Stories Of Impact

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

Stories Of Impact

Home Donors Stories Of Impact Building a Legacy: Michael Binger’s Philanthropic Journey in Singapore

Stories Of Impact

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

November 5, 2024

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

Originally from Germany, Michael’s journey to Singapore began after eight years in Hong Kong, where he worked for a global sporting goods brand. “I decided I just needed a change of environment and a new opportunity,” he recalls. Singapore’s welcoming environment and robust legal and business framework provided the perfect setting for Michael to set up his own company and eventually make Singapore his home.

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The Spark of Philanthropy

Michael’s philanthropic journey was significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Coming out of COVID and seeing how quickly things can change in the world highlighted the need for community support much closer to home,” he explains. This realisation, coupled with advice on legacy planning, led Michael to explore ways to give back to the community.

Through his banking relationship with DBS, Michael was introduced to the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS). “I was lucky to be pointed to an organisation like CFS, which has a well-established structure of donor-advised funds and the expertise to guide donors,” he says. CFS provided the support Michael needed to navigate the complex charity landscape and set up a legal structure for his philanthropic efforts.

Focus on Sports, Children and Elderly

Michael’s professional background in the sports industry naturally influenced his philanthropic interests. “Sports has always been close to my heart, and I’ve seen the positive impact physical activity can have on people, especially children and also the elderly,” he shares. Michael believes that sports can be a powerful tool to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds build confidence, improve mental health, reintegrate into the community, if necessary, and create new opportunities for them.

His focus on children and sports was further reinforced by the challenges posed by the pandemic. “With children confined to their homes during COVID-19, the need for physical activity and support for disadvantaged or disrupted families became even more apparent,” he notes.

Michael is also passionate about supporting the elderly, recognising the importance of addressing issues such as social isolation and income insecurity. “Countries like Singapore are ageing rapidly, and it’s crucial to provide support for the elderly to ensure they remain active and engaged members of the community,” he emphasises.

Volunteer Work with talenTtrust

Michael’s philanthropic journey includes volunteer work with talenTtrust, an organisation that connects professionals with charities and social enterprises to provide essential business advice. This allows Michael to apply his professional skills to help local charities, deepening his understanding of the landscape and the unique challenges faced by smaller charities.

Learning and Growing with CFS

Michael’s involvement with CFS has been instrumental in shaping his philanthropic journey. He has participated in several donor-learning trips organised by CFS, which he finds valuable. “These trips are eye-opening, allowing me to see firsthand the challenges and needs of different organisations,” he says.

Legacy Giving: Planning for a Better World

At the heart of Michael’s philanthropic efforts is his dream for a better world. He envisions a future where no child is denied the opportunities they deserve, and where the elderly are not left to face social isolation and financial insecurity alone. “Everyone has something in this world that they would like to improve. For me, it’s about providing equal opportunities for children and supporting the elderly,” he shares.

Michael believes that achieving this dream requires long-term commitment and planning. “Legacy planning allows you to support causes close to your heart in a structured and sustainable way,” he explains. By setting up legacy funds with the help of CFS, Michael ensures that his contributions will continue to make an impact beyond his lifetime. “With a little bit of empathy, we can help children and the elderly find new confidence and purpose in life,” he adds.

Inspiring New Donors

As someone who has made Singapore his home and actively contributes to the local community, Michael has a message for new-to-Singapore donors: “There are issues to be tackled everywhere, including Singapore. It’s easier to make an impact where you are, and it helps you understand the local community better.” He encourages new donors to start small, find trusted partners like CFS, and focus on causes they are passionate about.

Legay Giving and how you can start giving with CFS

Legacy Giving is a planned future gift to a cause you are passionate about. It empowers you to create an enduring impact on your community, reflecting what you value and care about deeply. Here are ways you can leave a legacy:

Give Now: Make an immediate impact by establishing a donor-advised fund to transform lives with your generosity.
Give Later: Secure your future legacy by instructing your executor or trustee to create a donor-advised fund using assets from your will, trust, or CPF/insurance nominations.
Give Now; Give Later: Amplify your impact by setting up a donor-advised fund now and supplementing it with future gifts from your will, trust, or CPF/insurance nominations.

