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Business Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
NVPC, Tote Board launch guidebook to help non-profits measure impact
[SINGAPORE] The National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) on Friday (Aug 15) launched a guidebook in partnership with Tote Board, to provide tools for non-profits to measure their impact more effectively. The publication of the guidebook, titled Guide to Impact Measurement – From Intent to Impact for Non-Profits, comes amid significant growth in the sector. NVPC said: 'With the number of registered charities in Singapore growing by more than 250 between 2021 and 2023, and sector receipts rising from S$13.9 billion to S$22.17 billion in the same period, robust and accessible impact measurement is increasingly important for non-profit organisations to demonstrate accountability, build trust with donors and supporters, and focus their efforts on achieving meaningful outcomes.' The guidebook was developed in consultation with 36 charities, seven sector administrators and seven grant makers. Over the course of a year, there were workshops with 280 participants from 114 charities teaching foundational knowledge of impact measurement, as well as one-on-one consultancy support sessions for 20 selected charities. The guidebook draws on insights from these activities, which came under the first phase of NVPC's Impact Measurement Programme. The centre noted that the guidebook 'offers step-by-step guidance for non-profit organisations to implement and sustain effective impact measurement practices in their organisations'. Funders and grant makers can also use the guidebook as a reference point when engaging non-profits. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Outcomes thus far Arts organisation Oh! Open House, which participated in the Impact Measurement Programme's first phase, found the workshops helpful in explaining impact measurement. Lim Su Pei, deputy director of the charity, said: 'One ongoing challenge is translating qualitative, story-based impact into language that funders, policymakers and partners understand.' The workshops led Oh! Open House to redesign its surveys to collect more relevant data. The charity has also committed to a long-term 18-month impact measurement programme to more efficiently communicate outcomes to stakeholders. Another participating charity, Stroke Support Station, said the workshops and consultation sessions helped in 'sharpening' its understanding of impact measurement. Khairul Mohd Khair, the organisation's head of people and organisational development, said: 'After phase one, our staff had a clearer framework and tools to strengthen our stakeholder relationships and storytelling.' Phua Wee Seng, executive director and chief rare advocate of Rare Disorders Society, said phase one has enabled him to think more deeply about the outcomes of his organisation's programmes and the long-term change he wants to see. This is especially important as the charity gained its Institution of a Public Character status in 2022. Rare Disorders Society plans to apply impact measurement across its key programmes to improve stakeholder engagement. Tote Board first developed an impact measurement framework – called 'Theory of Change' – in 2022 to guide non-profits applying for its grants. This was refined in partnership with NVPC for broader reach and adoption across the sector. The guidebook references this framework and teaches charities how to use it to analyse their own impact. The second phase of the Impact Measurement Programme will begin in September, comprising workshops and peer-learning platforms. NVPC aims to support 400 non-profits by 2028. 'There is still a need to widen access to impact measurement knowledge and skills, and to strengthen sector-wide best practices,' said NVPC.
