The impact sector in Hong Kong has been fortunate to count among its ranks a vibrant community of social purpose organisations (SPOs) – comprising both nonprofits and social enterprises – staffed by individuals deeply committed to meeting the needs of the communities they serve. Yet many of these organisations face significant constraints, including limited resources, skill and knowledge gaps, and the absence of a timely, accessible support network, all of which can hinder their ability to fulfil their missions to the utmost.
Co-initiated in 2023 by The D. H. Chen Foundation and Time Auction, Co’asis is a platform designed to strengthen resource sharing and community building among SPOs and their counterparts, offering light touch yet effective avenues for peer learning and meaningful connection. By leveraging the diverse strengths of nonprofit organisations and encouraging reciprocal relationships, Co’asis enables members to access peer guidance and resources through on demand co learning calls, helping them address unique challenges while also contributing their own insights with others.
In addition, the platform organises peer learning sessions on practical operational topics, promoting collective knowledge, and openness to share first-hand experiences. Members may also extend in kind support and refer peers to high quality services and resources that cater specifically to their socially inclined mindset and intentions, ensuring that every organisation within the community can thrive through mutual support.
Interactive peer engagement among social purpose organisations during the Co’asis information session
A fireside chat featuring Co’asis members Agewhale and Soap Cycling, exploring nonprofit peer-to-peer collaboration
Dr. Tong Cho Wai, current Director of the Institute of Education Excellence at The D. H. Chen Foundation, Professional Consultant of Bei Shan Tang Foundation, and former Director of Quality School Improvement Project (QSIP) at CUHK, delivering a well-attended #PeerLearning session on Sustainable School Partnerships
To create more enduring and profound impact, it is essential to accelerate understanding and connectivity both within and beyond the impact sector, while strengthening bonds with allies such as corporations, philanthropies, and other stakeholders who share a commitment to advancing social good.
Informed by insights gathered since its inception, Co’asis is now developing and piloting ways to engage these sector allies to join the community, introducing both offline and online offerings to nurture cross sector relationships – such as a browsable directory of member organisations’ profiles, alongside member driven roundtables and knowledge sharing sessions. Throughout this process, Co’asis will also explore convening smaller groups of members and allies united by shared interests in particular causes, fostering trust to accelerate public private and cross sector collaboration.
The Foundation anticipates Co’asis serving as an empowering catalyst, nurturing a thriving, collaborative ecosystem among impact sector workers and contributors. This will enhance their capacity to advance their respective causes through greater compassion and mutual support, while enabling the entire sector to flourish collectively.
For more details of Co’asis, please visit HERE .