The family behind the Maanas Cares Foundation had been quietly supporting various charities for years. But as their commitment to giving deepened – especially in areas like eldercare, caregiving, and children’s education – they began searching for a more meaningful and lasting way to give.

That led them to set up a donor-advised fund (DAF) with the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS), designed to grow with their values and respond to evolving community needs.

“We were struck by how closely CFS’s mission aligned with our own goals for philanthropy,” said founders Manoj and Sreevidhya. “This partnership has helped us channel our passion and resources into causes that matter deeply to us, while ensuring our giving creates real, lasting impact.”

They are part of a growing trend. Philanthropic donations in Singapore surged by 96% in 2023, reflecting not just generosity, but a shift toward more thoughtful, structured giving. Increasingly, individuals and families are turning to donor-advised funds – flexible tools that let them plan ahead, adapt to changing needs, and sustain impact over time.

What is a Donor-Advised Fund?

A donor-advised fund, or DAF, is like a personal account for your philanthropy. You set aside money, receive immediate tax deductions, and decide, on your own timeline, which charities to support.

At CFS, starting a DAF begins with a minimum contribution of S$200,000. Your funds can be kept liquid for quick disbursement or invested to grow, giving you greater flexibility and potential for long-term impact. You give when you are ready, and to the causes that matter most to you.

Why donors choose a DAF:

• Upfront tax benefits
• Flexibility to support multiple causes over time
• No need to manage the complexity of a private foundation
• Personalised, expert guidance from CFS

It is a streamlined, structured and impactful way to give.

Making Your Giving Go Further

Most people begin their giving journey with a cause close to their hearts. But over time, priorities shift. That is where a DAF truly shines. You can adjust as you go, explore new ideas, and respond to emerging needs.

DAFs also spare you the administrative load of a foundation. No audits, legal filings, or compliance hurdles. CFS handles the backend, so you can focus on the impact.

This blend of flexibility and structure is why more individuals, families, and companies are now choosing DAFs as their preferred giving tool.

Your Giving Journey with CFS

Every donor’s journey begins with a conversation. Whether you are making a one-time gift or planning a long-term legacy, CFS helps you tailor the right structure.

We offer three types of donor-advised funds:

1. Flow-Through Fund: Your funds are kept liquid and are not invested. You can support causes at your own pace, with the flexibility to top up or disburse as needed.
2. Investible Flow-Through Fund: Your donation is invested, and both the principal and returns are available for grant making. Ideal if you want your capital to grow before giving.
3. Endowment Fund: Your contribution is invested and held in perpetuity. Only the income is used for annual grants, making this ideal for donors who wish to establish a long-term legacy or named award.

Getting started is easy:

• Step 1
  Planning: Define your giving intent. Decide on your fund’s structure, name, pledge amount, duration, and charitable focus.
• Step 2
  Execution: CFS prepares a draft deed for your review. Once finalised, you’ll sign the deed and nominate a witness to co-sign.
• Step 3
  Activation: Make your initial donation via bank transfer to activate your fund. You can begin recommending grants once the fund is live.
• Step 4
  Engagement: Stay connected through impact reports, site visits, and learning journeys curated by CFS to deepen your understanding of the issues you support.

A Trusted Partner in Giving

Donors often speak to how easy and supported the process feels with CFS.

“CFS provided us with a menu of choices – causes that needed support. They offered detailed information on each cause, helping us make informed decisions quickly,” said Manoj and Sreevidhya of the Maanas Cares Foundation.

Retired physician Dr Chua, who established the Bamboo Lotus Fund with a $1 million gift in 2021, echoed this sentiment: “I hope (my example) dispels the myth that only prominent individuals or corporate organisations can make significant donations.”

Both donors found in CFS a thoughtful partner, so they could stay focused on the impact they wanted to create.

Bringing Your Philanthropy to Life

Giving is deeply personal. The causes you care about, the legacy you hope to leave – these are as individual as you are.

That is why CFS goes beyond fund management. Our advisors work closely with every donor to shape goals, refine strategy, and sustain impact.

Many choose to appoint successor advisors, often their children or trusted partners, so that giving can continue across generations. Corporate donors also turn to DAFs to co-fund community initiatives or support large-scale social challenges.

Through curated experiences, from donor roundtables to learning journeys, CFS provides a safe space to grow, reflect, and give with intention. Because at its heart, a DAF isn’t just a financial tool. It is a way to live your values, anchor your generosity, and build something that lasts.

Ready to begin? Reach out to CFS to explore how a donor-advised fund can help bring your giving to life.