DONOR STORIES Archives

What does philanthropy have to do with drone football?

A group of white-haired men and women, including one in a wheelchair, have clustered in a room and are focusing on plastic balls flying in the air. Inside each ball is actually a drone operated by a senior and the participants are trying to outmanoeuvre each other and get their drones into the circular goal. Although this is just a training session, there are broad smiles when someone scores and the occasional shout of “Goal!”Drone soccer is just one of the many interesting projects funded by the Community Foundation of Singapore in a collaboration with the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC). The collaboration, whimsically named the “FUN! Fund”, identifies innovative programmes to engage our seniors. While the fund was started at the tail-end of the Covid-19 pandemic to promote active ageing, today it has broadened to include programmes that could unlock new ways to battle social isolation and boost physical well-being for the longer term.

新加坡天府会与新加坡社区基金会合作成立天府社区基金

在新加坡社区基金会（CFS），我们与来自各行各业的捐赠者合作。这些慈善人士在生活中也乐善好施，希望利用自身资源推动有意义的变革。他们有的是土生土长的新加坡人，有的则是把新加坡当成了自己的家园，渴望回馈这个真诚接纳他们的爱心社会。天府会对新加坡的承诺

Tian Fu Association (Singapore) Launches Tianfu Foundation (Singapore) in Collaboration with Community Foundation of Singapore

At CFS, we work with donors from all walks of life who have done well in life and wish to use their resources to drive meaningful change. Some are born and raised here, while others have made Singapore their home and are eager to give back to the community that has embraced them. Tian Fu Association’s Commitment to Singapore

Philanthropic donations jumped 96%, Low Tuck Kwong Foundation the largest giver

A foundation named after Singapore-born coal tycoon Low Tuck Kwong is the top private giver in a list of Singapore’s 10 biggest philanthropic organisations in terms of donations given.The Low Tuck Kwong Foundation, set up in December 2022, gave $127.6 million in 2023 to educational and healthcare causes.

Man starts charitable fund with close to $100k in life savings left by his nanny

A tech investor was shocked to find out that his majie, or nanny, left him her life savings of close to $100,000 when she died.To honour her, the 41-year-old, who wanted to be known only as Mr Lim, used the money to set up a charitable fund in her name with the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) in 2023.

‘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.

The Community Foundation of Singapore wins Charity Transparency Award for the Fourth Time

The Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) has been awarded the Charity Transparency Award (CTA) 2024, marking its fourth consecutive win of this prestigious honour. Presented by the Charity Council, the CTA recognises organisations that uphold high standards of transparency as outlined in the Charity Transparency Framework (CTF).

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

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.

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