjudication criteria of the Caring Company Scheme, the concerned company / organisation will be asked to provide further information.
- In case of a dispute with the results, please notify in writing (either via email or post) within 30 working days from the date of the result notification.
Useful Links
Replay videos of the Online Q&A Sessions
3 Sep 2025 Session (Cantonese only)
15 Sep 2025 Session (Cantonese only)
Frequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsA. Application
B. Eligibility
C. Form B: Sustainability
D. Application Fee
E. Online System
F. Result Announcement and Use of Logo
G. Considerations on Conferring Awards, Lodging Complaints and Delisting
A. FAQs about Caring Company Scheme Application
When will applications be accepted?
Applications for the 2024/25 cycle will be accepted from 20 March to 8 October 2025.
How to apply?
Please submit your application via the online system for the Caring Company Scheme. The brand-new online system has been officially launch on 20 March 2025.
Will application by paper form be accepted?
Starting this year, all applications must be submitted via the online system. Paper applications will not be accepted.
What kind of information is required for the application?
Each application consists of 6 parts, which include "Company / Organisation Information", "Contact Person Details", "Form A: Community Partnership", "Form B: Sustainability", "Caring Ambassador" and "Application Fee." Applicants must complete all the above by the application deadline for their submission to be considered successful.
Could you provide the application schedule?
Application schedule for the 2024/25 cycle is as follows:
| Date | |
|---|---|
| 20 March 2025 | Application for the 2024/25 cycle starts. Launch of new online system – Applicants* and nominators can access into the system to learn about the new features and filling out the following sections in advance:
|
| 15 & 16 April 2025 | Online information session – Use of the new system and overall application procedures |
| 20 and 21 May 2025 | Details of "Form B: Sustainability" will be announced at the S+ Summit cum Expo 2025. |
| 19, 20 and 27 June 2025 |
Capacity Building Workshops – Introduce of the content of Form B in details
|
| 4 July 2025 |
|
| 23 July 2025 |
Online information session (for charitable organisations) – Introduce the role of nominators and application procedures of the Scheme
|
| 25 July and 1, 12, 13 and 28 August 2025 |
Second round of Capacity Building Workshops – Introduce of the content of Form B in details
|
| 3 and 15 September 2025 |
Online Q&A – Responding to applicants’ inquiries regarding Form B
|
| 8 October 2025, 6pm | Application deadline for the 2024/25 cycle |
| December 2025 | Result announcement |
| January 2026 | Recognition ceremony (details to be announced together with application results in December 2025) |
What is the validating scope for "Form A: Community Partnership"?
Applicants must meet 2 or more criteria from the 5 criteria in Form A to fulfill the requirements for that section. Please click here for the preview of Form A.
What is the validating scope for “Form B: Sustainability”?
Form B records the applicant's overall sustainability efforts, including governance, policy management, implementation, and data tracking in relation to social, economic and environmental sustainability, and partnership.
What is the validity period of Form A?
The validity period of Form A is from 1 January 2024 to 30 September 2025.
Does successful application submission guarantee receiving the Caring Company / Caring Organisation logo?
No. Upon validation by HKCSS, the official result will be announced in December 2025.
B. FAQs about Eligibility
What kinds of companies / organisation are eligible to apply?
The Caring Company Logo and Caring Organisation Logo encourage and promote the sustainable dedication of business and organisations to corporate social responsibility and a caring culture. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Caring Company Logo: Companies applying for the Caring Company Logo must be registered with Business Registration and the business must be in operation in Hong Kong for at least 1 year. If a company operates as a group, the holding company and its subsidiaries must submit applications separately.
- Caring Organisation Logo: Organisations applying for the Caring Organisation Logo must be established in Hong Kong for at least 1 year. Government departments, statutory bodies, chambers of commerce, professional bodies, international service clubs, alumni associations, and philanthropic foundations, hospitals, universities and tertiary educational institutions under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Department, are eligible for application. Organisations, societies and groups of any other nature will not be considered at this moment.
What are the requirements to be a nominator?