Business Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
A history of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility in Singapore
[SINGAPORE] While corporate social responsibility (CSR) has gained prominence in the 21st century, giving-back efforts in Singapore have long pre-dated its independence in 1965. The Business Times takes a look at the Republic's history of philanthropy and CSR, examining some of the companies that helped build Singapore and a few of its oldest-operating charities. Pre-independence: Early 20th century Giving-back efforts were individualistic and mainly done by various charities, global organisations, and family foundations. Tan Li San, chief executive of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), said: 'Early philanthropy before Singapore's independence was rooted in community-based giving, with few organisations engaged in social service.' Melrose Home, a residential home serving children and youths facing adverse circumstances, is run by Children's Aid Society, one of Singapore's oldest secular philanthropic organisations. PHOTO: CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY After World War II, the public, private and people sectors worked together to rebuild Singapore. In June 1946, the Department of Social Welfare was established. The Singapore Council of Social Service (SCSS) was set up in 1958 to coordinate the activities of charities. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Tony Soh, CEO of the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), said: 'Singapore's giving landscape has matured… starting from a philanthropist-driven approach to a more holistic one in which there is a broader definition of giving, with participation from varied stakeholders.' Post-independence: Formation of central bodies The government emphasised self-reliance, with corporate donations supporting the work of welfare organisations. In the mid-1960s and 70s, voluntary welfare organisations were set up to cater to marginalised groups. In 1983, Community Chest was established under SCSS as a central fundraising body. In 1992, SCSS was restructured to become NCSS, and NVPC was later formed to promote volunteerism. Martin Tan, CEO of The Majurity Trust, said: 'These platforms have played an important role in formalising giving in Singapore.' Tony Tan, executive director of CapitaLand Hope Foundation, and chief corporate officer of CapitaLand Development, said: 'Entities like Community Chest and NVPC… provide platforms that foster collaboration among corporates, non-profits and like-minded partners.' Janet Young, head, group channels and digitalisation, strategic communications and brand, UOB, concurred and added: 'In the early years, our involvement was rooted in straightforward acts of giving – supporting annual fundraising drives and rallying our employees to contribute through Community Chest's Share programme.' UOB employees and children from the Care Corner Student Care Centre (Woodlands) in 2018. PHOTO: UOB Companies which gave back did so through ad-hoc or more short-term efforts. Kingston Kwek, governor of Hong Leong Foundation, said: 'We recognised the need for longer-term initiatives to deliver sustainable value and drive greater impact.' 2000s: Government support Tan Bee Yit, regional officer of Salvation Army for the Singapore region, said: 'Singapore's 'Many Helping Hands' approach, introduced in the mid-1990s, laid the foundation for a strong partnership between individuals, families, communities and the government.' Some companies established corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. For example, in 2000, StarHub launched the StarHub Sparks Fund. Jaclyn Yeo, head of sustainability, StarHub, said: 'Over the years, we've supported everything from the local arts scene in 2005 to promoting sports as a force of good in 2010.' In 2003, the Temasek Board adopted a policy to set aside a portion of net positive returns for community giving. Four years later, Temasek established Temasek Trust to manage and disburse endowment funds, and Temasek Foundation to develop and roll out community programmes. In 2004, the Ministry of Manpower, National Trades Union Congress, Singapore National Employers Federation and the Singapore Business Federation formed the National Tripartite Initiative on CSR to help businesses align their practices with internationally recognised standards. The government started providing tax incentives for cash donations to charities with Institute of Public Character status in 2005. In 2023, the 250 per cent tax deduction was extended until end-2026. The first study on CSR conducted in 2008 by NCSS found a 'low level of awareness', at 40 per cent of 507 Singapore-based enterprises. NCSS' Tan said: 'CSR was still at its nascent stage, and (this) in some part, was due to the assumption that a company must be successful to engage in CSR activity.' 