SENIORS

a group of people in a room with a stage and a group of people in chairs

Four ways to give back through the arts

To put things into perspective: giving to the arts means more than just supporting a company’s artistic endeavours – support for the arts helps build a more inclusive society and brings benefits to the community in many ways.Many of Singapore’s artists, art companies and institutions are passionate about social causes, and make it part of their mission to give back through the work they do. These efforts often go beyond cultivating art appreciation, to include efforts to reach out to the less privileged, nurture the young and bring the joy of the arts to a wider audience.

four teenagers helping to clean a dirty wall

The Straits Times: The ST Guide To… giving to charity

For those with fatter wallets and who hope to create a greater impact with their gift, they can even consider setting up a charitable fund to give to causes close to their hearts.For example, the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS), a non-profit group, helps donors find a more structured and sustainable way of giving by providing advice and managing their charitable fund.

a group of people standing in a field with a bunch of vegetables

TODAY – Successful philanthropy: Doing good takes more than just giving

By Richard HartungBeyond just managing your money to meet your needs, donating to support good causes can benefit you and the broader community. The key to successful giving, though, is choosing the right causes and giving the right amounts. Increasingly, there are a host of tools and resources to help you decide.

Lianhe Zaobao: CFS has helped donors set up more than 80 funds in the past 8 years

胡洁梅 14 November 2016从资助年长者活动的基金，到帮助工艺教育学院学生的“纳丹教育提升基金”，新加坡社会基金会协助设立的基金从八年前的七个，蓬勃发展至目前的80多个，支持各类公益项目。

picture of poon yu hui, lydia lim yong yee, betty chum, nur ashikin bte rahim, lim pei shan, joyce than jia yi, and laurina tay kai yee

International Women’s Forum Singapore: Empowering young women for a better future

They may come from disadvantaged families, juggling work with school, but that has not stopped them from pursuing their dreams or even helping others. For this, ten young women were presented with the 2016 International Women’s Forum (IWF)’s Education Grants on 30 September.Managed by the Community Foundation of Singapore, the IWF Education Grants support young women who are currently pursuing a diploma or degree in local polytechnics or universities but face challenges in continuing their studies due to financial difficulties. Many come from low income families and need to work to pay school fees or supplement their household income.

Teach a man to fish — and pay for the rod too

We have all heard the popular proverb, “give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. Everyone agrees, but few pay for the fishing rod.Successful businesses invest in skills, people and infrastructure. In the same vein, donors need to fund these areas for charities to deliver social impact.

A man seated on a stool against a vibrant wall, exuding a lively ambiance.

The Straits Times: The new philanthropists in town

by Theresa Tan, 26 June 2016There is also a growing number of donors who have started charitable funds parked under groups like the Community Foundation of Singapore and the SymAsia Foundation. Both charities manage their donors’ funds and disburse them to each donor’s chosen causes, thus saving the donors the cost and effort of starting their own foundation. A sum of at least $200,000 is required to set up a charitable fund with the Community Foundation, and 82 funds have been formed since it was set up in 2008.

Wheelchair-bound individuals enjoying a day at the zoo

Outing for Seniors Community Impact Fund – Bringing seniors out to improve their well-being

Social interaction is critical, especially in one’s later years, as it generates a sense of belonging and well-being. The Outing for Seniors Community Impact Fund was started by Mr and Mrs William Bird in 2009 to enable seniors with medical conditions or mobility challenges to enjoy being out and hopefully reduce their sense of social isolation.

Bright moon illuminating serene city park.

The Funding Network (TFN)

The Funding Network (TFN) is an innovative, inspiring and rewarding way for donors to make a real, positive difference to the community. The programme offers charitable organisations the opportunity to pitch their cause to a group or corporation to secure crowdfunding and mentoring as well as expand their donor base and network. TFN makes it possible for individuals, foundations and corporations to give collectively in increments starting from S$50, with an aim to raise at least S$10,000 for the non-profit. Here are some projects TFN successfully supported:

Group of elderly sitting around a round table

Family of Wisdom – Caring for persons with dementia and their caregivers

Dementia is a chronic disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury. The estimated number of persons living with dementia in Singapore was 45,000 in 2015. This number is projected to increase to 103,000 by 2030.*The Alzheimer’s Disease Association (ADA) provides personalised daycare for persons with dementia, and offers support to their caregivers. With a long waiting list for dementia day care, the ADA came up with an initiative called Family of Wisdom (FOW) to address the need.