Everyday Heroes of Philanthropy is a new content series celebrating the people in our community whose giving is guided by heart, purpose, and a deep belief in making a difference.We begin with the story of one of our donors Mr Choo Heng Thong, whose quiet generosity is creating a legacy of compassion – one that will continue to touch lives for generations to come.
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.
Five-year-old Levon Sim dreams of becoming a doctor. But for children like her, the path of learning isn’t always easy.Raised by her grandmother, Judy, who is her sole caregiver, Levon faced early challenges in school. She couldn’t recognise the alphabet, and coming from a Chinese-speaking background, English was especially difficult. When a social worker flagged her developmental delays, Judy knew Levon needed extra support – but she wasn’t sure where to turn.
June never imagined that she would stand at a crossroads between life and the death penalty. A series of choices led her to a moment that could have ended everything—but instead, she was given a second chance. She served a five-year prison sentence, an experience that forced her to reflect, grow, and redefine her future.Since her release in 2019, June has been rebuilding her life with courage and determination, reconnecting with her family, and proving that transformation is possible. With the support of New Life Stories’ Family Strengthening programme, she is not only healing but also helping others find hope.
A stable home environment is crucial to overall well-being, particularly for families with children. Lower-income families often encounter hurdles in achieving homeownership, which may include the inability to accumulate sufficient savings for a down payment, or to keep up with mortgage payments.Following his divorce, Mr Borhan was forced to sell his matrimonial home in 2007. The flat was sold at a loss, leading to debts that he spent the next decade servicing. As they were unable to afford a new house or qualify for a rental flat, Mr Borhan and his three children spent the next 10 years moving between relatives’ homes. At one point, they lived with his brother’s family, where 13 people crowded into a four-room flat.
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
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
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
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.
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.”