2010s-2020s: CSR gains prominence The platform lowers barriers for everyday giving. PHOTO: The launch of the national platform in 2015 lowered barriers for everyday giving. NVPC's Soh said: 'It provides businesses and their employees with a simple and transparent way to discover local causes and make regular contributions.' NCSS' Tan said: 'The Covid-19 pandemic… accelerated the digitalisation of social services and exposed gaps in digital access among communities in need.' Companies moved beyond monetary donations to engage the community more. For example, SP Group established the SP Heartware Fund in 2005 and supports vulnerable seniors through befriending and caregiver support. Since 2021, it has extended this support to children and youth. Companies formed more partnerships with charities and non-profits to ensure there is long-term impact. For example, OCBC's Families100 programme supports lower-income families with children living in rental flats over a one-year period, providing financial and academic support. The inauguration of OCBC Centre in 1976. The bank has several long-term partnerships to give back to the community. Companies started emphasising the importance of staff volunteerism. For example, City Developments Limited's employee volunteer platform, City Sunshine Club, works with community partners to organise programmes for the underprivileged. Companies' CSR journeys have evolved to include skills-based volunteerism. For example, Andrew Buay, vice-president of sustainability, Singtel Group, said the Singtel Enabling Network Innovation Centre and Singapore Business Network on DisAbility allowed for skills training and assistive technologies in support of employment and work transition. Andrew Buay, vice-president of sustainability, Singtel Group, engaging student beneficiaries during the launch of Expressions Through Art 2024 held at Gardens by the Bay. PHOTO: SINGTEL What's next? Funds are still important. For example, the CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative is a S$3 million commitment to fund projects focused on mental health, education and youth empowerment in Singapore, China, India and Vietnam. Community engagement programmes to support various programmes and causes. Sands Cares by Marina Bay Sands has grown from 10 to 15 programmes annually in the early 2010s to more than 50 programmes annually today. Marina Bay Sands' annual charity festival Sands for Singapore features beneficiary groups such as APSN selling goods. PHOTO: MARINA BAY SANDS Addressing emerging social needs in society, such as mental health and Singapore's ageing population. For example, Singtel has helped individuals with mental health conditions upskill, while CapitaLand has supported more than 100,000 seniors to date via its programmes. Going further into skills-based volunteerism. For example, Singapore Exchange (SGX) runs a financial literacy programme that has reached more than 22,000 individuals. Pol de Win, head of global sales and origination, SGX Group, said: 'We're also looking to expand our reach into areas like digital inclusion (and) youth empowerment.' Supporting inclusive efforts. For example, Resorts World Sentosa has hosted groups of persons with disabilities at its attractions. This year, Resorts World Sentosa hosted more than 30 persons with disabilities at the Harry Potter: Visions of Magic exhibition. PHOTO: RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA A greater range of companies are committed to giving back, such as small and medium enterprises (SMEs). NVPC's Soh said: 'In 2025, 77 per cent of all conferred companies are SMEs, signalling that giving is no longer limited to large corporations.' The Majurity Trust's Tan said: 'This shift… is only set to grow, especially as younger employees seek purpose-driven ways to contribute through their workplaces.' Charities have also evolved to cater to a greater range of needs and beneficiaries. Here are what some of the oldest charities in Singapore have to say: Salvation Army's Tan: 'Over the past 90 years, it has evolved to become a multi-service organisation addressing a broad range of social needs at different life stages.' Sandra Leong, executive director of YWCA Singapore: 'YWCA has pioneered many women-centred initiatives over its 150 years in Singapore depending on needs of that time.' Alvin Goh, executive director, Children's Aid Society: 'When Children's Aid Society was established in 1902, our focus was on providing food and shelter for children who had been abandoned or whose families were unable to care for them due to poverty. Today, our work is centred on supporting those who have experienced adverse life circumstances such as abuse or neglect through residential care and specialised therapies.' Children's Aid Society, established in 1902, continues to provide support to children and youth who have undergone adverse childhood experiences. PHOTO: CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY Additional reporting by Ilyas Salim and Vivien Ang
Straits Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
BookTalk: Former CEO of NVPC Melissa Kwee must have books around at all times
Who: Ms Melissa Kwee, 53, was the former chief executive of the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) from 2014 to 2022. With her at the helm, NVPC established donation platform which has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for various causes. It received a record $95.5 million in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since stepping down, she has established neighbourhood group Queenstown Kakis, which organises activities at coffee shops like hongbao-craft sessions during Chinese New Year so people can form organic connections. There is now a community calendar that involves people who live in the area.
Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Nearly 400 Singapore businesses recognised by NVPC as a Company of Good
(From left) Sheng Siong Group executive director Lin Ruiwen, The Courage Chapter co-founder and chief executive Lim Kai Ning and Mr Seah Kah Howe, director of Seah Kim Cheok Construction. SINGAPORE – A record 393 businesses in Singapore have been recognised as a Company of Good by the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) for their commitment to making a positive difference in society. Among them were 301 small and medium-sized enterprises – nearly double the 155 recognised in 2024. Collectively, these SMEs' in-kind donations to communities in Singapore rose more than eightfold from $689,520 to nearly $6.35 million over the same period, NVPC's Company of Good Collective Impact Report 2024-2025 stated. The report was released on July 17 at a conferment ceremony honouring the companies. At the event, Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, conferred the Champion of Good – the highest tier of recognition – on 62 organisations. These organisations stood out for their ability to influence and engage stakeholders such as employees and customers. NVPC assesses organisations based on their corporate purpose and efforts across five key impact areas: people, society, governance, environment and economic. To qualify, companies have to complete a comprehensive questionnaire covering these areas. Recognition is given in four tiers, starting from Company of Good – 1 Heart as the entry level. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business 5 things to know about Kuok Hui Kwong, tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter and Shangri-La Asia head honcho Asia Air India probe of Boeing 787 fuel control switches finds no issues Singapore Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore Singapore Sex first, then you can sell my flat: Women property agents fend off indecent proposals and harassment Singapore Two women jailed for submitting fake university certificates to MOM for employment passes Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail Speaking at the event, Mr Ong said: 'Fragmentation of work and individuals retreating into their own cyberspace can undermine the organisation over time, and we need to counter such forces. 'And one way to do so is to emphasise the value of individuals physically coming together to accomplish more than their business objectives, to help others, to bring about social changes.' He highlighted how local companies have evolved to serve social good. For instance, Sheng Siong, which was named a Champion of Good, introduced its Education Grant programme which has disbursed over $6 million towards supporting the education of around 600 employees' children each year since 2013. One beneficiary of the programme is Madam Meng Donge, a 54-year-old retail assistant and single mother of two, who has worked at Sheng Siong for 20 years. The programme has enabled her to support the education of her children. The Company of Good Collective Impact Report 2024-2025 found that companies across both years contributed an annualised $357 million in donations, and almost $73 million in in-kind support to benefit communities in Singapore. Both cohorts collectively contributed a total of 1.07 million volunteer hours. Among the 2025 cohort, 104 companies engaged diverse and inclusive suppliers, such as charities and social enterprises. Ms Lin Ruiwen, executive director of Sheng Siong Group, said in order to ease the impact of the rising cost of living, the company offers a 4 per cent special discount for senior citizens on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and a 4 per cent discount on Thursdays to blue Chas card holders. She added that Sheng Siong diversifies its food sources to ensure supply chain resilience and cost stability, and has expanded its house brand range to 1,750 products, offering customers quality alternatives at 5 per cent to 20 per cent savings compared to national brands. Another company recognised as a Champion of Good, Seah Kim Cheok Construction, launched an app offering English and digital literacy programmes tailored to migrant workers in Singapore. Called Grow Studio, the app empowers the workers to better understand safety instructions and navigate daily life with confidence. In 2021, the company started a charity, Grow Education, which also offers in-person lessons to complement learning on the app. Mr Seah Kah Howe, the construction company's director, said its migrant employees have grown more confident in communicating after the English lessons, and are able to help middle management with clients' reports and safety forms. The Courage Chapter was among 79 organisations recognised as a Company of Good – 3 Hearts. This recognition is conferred on organisations that have clearly articulated their corporate purpose with a clear plan to scale their impact. Ms Lim Kai Ning co-founded the social enterprise in November 2023 to help match senior professionals to companies through new employment models such as part-time work or on a project basis. The enterprise has since placed 43 seniors in various work opportunities and partners over 30 organisations, mostly in the social sector. Ms Lim said The Courage Chapter reduces the risk for both seniors and companies by starting with a one-day immersion and a two-month 'reternship' stint, where companies pay seniors a stipend of about $1,500, before they are potentially converted into longer-term employees. 'Our goal is to help the seniors to contribute back to the workforce, but there must also be a good fit of their skills to the company,' she said. 'While we started with a social mission, we believe that we get paid for the value that we provide.'
