Deacons

To be eligible for a partnership with Deacons, an NGO must be a registered Section 88 tax-exempt charitable institution in Hong Kong with a mission that aligns with the firm's core CSR pillars: Youth & Education, The Environment, or Social Welfare. For those seeking pro bono legal support, the organization must demonstrate a legitimate operational need—such as assistance with employment, intellectual property, or tenancy issues—that directly improves their ability to function. Preference is typically given to organizations serving underprivileged youth, the elderly, or vulnerable communities, including the homeless and low-income families. Furthermore, Deacons prioritizes a "hands-on" partnership model, requiring NGOs to be open to active, employee-led volunteering opportunities where staff can directly participate in the cause.

For charities seeking legal help or partnership through the "Deacons Cares" initiative. Registration Status: Must be a bona fide non-profit organization, typically required to have Section 88 tax-exempt status in Hong Kong. Service Type (Pro Bono): Deacons focuses on "Capacity Building." They provide legal advice on: Charity registration and governance. Employment law and tenancy agreements. Intellectual Property (IP) and data privacy. Referral Preference: Preference is given to NGOs referred through PILnet (The Global Network for Public Interest Law), as Deacons is a founding member of the Hong Kong Pro Bono Working Group. Community Alignment: For non-legal partnerships (volunteering/donations), the project should align with their core CSR pillars: Youth & Education, The Environment, or Social Welfare.