About Ascent Partners Foundation
Connecting philanthropic communities with conservation and sustainability initiatives across Asia-Pacific since 2017
Our Mission
Ascent Partners Foundation is a registered charity under Hong Kong's Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Section 88, established in 2017 by Mr Simon Mak, Chief Executive Officer of Ascent Partners Group Limited, as the philanthropic arm of an independent valuation and advisory firm. We exist to make sustainability accessible and actionable through practical tools, structured knowledge, and collaborative platforms.
Based in Hong Kong SAR, we adopted an "angel donor" model to address the challenges faced by emerging NGOs in securing initial funding and donor networks. We provide seed funding, facilitate donor access, and offer multi-dimensional support to social ventures across three core areas: education, environment, and poverty alleviation.
How We Work
We operate on the principle that effective philanthropy requires more than capital—it requires connections, platforms, and sustained engagement. Our approach is evidence-based and rigorously evaluated.
Seed Funding
Providing initial capital for emerging NGOs and projects that demonstrate potential for sustainable impact across Asia-Pacific.
Donor Access
Facilitating connections with philanthropic networks in Hong Kong and across Asia-Pacific to amplify impact.
Strategic Support
Offering strategic guidance, network facilitation, and platform development for conservation and sustainability initiatives.
Evidence-Based Impact
Our work is grounded in rigorous impact measurement methodologies. We use the Fundamental Equation of Social Value and Social Return on Investment (SROI) frameworks to assess our contributions and ensure evidence-based decision-making.
This approach allows us to quantify the social, environmental, and economic value created through our partnerships, ensuring transparency and accountability to our stakeholders.
Strategic Partnerships
We collaborate with leading international organizations to amplify our impact and facilitate meaningful connections between philanthropic communities and conservation initiatives.
United Nations ESCAP
Ascent Partners Foundation has been a key supporter of the Asia-Pacific Business Forum (APBF) since 2023, facilitating dialogue between business leaders, policymakers, and civil society on sustainable development.
APBF 2023 Impact: Over 500 participants from 40+ countries convened in Bangkok to discuss sustainable business practices and regional cooperation. The forum resulted in concrete commitments to advance the SDGs across Asia-Pacific.
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
In July 2024, Ascent Partners Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IUCN to advance Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and biodiversity conservation across Asia-Pacific.
Focus Areas: Collaborative research, capacity building for local communities, and development of the NBS Hub platform to facilitate knowledge sharing and project implementation.
IOM (International Organization for Migration)
Supporting IOM's work on climate-induced migration and sustainable development in vulnerable communities across Asia-Pacific.
Key Initiative: Facilitated high-level dialogue at the IOM Gala Dinner, connecting philanthropic leaders with migration and climate adaptation programs.
Leadership
Mr Simon Mak
Founder & Chairman
Simon Mak is the Chief Executive Officer of Ascent Partners Group Limited and founder of Ascent Partners Foundation. With extensive experience in valuation, advisory, and sustainable finance, he established the Foundation in 2017 to bridge philanthropic communities with conservation initiatives across Asia-Pacific.
Under his leadership, the Foundation has developed rigorous impact measurement frameworks based on the Fundamental Equation of Social Value and SROI methodologies, ensuring evidence-based assessment of philanthropic contributions.
Our Platform Ecosystem
Beyond direct partnerships, we've developed specialized platforms to democratize access to sustainability knowledge and tools.
NBS Hub
A comprehensive platform for Nature-Based Solutions, providing resources, case studies, and tools for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
Visit NBS Hub →ESG Hub
Video content and educational resources on ESG principles, sustainable business practices, and corporate responsibility frameworks.
Visit ESG Hub →