Eligible nominators should be charitable organisations exempt from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (according to the effective date of Inland Revenue Department, registered in Hong Kong for at least 1 year). They can be HKCSS Agency Members or other charitable organisations, which include social welfare, educational, medical, environmental, cultural, recreational and sports, and international and cross-border organisations.
- HKCSS Agency Members (for the list of members, please visit https://ngo.hkcss.org.hk/search）
- Other charitable organisations (for the list of tax-exempt charitable organisations, please visit http://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/tax/ach_index.htm)
Remarks:
- Nominators are not eligible to apply for the Caring Company or Caring Organisation logo in the same year under any circumstances
- Nominations from political groups are not accepted
- Nominations from religious organisations are accepted but only non-religious community service activities will be considered
Which form do the nominators need to complete?
"Form A: Community Partnership".
The applicant and the nominator must designate one party to fill out Form A (the Filling Party). Only the Filling Party can fill in or modify the content of Form A through the online system, while their partners can only review / provide feedback / confirm the form contents. Form A consists of 5 criteria. When 2 or more criteria are mutually confirmed by the applicant and the nominator, the application qualifies for this section.
If only 1 criterion can be met, please remind the applicant to look for an additional nominator for other criteria in "Form A: Community Partnership " in order to fulfill the requirements.
Which form(s) do the applicants need to complete?
Applicants must submit "Form A: Community Partnership" and “Form B: Sustainability”. Form A can be filled out by either the applicant or nominator; Form B must be filled out by the applicant with relevant supporting documents uploaded.
Validating scope for "Form A: Community Partnership":
Criteria 1: Volunteering
Criteria 2: Giving
Criteria 3: Mentoring
Criteria 4: Employing the vulnerable
Criteria 5: Procurement of products or services
When 2 or more criteria are mutually confirmed by the applicant and the nominator, the application qualifies for this section. If there are multiple nominators, the criteria from each Form A will be combined for calculation and must fulfill 2 or more criteria to qualify the applications.
Validating scope for “Form B: Sustainability”:
Partnership
Social sustainability
Economic sustainability
Environmental sustainability
Form B evaluate the positive societal impact brought by the applicants in terms of overall governance, policy management, data tracking, disclosure and collaboration for sustainable development.
Must be nominated by a charitable organisation?
An applicant must invite at least one community partner to be its nominator. Self-nominations will NOT be accepted (EXCEPT in the case of government departments).
In the same year, can a nominator nominate their partner while also applying for the "Caring Organisation" logo?
Nominators are not eligible to nominate a partner and as a applicant to apply for Caring Organisation logo in the same time in the same year under any circumstances.
Can more than one "Form A: Community Partnership" be submitted?
Yes, there is no limit on the number of submissions for Form A. Applicants can invite all of their community partners they have collaborated with during the validity period to become their nominators or accept their nomination invitations. However, each Form A only records the collaboration project(s) between one applicant and one nominator. All criteria filled in Form A will be aggregated.
Why / Under what circumstances does an applicant need to submit more than one "Form A: Community Partnership"?
"Form A: Community Partnership" must meet two or more criteria to be eligible for application. If the applicant's partnership with a specific nominator only meets one of the criteria in Form A, the applicant must submit additional Form A with other nominator(s) to ensure that all Form A submissions, when combined, meet two or more criteria.
Examples of Qualified Applications
Example I: The applicant and nominator Y confirmed 2 criteria from Form A #1. (e.g. Criteria 1 and 5)
Example II: The applicant confirmed 2 criteria with nominator X (Criteria 1 from Form A #1) and Y (Criteria 5 from Form A #2) respectively.
What is Caring Ambassador?
The nomination for Caring Ambassador is to encourage employees who actively support and participate in community activities organised by their company or organisation. A maximum of 3 staff members can be nominated by each applicant. If the applicant successfully receives the Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo in the 2024/25 cycle, the recommended staff member(s) will automatically become "Caring Ambassador" and receive a digital certificate.
At present, the Scheme does not set any standards for the role and duties of Caring Ambassadors, but still encourage them to actively promote and participate in community engagement within the company / organisation.
How do government departments apply?
Government departments can either invite charitable organisations to be nominators or apply via self-nomination for the Caring Organisation Logo.
