DONOR-ADVISED FUND

‘Tis the Season to Give: Bring Cheer to Those in Need This Year-End

As cool, rainy nights set in and bright, sparkling decorations line the streets, it’s clear that the season of giving has arrived in sunny Singapore. Families and friends gather to celebrate the spirit of joy, love, and gratitude, exchanging gifts and enjoying moments together.However, this season can be a challenging time for some, who may feel a deeper sense of isolation amidst the celebrations. Financial pressures can weigh heavier on those struggling to get by.

Ensuring A Brighter Future for Vulnerable Families and Children

Imagine being released from prison after a decade, returning home to children who barely know you. How do you begin to rebuild your life and relationships with your family? Imagine being a child who does not have good relationships at home or in school, having little trust and confidence in the people around you. How do you find a sense of belonging and begin to develop your self-identity?

Giving back to society without fuss, the Singaporean way

When people in Singapore hear the word “philanthropy”, I suspect the first picture that crosses their mind is a well-dressed person holding up a large mock cheque at a grand ceremony. Accompanying that mental picture is the thought that philanthropy is too lofty, and unattainable for them. This is understandable, given how the media tends to spotlight the big – and newsworthy – gifts to charities, and how beneficiaries want to recognise such generosity.But the reality, certainly in the time that I have been involved at the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS), focused on growing philanthropy, is far removed from this. The donors that the team and I have met over the years have been diverse. In many ways, this is a microcosm of Singaporean society.

Building a Legacy: Michael Binger’s Philanthropic Journey in Singapore

Michael Binger relocated to Singapore in 2007 in search of fresh professional opportunities and a change of scenery. Now, sixteen years on, the ex-Vice President of South APAC at Under Armour has not only built a thriving business but also embarked on a meaningful journey of philanthropy, to make a lasting impact in the local community.Finding a Home in Singapore

Improving Employability: Creating Opportunities for All

In Singapore’s vibrant economy, employment is a key driver of social mobility and well-being. However, some groups face unique challenges in securing and maintaining meaningful work. At the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS), we recognise the importance of creating pathways to employment for all members of our community. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programmes, CFS is working to enhance employability and open doors of opportunity for those who need it most.We invited donors to Bettr Group’s new space to learn more about three impactful initiatives offered by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Bettr Group, and Assumption Pathway School (APS). These initiatives are making a positive impact on the lives of Singapore citizens and residents by promoting skills development, workplace inclusion, and supportive environments.

Strengthening Social Services: The Bluejacket Foundation’s Commitment to Capacity and Capability Building

Charities often struggle to secure funding for capacity and capability building, as donors tend to prioritise direct programme support over long-term infrastructure development. Yet, enhancing these areas is crucial for sustaining financial health, delivering effective and reliable services, and increasing their overall impact. Recognising this, the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) partnered with the Bluejacket Foundation in November 2022 to launch a two-year pilot initiative—the Capacity and Capability Building Grant—designed to support growth of charities and equip them for greater community contributions.The grant currently supports six charities, assisting them in retaining and recruiting essential talent, optimising resources, boosting efficiency, and expanding their impact.

Celebrating 15 Years of Impact: CFS Annual Report 2024

We are pleased to share our 2024 Annual Report, celebrating The Community Foundation of Singapore’s 15th anniversary. This year’s report outlines our progress over the years, and reinforces our firm commitment to being the community foundation focused on uplifting and supporting communities across Singapore.A Year of Exceptional Grantmaking

IFPAS Renews Partnership with CFS, Commits $200,000 to IFPAS Love Fund

In celebration of their 55th Anniversary, the Insurance and Financial Practitioners Association of Singapore (IFPAS) extended their commitment to the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) by pledging an additional $200,000 over the next five years to their donor-advised fund (DAF), named the ‘IFPAS Love Fund’.At the handshake ceremony between CFS and IFPAS, IFPAS President, Mr Ng Eng Beow, expressed his gratitude and vision for the partnership. He said, “Insurance is rooted in love. Love motivates us to protect ourselves and our loved ones. The IFPAS Love Fund was established seven years ago to channel our love to the wider community, and CFS has been our trusted partner in reaching out to those who need our help and support. We appreciate this collaboration, and we are excited for the future possibilities.”

Donor Learning Trip – St Joseph’s Home’s Inspirational Inter-Generation Programme

At CFS, we work closely with over 400 well-governed charities to link donors to programmes that achieve meaningful impact. With our deep experience, we understand the importance of improving lives through community initiatives. St Joseph’s Home (SJH) is a good example of this.About St Joseph’s Home (SJH)

A Donor’s Journey: Learn how we are partnering The Maanas Cares Foundation to Leave a Legacy of Positive Change

Philanthropy is more than just a gesture of goodwill; it’s a journey towards making a lasting impact on society. For the founders of the Maanas Cares Foundation, Manoj, Sreevidhya and their children, Aditya and Nitya, this journey began with a vision of creating a legacy of compassion and support for those in need. Partnering with the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS), they have transformed their philanthropic aspirations into tangible action, supporting a range of causes that are close to their hearts.For over two decades, the founders of the Maanas Cares Foundation have given to charitable causes. A few years ago, they decided to deepen their impact, to make a more significant and enduring contribution that would extend beyond their lifetimes. As working professionals at the peak of their careers, they found it challenging to dedicate the necessary time to support these activities. This led them to seek out an organisation with a proven track record to handle the administrative aspects of their philanthropic efforts. That’s when they discovered CFS.