Get in touch to speak to us on how you can tap on CFS’s expertise for your legacy giving journey.

Events

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

December 9, 2024

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.

For others, the absence of family or friends becomes even more apparent—someone who has lost a loved one, a migrant worker far from his family, or an elderly person with limited social support.

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To celebrate and encourage the spirit of giving, the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), in partnership with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), has rolled out the Great Singapore Give. Running from mid-November to February 2025, this initiative inspires collective acts of kindness across Singapore.

The Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) is pleased to be part of this meaningful initiative, championing the spirit of giving and supporting efforts to uplift those in need during this festive season.

This year, through the Collective for a Stronger Society, we focus on empowering lower-income families through programmes that provide essential services and opportunities for a brighter future. Your donation can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

This season, let your generosity shine. Donate today through our giving.sg platform and help us bring cheer to those who need it. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive Singapore where no one is left behind.

News

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

November 26, 2024

The Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) has been awarded the Charity Transparency Award (CTA) 2024, marking its fourth consecutive win of this prestigious honour.

Ms Catherine Loh, CEO of CFS, receiving the Charity Transparency Award from Mr Desmond Chin, the Commissioner of Charities

The Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) has been awarded the Charity Transparency Award (CTA) 2024, marking its fourth consecutive win of this prestigious honour.

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Presented by the Charity Council, the CTA recognises organisations that uphold high standards of transparency as outlined in the Charity Transparency Framework (CTF).

At the ceremony held on 14 November 2024, Catherine Loh, CEO of CFS, received the award from Mr Desmond Chin, the Commissioner of Charities.

This recognition reflects CFS’s steadfast dedication to transparency, accountability, and exemplary governance within the charity sector. CFS is privileged to be recognised among the charities that uphold these principles, which are essential for cultivating public trust and fostering impactful change.

Events

Lighting the Way Together: CFS Celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival with the Association for Persons with Special Needs

November 25, 2024

The Mid-Autumn Festival held special significance for the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) team this year. They joined trainees at APSN Centre for Adults (CFA) for a creative lantern painting activity, transforming simple lanterns into vibrant artworks. The event served as an excellent icebreaker, sparking conversations and even some impromptu dance performances.

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The activity was followed by a delicious lunch at the APSN Café for All, prepared and served with care by the trainees. The café showcases APSN’s mission to empower individuals with special needs, highlighting their skills and dedication. Mr Philip Li, Principal Centre Lead of CFA, then conducted a tour of the facilities, offering insights into CFA’s vital work in preparing adults with mild intellectual disabilities for meaningful employment and independence.

Since its founding in 1976, the Association for Persons with Special needs (APSN) has provided special education, vocational training, and employment support to over 6,000 individuals. CFA is a shining example of this mission, fostering self-reliance and dignity through programmes in food and beverage, horticulture, and urban farming. The day’s activities deepened CFS staff’s understanding of CFA’s transformative impact.

We are immensely grateful for the support from CFS donors, which enables us to achieve what would otherwise be impossible. Thank you to the CFS staff for spending your day with us and for being invaluable partners in our mission.

Philip Li, Principal Centre Lead of CFA

Reflecting on the experience, Sarah, a member of the CFS team, shared, “I learned how essential it is to see each trainee as a person first, beyond their disabilities. They are differently abled, and we should celebrate their uniqueness. I truly enjoyed singing ‘Wa Meng Ti’ with my trainee!”

Our Donors’ Support

CFS’s generous donors have supported APSN trainees through its Horticulture Training Programme, which offers employment and skill development opportunities. The programme focuses on urban farming and food sustainability, incorporating a farm-to-table concept where harvested crops are supplied to the APSN Café for All.

As a community foundation, CFS bridges resources and community needs. At the core of its mission is uplifting lives and fostering thriving communities. This Mid-Autumn Celebration was a memorable one, and we look forward to future collaborations that will continue to bring joy and learning opportunities to all.

Events

Ensuring A Brighter Future for Vulnerable Families and Children

November 20, 2024

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?

CFS CEO Ms Catherine Loh (center) with Ms Saleemah Ismail, Founder and Executive Director of New Life Stories (left), and Ms Lin Shiyun, Founder and Executive Director of 3Pumpkins (right)

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?

