Let's talk charity

Are Singaporeans a generous lot? When it comes to charity, we are. In 2018, we made it to the Charities Aid Foundation’s list of top 10 most generous countries in the world. In 2021, we made record donations through charity crowdfunding sites despite weathering the toll on jobs and finances brought upon by the protracted Covid-19 pandemic. 

Our results were a little less stellar in 2023. National digital giving platform giving.sg saw donations drop for the first time last year as people feel the effects of inflation and tighten their purse strings.  

Your impact is bigger than you realise 

When it comes to charity there’s no “right” amount to give. And if you aren’t able to make a monetary contribution there are other ways to make an impact.

• Did you know? The value of volunteering in 2018 came up to a whopping S$2.43 billion compared with just 10 years ago, S$0.59 billion in 2008. What new heights can we achieve come 2028?
• Time is money: Consider spending a few hours at a local shelter or participating in community clean-up drives. Or take it to the next level and share your skills and expertise by mentoring, providing professional services pro bono, or helping to strategise and implement projects. 
• Flaunt it like the celebrities: What about leveraging your network? Connect people and organisations or mobilise community resources for charitable causes! Another way to activate the network effect? Share stories of giving and impact. This can be done through social media or community platforms. Advocating for causes you believe in and sharing your journey of giving can inspire others and amplify the efforts of non-profit organisations  and community groups.

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Let’s get to the heart of the matter: What’s in it for you? 

• Let’s start with the tangible benefits. Make a donation and you can enjoy up to 250 per cent tax deduction in 2024! These donations must be to organisations classified as Institutions of Public Character or to the Singapore government for causes that benefit the local community.  
• Get creative. If you are making investments or starting your own business, consider how you can make an impact and help causes you care about while generating financial returns. Win-win. 
• Numerous studies conducted globally over the years have shown that acts of kindness and giving make us feel happier. Locally, NVPC conducted a study in 2018 which found that senior volunteers reported better health and life satisfaction compared with non-volunteers. In times of need, these senior volunteers also said they were able to reach out to twice as many people compared to non-volunteers.  

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Psst! Here’s something else you should know: 

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