Straits Times
27-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Giving in the digital era: How Singaporeans are redefining charity
Madam Sonia Wong donates money and volunteers with Be Kind SG, while Mr Reshveen Rajendran donates to Rare Disorders Society (Singapore) and other charities. ST PHOTOS: TARYN NG, CHONG JUN LIANG SINGAPORE – Every two years, the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) takes the pulse of generosity in Singapore through its National Giving Study. In the 2023 edition, it surveyed 1,951 people islandwide and held 33 focus group discussions with 112 participants from a wide range of age groups and giving profiles. Of those who donated, 37 per cent did so online in 2018. This rose to 43 per cent in 2021, before settling at 39 per cent in 2023. The trend suggests that digital giving has become a steady part of Singapore's charitable landscape. 'One interesting observation is how younger Singaporeans, in particular, are embracing innovative, alternative ways of giving, from online fund raising to micro-volunteering,' says Mr Lenard Pattiselanno, senior director of NVPC's community leadership and partnerships team. 'Especially with the greater ease in online giving, donors will need to be discerning on which platform engenders trust for them,' he adds. Among those who did not donate in 2023, one reason stood out: the fear of scams, which increased by 9 per cent since 2021. On the flip side, the study found that trust makes all the difference. Respondents who had a positive perception of charities – believing they use funds wisely and are generally reliable – were far more likely to give, and to do so more frequently. Madam Sonia Wong, 54, regularly donates money and volunteers with Be Kind SG, a charity that supports parents with children with special needs. The full-time caregiver and mother of two does not set aside a specific amount of money for charitable causes every year, preferring to donate as and when she feels like it. She has a 21-year-old autistic daughter and got to know Be Kind SG's founder Sherry Soon in 2019 when she and her daughter attended an art activity for children with special needs. Be Kind SG was started by a group of volunteers in 2017 to shine the spotlight on often overlooked communities and champion the message of kindness. Among other activities, the group befriends residents living in adult disability homes and takes them for outings. During the pandemic, it started supporting other charities that were short on manpower and started organising a programme that organises play events for children with special needs. 'To sustain it, I decided that I needed to pivot to being an organisation so that it opens doors,' says Miss Soon, 44, who runs the charity full-time. In March 2023, Be Kind SG became a registered charity. Madam Wong says: 'I am always very cautious actually, donating financially to any of these (charity) institutions, but my views changed when I saw how many other families were impacted by the programmes that Sherry was doing.' After seeing first-hand how the programmes helped families with neurodivergent and special needs children, she signed up as a volunteer, becoming a parent coordinator at the toy library and other events. Madam Sonia Wong with balloons she received after attending the Purple Parade, a movement to support the inclusion of people with disabilities and celebrate their abilities, in November 2024. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Mr Reshveen Rajendran was just 21 when he was driven to lead a fund-raising campaign for Rare Disorders Society (Singapore) (RDSS). In 2011, he visited the home of a colleague who has a child with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disorder that affects the nerves that control muscle movement. It left the child able to move only her eyeballs. 'It was a life-changing day for me. When I left the house, I told myself, I want to do whatever I can in my capacity to help these children and their caregivers,' he recalls. A few years later, when a leadership programme he was in decided to organise a charity drive, he immediately suggested supporting RDSS. Within just four weeks, he and his teammates successfully raised around $60,000 for the non-profit. Mr Reshveen Rajendran is committed to donating at least six figures to charitable causes every year. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Today, Mr Rajendran, 32, is still a regular donor to the charity, as well as other local and international charities. 'Charity and giving back are very integral to my own personal beliefs. I don't see it ever as an expense. I always see it as a way in which we can ... bless other parties and be able to help them as well,' says Mr Rajendran, who runs a financial education company. In 2023 alone, through personal contributions and donations from his company, he gave more than $200,000 in cash to charitable causes. While the exact amount varies with his income, he is committed to donating at least six figures every year. 'Hopefully, it gets into seven figures very soon!' He donates larger sums through the national giving platform by NVPC that connects donors and volunteers with registered non-profits in Singapore. He is comfortable not going through official platforms only for smaller donations. 'Some newer (charities) and some of these other people that we support, you know, they might not have necessary proper accounting and stuff, so I do what I can. But with bigger sums, for sure, I will definitely do it through registered sites.' Mr Rajendran has seen crowdfunding campaigns organised by influencers. While he personally would donate only to registered charities, he recognises the power that storytelling has when it comes to raising funds for a cause . 'People are sold on emotions – you have to be able to tap on heartstrings. When people's emotions are moved, that's when you get people into action,' he says, adding that charities could be more creative and tell beneficiary stories more effectively. 'If it's for a good cause, it's to really help more people, to be able to help more kids, I think it should be done. At the end of the day, it's all about marketing.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