Our recent Donor Learning Trip highlighted charities addressing these questions.

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Empowering Families, Building Futures

While Singapore has done well in sustaining social mobility compared to other advanced economies, we do face challenges such as an ageing society and slowing economy (Ministry of Social and Family Development, 2022). Without targeted interventions, vulnerable families may struggle to overcome barriers to upward mobility. Addressing these challenges requires sustained efforts and innovative programmes that support families holistically, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term development.

During the event, donors learnt about three programmes that seek to improve the well-being of lower-income families and their children: Tak Takut Kids Club by 3Pumpkins provides a safe hangout for vulnerable children in public rental estates. The Family Strengthening Programme by New Life Stories helps incarcerated parents reconnect with their children, while the ComLink+ Progress Package on Debt Clearance supports families in managing their debt. These are just a few of the many programmes under the Collective for a Stronger Society, a five-year long effort which seeks to provide wraparound support for Singapore’s most vulnerable families.

Building Socio-Emotional Resilience in Vulnerable Children: Tak Takut Kids Club (TTKC) by 3Pumpkins

Ms Lin Shiyun, Founder and Executive Director of 3Pumpkins, started TTKC as a social experiment after three years of interacting with vulnerable children. She saw the need for a safe community space for them to learn and grow.

Located at Boon Lay Drive, Tak Takut Kids Club (TTKC) is a lively community space that supports the socio-emotional growth of children in rental flats. “Tak Takut,” meaning “don’t be afraid” in Malay, reflects the club’s mission to provide a secure, nurturing environment where children engage in art, cooking, gardening, sports, and free play. TTKC has become a second home for these children, fostering trust and community and encouraging them to connect with others.

Ms. Lin Shiyun, Founder and Executive Director of 3Pumpkins, explained, “TTKC is not just a drop-in center; it is a place where children feel safe and supported. Our goal is to establish a child-centric social support system that empowers each child to reach their full potential.” She added that it is akin to joining a ‘good gang’ for these children and youth who seek acceptance and a sense of belonging.

Watch this video to find out more about TTKC:

2. Wraparound Support for Incarcerated Parents and Their Children: The Family Strengthening Programme by New Life Stories

Ms. Saleemah Ismail, Founder and Executive Director of New Life Stories, highlighted that 21% of children with incarcerated parents end up in prison as adults, stressing the need for early family intervention.

The Family Strengthening Programme by New Life Stories offers comprehensive support to children and their incarcerated parents, focusing on Befriending, Incare, and Family Care. This programme allows parents to connect with their children through stories and messages, creating a foundation for rebuilding relationships. “Our mission is to break cycles of intergenerational social disadvantage by supporting families impacted by incarceration to rebuild their lives and strengthen family bonds. For example, our befriending weekly programme has contributed to an 81% improvement in literacy levels and 72% in self-confidence with the children that we work with,” Ms Saleemah said.

Watch how the Family Strengthening Programme transformed a mother’s life and helped her to reconnect her with her children:

3. Easing Financial Stress for Lower-Income Families: The ComLink+ Progress Package on Debt Clearance by MSF

The donor learning trip highlighted the essential support that lower-income families need to gain stability and enhance their quality of life

The ComLink+ Progress Package on Debt Clearance assists lower-income families with children in public rental flats by providing crucial debt relief. According to a study by the Social Service Research Centre (SSR) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), debt relief reduces mental strain, improving psychological well-being and cognitive function (NUS, 2019). This support empowers individuals to make sound financial decisions, aiding in their long-term journey out of poverty. Ultimately, the programme aims to foster stability, self-reliance, and social mobility.

More Than Just an Educational Experience

By witnessing the transformative impact of these programmes, donors were inspired to contribute to this collective effort that goes beyond mere financial support. It is about building a future for Singapore where every family, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the opportunity to thrive.

Join us in this mission to create lasting change. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty, uplift the social well-being of lower-income families, and build a stronger, more inclusive Singapore. By starting a donor-advised fund with CFS, you can make a profound difference, turning hope into reality for those who need it most.

Get involved today and be a part of this transformative journey.

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