The Cultural Support Fund was launched in August 2001 to support and develop cultural activities in the southern capital, with a focus on encouraging young talent in the fields of culture, arts, information and media. Managed by the Service of Culture and Information, the Fund relies on contributions from individuals and corporations. In its first year of operation the Fund made grants totalling 113 million VNĐ (cUS$7,200) to eight projects, including a cải lương programme for children run by the Trần Hữu Trang Cải Lương Theatre.