The Shanghai Cultural Development Foundation () is a non-profit organization established in November 1986 by the Shanghai Municipal People's Government. It manages public and private donations to finance cultural and artistic projects across Shanghai.
History.
Founding (1986–1990).
The foundation was created by the city’s Propaganda and Finance bureaus to review grant applications and distribute cultural funding.
Expansion (1991–2017).
During the 1990s and 2000s SCDF broadened its grants to theatre, film, television, animation and digital media. Updated guidelines released in 2024 placed new emphasis on intangible cultural heritage and interdisciplinary projects.
Changqing Cultural Fund (2018).
In 2018 the Changqing Cultural Special Fund (长青文化专项基金) was established with philanthropist Liu Bing to support traditional arts and cultural exchange. It has since sponsored more than sixty exhibitions and events.
Recent developments (2018–present).
SCDF digitised its application portal, introduced thematic grant lines and, in 2025, backed the television drama "A Better Life" (蛮好的人生).
Funding.
Revenue sources include:
In 2021 SCDF financed 334 projects and supported 31 international events, achieving a 93 % completion rate.
Functions.
SCDF: