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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Set up during the covid-19 pandemic, Sayang Sayang Fund raised $9.7m over three years, supporting over 400,000 lives
应疫情设立 Sayang Sayang基金三年筹970万元惠及40万人

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

Improving Employability: Creating Opportunities for All

October 30, 2024

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.

Group photo: The team behind Bettr Academy and Assumption Pathway School, empowering individuals through skills training and support

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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.

Uplifting Lower-Income Families: The ComLink+ Progress Package on Employment by MSF

The Collective for a Stronger Society seeks to empower lower-income families living in rental flats through multiple domains of support

The ComLink+ Progress Package on Employment by MSF is designed to help lower-income families in Singapore achieve financial stability and social mobility. Through financial support and dedicated family coaches, the programme fosters stable employment and creates a foundation for long-term economic independence. This holistic approach addresses the financial challenges faced by these families and empowers them to achieve self-reliance and improved quality of life, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more resilient society.

This programme is part of the Collective for a Stronger Society initiative by CFS, which aims to offer a coordinated series of cross-sector programmes and initiatives to uplift, enable, and empower lower-income families.

Ensuring No Student is Left Behind: Stepping Stones Programme by Assumption Pathway School

Mr Stephen Chin, Principal of Assumption Pathway School, shares a moment of joy and reflection with graduates of the Stepping Stones Programme.

The Stepping Stones Programme by Assumption Pathway School (APS) provides skills training and employment pathways for those who fail their Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). This six-year programme equips students with the essential skills and knowledge needed for stable employment. The curriculum includes literacy, numeracy, health and fitness, baking, culinary arts, facility services, hospitality services, and co-curricular activities (CCA). The first four years focus on building confidence and character through foundational vocational skills, while the final two years offer advanced vocational training and work-study opportunities, preparing students who are unable to progress to the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) for the workforce.

Eriq, a beneficiary of the APS Stepping Stones Programme, reflected on his journey. “I was one of the most troublesome students at APS. There was a point when I nearly dropped out because my attendance was so poor,” he admitted. However, with the support and encouragement from APS teachers, he realised the need for change.

“In my third year, I recognised that I couldn’t keep going down the same path. I was dealing with many family issues, and my teachers were always there to listen. Gradually, I started attending school regularly and noticed improvements in my performance.” Eriq joined APS in 2018 and, after overcoming these challenges, successfully graduated this year. He is now enrolled in ITE.

The Stepping Stones Programme profoundly impacts students like Eriq, especially those from lower-income families. By providing structured pathways for skills training and employment, the programme keeps at-risk students engaged in education, helps them develop essential life skills, and overcome socio-economic barriers, leading to better life outcomes.

This programme is also part of the Collective for a Stronger Society initiative by CFS.

Empowering Vulnerable Youths and Mothers: The Bettr Holistic Training Programme

Ms Tay Suyin, Assistant Director at Bettr Academy, reflects on the ongoing support received from CFS over the years and how the Bettr Holistic Training Programme has positively impacted their beneficiaries.

The Bettr Holistic Training Programme is supported by the Community Foundation of Singapore’s LIFT Community Impact Fund. It supports disadvantaged individuals, including youths and young mothers. The comprehensive training includes coffee-making and F&B skills, mental and emotional resilience, physical fitness, and employment readiness, culminating in a 7-week work experience with employment partners.

Inarah, a beneficiary of the programme, struggled with anxiety and depression during her early teens, which impacted her school life. Encouraged by a friend, she decided to try working as a barista and joined the Bettr Holistic Training Programme. “The programme helped me build confidence and learn to express myself. If not for Bettr, I wouldn’t be able to speak up and share my journey like I’m doing today,” she said. Now, Inarah is a cheerful and welcoming presence at The Social Space, thriving both professionally and personally. Her story is a testament to the life-changing impact of the Bettr Holistic Programme, which continues to empower individuals like her to overcome their challenges and build a brighter future.

Join Us in Creating Opportunities for All

CFS is committed to improving employability and creating opportunities for our community. By supporting programmes like the ComLink+ Progress Package on Employment, the Assumption Pathway School Stepping Stones Programme, and the Bettr Holistic Training Programme, we can make a tangible difference to the lives of marginalised individuals and families.

We invite you to join us in this important work. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about these initiatives, your support can help us continue to create pathways to employment and build a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Get in touch: https://cf.org.sg/contact/get-in-touch/

Stories Of Impact

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

October 8, 2024

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.

Charity partners and donors from Bluejacket Foundation gathered at Society for the Aged Sick for a roundtable discussion.

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The grant currently supports six charities, assisting them in retaining and recruiting essential talent, optimising resources, boosting efficiency, and expanding their impact.

The Bluejacket Foundation’s Mission

The Bluejacket Foundation was established by a family-owned shipping business, with ‘Bluejacket’ being a nod to sailors’ traditional blue uniforms. During the pandemic, their business persisted due to the relentless efforts of their crew, many of whom were stuck on ships for up to a year because of restrictions. Reflecting this dedication, the Foundation seeks to aid the committed individuals who work hard to keep charities and non-profits’ engines running.

As Mr. Teo, the Foundation’s representative explained, “In partnership with the Community Foundation of Singapore, the Capacity and Capability Building Grant supports the development and retention of talent, ensuring charities have the essential workforce to carry out their vital work.”

Bridging the Gaps: A Roundtable on Charity Needs

The roundtable highlighted benefits and key gaps in current funding options.

To help the donors gain deeper insights into the evolving needs of the social service sector, CFS organised a roundtable discussion between the Bluejacket Foundation and the charities supported by the grant. At the discussion, charities candidly shared their experiences with existing funding options, highlighting both the benefits and the critical gaps that need to be addressed.

Charities in Singapore have access to various grants, such as the Community Silver Trust (CST), the Career Conversion Programme for Social Workers (CCP), the Professional Capability Grant (PCG), the Care and Share Grant, and the Community Capability Trust (CCT). These grants support workforce training, staff development, and organisational growth, which have been extremely helpful for enhancing service delivery and building organisational capacity.

However, despite the available funding opportunities, certain needs remain unmet:

Increasing Need for Robust Backend Services: Existing grants usually focus on front-end programmes and manpower training. As services expand and governance requirements increase, charities face challenges in maintaining robust backend support systems, including HR, IT, finance, fundraising, and marketing. Manpower in these areas is often strained as a result.
Securing Long-Term Funding in a Competitive Philanthropic Landscape: While government grants provide valuable financial assistance, charities must sustain themselves once the funding ends. Smaller charities, in particular, struggle to secure long-term funding in a competitive philanthropic environment.
Attracting Quality Leadership in the Social Services Sector: Effective leadership is essential for the sustainable development and growth of charities. However, attracting and retaining top-tier talent in C-level positions within the social services sector remains challenging due to compensation that often lags behind other industries. While many charity leaders bring invaluable passion and operational expertise, they may lack the broader leadership skills required to effectively manage and guide a charity organisation.

A Sustainable Solution: Many-Helping Hands Approach

It is clear that as the sector continues to evolve, a many-helping-hands approach—involving ongoing collaboration between charities, donors, and the government— is crucial in driving long-term sustainability and effectiveness. While government grants provide support, creating a diversified funding model is essential for long-term success. By fostering talent development and providing additional financial support, initiatives like the Capacity and Capability Building Grant can enable charities to focus on delivering their core missions, enhancing service quality, and addressing emerging community needs.

CFS is proud to be part of this journey of improving the social services sector alongside the Bluejacket Foundation.

Get Involved

CFS is a leading provider of donor-advised funds in Singapore, working with donors to establish and manage funds that align to their values. Contact us to learn how your support for charitable causes can make a greater impact.

References

Ang, B. L. (2016, February 22). Capacity and Capability Building. Ministry of Social and Family Development. https://www.msf.gov.sg/what-we-do/odgsw/social-insights/2016-Capacity-and-Capability
Khalik, S. (2024, February 14). Salary guidelines to help community care sector be more competitive in retaining talent. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/salary-guidelines-for-community-care-sector-to-help-it-be-more-competitive-in-getting-workers

News

Celebrating 15 Years of Impact: CFS Annual Report 2024

October 2, 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.

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A Year of Exceptional Grantmaking

FY2023 was a year of growth, particularly in the areas of grantmaking and capability building. We distributed $22.5 million to 240 grantees, a 32% rise from the previous year, and enhanced our human resources to address growing industry demands.

Key Highlights for FY2023:

Surpassed $300 million in total donations, thanks to our generous donors
Awarded the Charity Transparency Award and the Friends of Community Care Award
Launched The Collective for a Stronger Society to support social mobility for lower-income families
Significant tech upgrades to our CRM system, website, and new donor portal

Looking Ahead

The Community Foundation of Singapore remains steadfast in our dedication to inspiring philanthropy and cultivating cohesive and compassionate communities. Check out our 2024 Annual Report to learn more about our collaboration with donors and the community.

News

Secure And Impactful Philanthropy: CFS Clinches Cyber Essentials Mark

September 24, 2024

We are proud to announce that CFS has been awarded the Cyber Essentials Mark, a cybersecurity certification by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. This recognition highlights our commitment to operational excellence and data security, essential for protecting donor information and other sensitive data.

CFS CEO Catherine Loh receiving the Cyber Essentials Mark from Director of CSA Veronica Tan, Hoi Wai Khin from RSM, and Baljit Singh from GICG.

The Cyber Essentials Mark acknowledges organisations with robust cyber hygiene practices, safeguarding systems against cyber-attacks. Other notable recipients of the Cyber Essentials Mark are SISTIC Singapore, M1 and Capella Hotel.

Protecting donor and partner information is crucial to our mission of secure philanthropy. Trust is essential in our relationships with donors, charities, and partners, and we are delighted to receive this award.

Ms Tan Pei Cheng, Head of Technology and Transformation at CFS