- Nominated by a nominator: Follows the same submission requirements as other applicants
- Self-nomination: Please select "Self-nomination" in the "Form A: Community Partnership " section, then follow the guidelines to fill out Form A, and complete "Form B: Sustainability."
C. Form B: Sustainability
What is the content of Form B?
Form B should be filled out by the applicants. Applicants are required to complete a questionnaire related to their companies’ / organisations’ sustainable development practices, covering four key areas: social, economic, and environmental sustainability, as well as partnerships.
How can I view the full questions of Form B?
The full question and answer set of Form B can be accessed through the online system. Please log in to the system to view the full content. (Click here to access the online system)
What is the validity period of Form B?
The validity period of Form B is a 12-month period within 1 July 2023 to 30 September 2025.
Is it mandatory for applicants to complete “Form B: Sustainability”?
Yes, each application consists of 6 parts, one of which is “Form B: Sustainability”. Applicants are required to respond to the 65 criteria as a basic requirement for participating in the Caring Company Scheme. If any part is incomplete, the system will prevent you from submitting the application.
What is the minimum score for Form B? How can ensure compliance?
The “Caring Company” Scheme aims to encourage companies and organisations to make continuous progress in sustainability and social impact. The 2024/25 cycle marks the first year of the Scheme’s revamp. To help participants better understand the sustainability criteria, no minimum score requirement is set for Form B this year. Companies and organisations only need to respond to all 65 questions to submit their application. Starting from next year, minimum score requirements will be introduced for each of the four areas: social, economic, environmental sustainability, and partnership. Further details will be announced in the next cycle.
For organisations operating both in Hong Kong and globally, how should Form B be completed?
Form B allows flexibility based on the business scope and data relevance of companies / organisations, including the below options:
(1) The local business operations: sustainability practices specific to your Hong Kong operations.
(2) The global (Hong Kong, Mainland China and other countries) business operations: sustainability practices globally (including Hong Kong and oversea businesses)
Please select the option that best reflects the situation of your company / organisation. The scheme emphasises on sustainable practices, and the use of global or local data will not affect the application score and results.
How to fill out the data in Form B when the sustainable development data involves both a group and its subsidiaries?
Each applicant should only reflect the sustainable practices of their own company / organisation when completing Form B. If both a group and its subsidiaries are applying for the 'Caring Company' logo, each must submit a full application, including Form B, and select the answers most relevant to the respective applicant. If the data includes overlapping items between the group and its subsidiaries, it is recommended to organise the data separately by applicant before filling out the form, and only include the sustainable practices of the respective applicant.
How should data be selected and calculated when Form B involves specific indicators?
All data in Form B should be based on the selected reporting year — any continuous 12-month period between July 1, 2023 and September 30, 2025. If a question does not specify a particular date or period, applicants should choose the most representative data from their selected reporting year. For specific indicators, please refer to the question requirements and use data consistent with the reporting year. It is recommended to keep records related to the calculations in case HKCSS requests supplementary information during verification.
Do applicants need to prepare supporting documents for the data in Form B (including items without specified document requirements)?
Apart from items that explicitly require supporting documents, applicants do not need to upload documents when submitting Form B. However, it is recommended to retain records related to sustainability efforts (e.g., reports, photos, contracts, or event records). After submission, HKCSS may conduct verification and contact applicants individually to request supplementary materials. Failure to provide relevant documentation may affect eligibility for the Caring Company Scheme.
How is privacy protected for internal data submitted in Form B?
All data submitted in Form B will be treated as confidential and used solely for the purposes of the Caring Company Scheme application and for overall analysis and research by the team, ensuring that no specific company or organisation is publicly identified.
If the team needs to share relevant data with third parties for overall analysis and research, we will strictly adhere to the Personal Data Use Guidelines of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. For more details, please refer to the website ( https://www.hkcss.org.hk/privacy-policy/?lang=zh-hk ). Additionally, the team will bind third parties through contracts and confidentiality agreements.
Can Form B be modified after submission?
To ensure fairness and avoid any negative impact on scores or results, no modifications can be made to submitted forms (including Form A and Form B). Please note that submitting invalid supporting documents may result in the application being rejected. Applicants should ensure all information provided is accurate and that valid supporting documents are included (where required) to meet application requirements.
