Covid-19 has changed the world we live in. Like it or not, life will not return to how it was pre-Covid-19; its effects will live long even after the pandemic is over.
But through the difficult times, we have seen that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Since February, Singaporeans have come together to help each other. Whether or not it is to distribute masks to the needy, to honour frontline heroes, help the homeless, giving aid to our foreign workers or simply join voices in a virtual choir, we have seen an increase in ground-up communities who have stepped up with initiatives to help those who are most affected.
But while it doesn’t take much to be kind, there are some of us who want to help more than those in our immediate vicinity. Often, it is not the lack of heart but the lack of funds that hamper these efforts.
If you or a group of like-minded people want to do something good for the local community during this time, here are six funds that can help bring your ideas to fruition.
Oscar @ sg Fund
This fund by Temasek Trust supports ground-up initiatives that respond to significant or urgent community needs in Singapore arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. These initiatives should be aimed at supporting vulnerable groups, front-line workers and the wider Singaporean community impacted by Covid-19 and be aligned with the OSCAR values of Ownership, Sustainability, Cares, Assurance and Resilience.
Who can apply:
— Individuals or a group of individuals
— Non-profit organisations registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory (ACRA) or the Registry of Societies (ROS)
Find out more information on the Oscar @ sg Fund and the application process here. Donations to the fund are also welcome.
SG Strong
The SG Strong Fund set up by The Majurity Trust is set up by Singapore-based family foundations and philanthropists to support ground-up initiatives to meet immediate and direct needs in Singapore arising from Covid-19.
Who can apply:
— Individuals or a group of individuals
— Non-profit organisations registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory (ACRA) or the Registry of Societies (ROS)
Find out more information on the SG Strong fund and the application process here. Donations to the fund are also welcome.
Our SG Fund
The SG Fund was set up to support meaningful projects by passionate Singaporeans to build national identity or meet social and community needs. This fund is made up of three supporting grants from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), Tote Board and the Singapore Centre for Social Entrprise (raiSE).
Who can apply:
— Groups of at least 2 Singaporean citizens/ Permanent Residents who are
– 18 years and above; and
– Reside in Singapore
— Non-profit organisations that are Public Company Limited by guarantee registered with:
– Accounting and Corporate Regulatory (ACRA); or
– Registry of Societies (ROS); or
– Charitable Trust registered with the Commissioner of Charities (COC); or
– Co-Operative registered with the Registry of Co-operative Societies; or
– Trade Union registered with the Registry of Trade Unions
Find out more information on Our SG Fund and the application process here.
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Ground-Up Movement Funding
This fund by the Singapore Kindness Movement encourages and supports self-organised groups to sustain their voluntary projects on addressing social issues or promoting the message of kindness to different communities within Singapore.
Who can apply:
— Open to all except registered entities and social enterprises.
Find out more information on the Ground-Up Movement funding and the application process here.
Seed Kindness Fund
The fund set up by the Singapore Kindness Movement supports youths who want to make a positive impact by promoting kindness and graciousness in Singapore. Students can choose from either coming up with a creative plan and carrying it out; or picking a cause that they believe in from the list of supported projects.
Who can apply:
— Individuals or groups of up to 12 aged between 14 to 26
— Able to seek endorsement from their registered educational institute
Find out more information on Seed Kindness Fund and the application process here.
Young ChangeMakers Grant
This grant initiated by the National Youth Council supports youth-initiated projects that benefit Singapore and the local community. It seeks to empower youths as decision-makers to evaluate projects and mentor other project applicants.
Who can apply:
— Singaporeans/ Permanent Residents residing in Singapore aged between 15 to 35
Find out more information on the Young ChangeMakers Grant and the application process here.
For all other funds that can be utilised for causes that are not directly linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, check out Ground-up Central for the most suitable grant for your project.
While the grants provided are catered for projects that impact a larger group of people, kindness is not limited to grand gestures or grand plans. On a personal level, all of us have the ability to help a neighbour out or make someone’s day. We can overcome as one and fight the virus with unity and kindness.
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