According to China Youth Daily, a philanthropy program has been formally launched to fund volunteer organizations that offer reputable welfare programs.
The program, which is jointly organized by Sichuan Provincial Commission Youth League, Sichuan Provincial Civilization Office, Sichuan Provincial Civil Affairs Department, China Youth Daily, 21st Century News Group, Huaxi Newspaper and Sohu.com, will focus on post-earthquake reconstruction by supporting volunteer groups and encouraging them to play an active role in the reconstruction.
It is learned that the program will be available to volunteer groups from May 12, 2009. A total of 50 welfare projects will be chosen and each of them is expected to receive between CNY5,000 and CNY50,000 in fund support. The deadline for volunteer groups to apply to join the program is June 30, 2009, after which funds will be allocated and programs will be carried out. A final report on the programs will be published in March 2010.
Sichuan Provincial Commission, one of the organizers of the program, states that it hopes to train a number of dedicated volunteer groups for the reconstruction of the region and to have them provide lasting voluntary services for the earthquake affected areas through this public welfare program.