D. FAQs about Application Fee
Is there an application fee?
Yes. The one-time application fee is HK$600, not to be affected by the number of nominators, and to be paid by the companies / organisations applying for the logo. The fee is non-refundable, and tax exemption is not applicable.
Who pays the application fee?
Starting this year, the Scheme will only accept payment of application fees made by applicants; nominators are not required to pay any fees for the application.
What kind(s) of payment method will be provided?
Applicants can complete payment via the system using credit card. No other payment method will be accepted.
When should the payment be made?
The application deadline for the Scheme is 6 PM on October 8, 2025. Applicants must complete the payment process and submit a complete application before the deadline.
Can the application fee be refunded?
Regardless of the application outcome, the paid application fee is non-refundable and cannot be claimed as a tax deduction.
Can the application fee be tax-deductible?
The application fee cannot be claimed as a tax deduction.
Will a receipt be issued after payment?
After the HKCSS verifies the transaction with the bank and confirms receipt of payment, an electronic receipt will be arranged for sending. The entire process (from the payer’s credit card account being charged to the Council confirming receipt) is expected to take about 3 to 4 months.
In what format will the receipt be issued?
Once payment is confirmed, the electronic receipt will be sent via email to the administrative contact person registered in the online application system.
Will the receipt be sent to the payer?
The electronic receipt will only be sent to the administrative contact person of the company / organisation, not directly to the payer.
Can the recipient of the electronic receipt be changed?
The existing contact person can update the designated recipient to the administrative contact person via the system. Please note that the administrative contact person will receive all communications related to the scheme and serves as the main liaison.
Can a physical receipt be provided?
No physical receipts will be issued for the application fee this year (except for donation receipts).
E. FAQs about Online System
When can the new online system be used?
The new online system was launched in 20 March 2025 to handle applications for the 2024/25 cycle. The new system will be available for all participating companies, organisations and government departments to use.
Do companies / organisations that previously participated in the Scheme need to re- register their accounts?
No. A password setup link for the new online application system has already been emailed to non-first-time applicants and nominators. Each contact person simply needs to follow the instructions to activate their online accounts. If the password setup link has expired, please contact us at nomination@hkcss.org.hk .
How do first-time participants register for an account?
First-time applicants must register for an account through the online system. The HKCSS will send a notification of the review result to the applicant within 5 working days. If the registration is approved, the applicant will receive an email to activate their account.
How to apply for the Caring Company Scheme via the online system?
Applicants and nominators must login to the system to begin the following application procedures:
| Target | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Applicants & Nominators | 1. Fill out and confirm Company / Organisation Information |
| Applicants & Nominators |
2. Fill out and confirm Contact Person Details (up to 6 contacts) - Each contact person must register their account with unique email address and password - All contact persons can login to the system to fill out, modify and submit application forms |
| Applicants & Nominators |
3. Fill out, confirm and submit "Form A: Community Partnership" - Form A can be filled out by either the applicant or nominator - Their partner confirms if the collaboration content is correct and submits this form |
| Applicants | 4. Fill out and submit "Form B: Sustainability" |
| Applicants | 5. Fill out and submit information for Caring Ambassadors |
| Applicants | 6. Pay the application fee |
Will there be a tutorial on using the online system?
An online information session for the new system was held in 15-16 April 2025 to provide detailed instructions on the new system's operation and applications. Please click here to review the information session.
A user manual is also available for applicants and nominators (applicant version / nominator version).
F. FAQs about Result Announcement and Use of Logo
When will the application results be announced?
The application results are scheduled to be announced in December 2025. Applicants can login to the online application system to view the results at that time, and relevant contacts provided by the applicants will also receive notification emails regarding the results.
How can the applicants download the logo and digital certificate?
After the result announcement, applicants can download the logo and digital certificates for that year via the online system (including those for the applicants and Caring Ambassadors).
Will physical certificates be provided?
To reduce carbon emissions and paper usage, the Scheme has replaced the printed certificates with digital certificates. However, companies / Organisations can still login to the online system to purchase printed certificates if needed. The printing fee amount will be announced in December 2025.
What kind of logo will the applicant receive if the application is successful?
If the application is successful, the applicant will receive the corresponding logo based on their performance and consecutive participation to the Scheme, please click here for further details
How is the number of consecutive years calculated
It is calculated based on the year(s) that a company / an organisation has successfully applied for the Scheme. If the application is unsuccessful or if the applicant does not participate in the Scheme in any given year, the accumulated years will no longer be counted.
Please note that consecutive participation recognition only applies to applicants who had accumulated years of participation before the Scheme’s revamp. Applicants newly joining in the 2024/25 cycle will no longer be eligible for this recognition mechanism.
How long is the validity period for the Logo?
All logos are valid for one year, and the validity period for the 2024/25 logo will be announced together with the application result.
Will the logo be automatically renewed after it expires?
No. There is no auto-renewals or exemption arrangements. Companies / Organisations must submit applications each year.
As the application period for 2024/25 cycle is postponed, can the existing logo and certificates (2023/24) continue to be used?
Due to the postponement of the Caring Company Scheme 2024/25 application to 20 March 2025, the validity period for the use of the Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logos for 2023/24 will automatically be extended until the announcement of the next logo application results in December 2025. Companies / Organisations are not required to submit separate applications for extending the logo validity period. However, the date on the certificate will remain unchanged, and this arrangement will not affect the calculation of the consecutive years that companies / organisations have participated in the Scheme. During this period, we advise companies / organisations to use promotional materials featuring the Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logos instead of displaying certificates.
Is the Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo status transferable among subsidiaries under the same holding company?
The Caring Company Logo status and its subparts, including the company name, consecutive years and the Logo, are not transferable. If a company operates as a group, the holding company and its subsidiaries must submit applications separately.
If the company name is changed, what should I do?
Please submit the copy of the Certificate of Change of Name issued by Company Registry via the new online system when it opens. We will further verify and consider whether the applicant can keep their record of consecutive years.
How should the logo be used?
Please refer to the logo guidelines:https://bit.ly/3D9UkzE
Do I need approval before using the Logo?
Samples of advertisements of products and services bearing the Logo must be sent to the HKCSS via email caringcompany@hkcss.org.hk for prior approval and record purpose. Please allow a minimum of 5 working days for the approval process. Advertising and promotion materials bearing the Logo may only be publicly displayed after the approval of HKCSS.
G. FAQs about Considerations on Conferring Awards, Lodging Complaints and Delisting
Any eligible companies / organisations can apply for the Logo?
HKCSS shall not associate with companies / organisations whose businesses or practices are considered contradictory to the values and missions of the Council. Admission to the Caring Company Scheme is at the Council’s sole discretion.
Companies and organisations that have received the Caring Company / Caring Organisation Logo must agree to the value, mission and vision of the Caring Company Scheme and comply with the validation criteria.
How to ensure the ethics and integrity of the applicants?
Companies and organisations have made self-declarations on business ethics in their applications. In the event of suspicion of infringing business ethics, HKCSS reserves the right to suspend the company / organisation from using the Logo until the Caring Company Scheme is satisfied that clarification from the concerned company / organisation aligns with the declaration.
Under what circumstances will a company / organisation be delisted?
HKCSS reserves the right to withhold the applications or delist the Caring Company / Caring Organisation logo status of companies / organisations in the interest of the integrity of the Caring Company Scheme.
If companies / organisations who received the Logo are involved in legal proceedings, how will the HKCSS handle it?
In the event of any conviction involving a criminal offence within or outside Hong Kong jurisdiction, any verdict of ethical conviction brought by a statutory body, or any judgment of infringement of business ethics and / or lack of credibility by the Caring Company Scheme, HKCSS reserves the right of issuing warnings to the concerned company or organisation and revoke its right to use the Logo.
Is it possible to lodge a complaint against a specific company / organisation with the Scheme?
HKCSS will not address complaints regarding contracts or commercial disputes. However, if a complaint is related to business ethics, integrity, or violations of any adjudication criteria of the Caring Company Scheme, the concerned company / organisation will be asked to provide further information.