10 Incredible Charity Organisations in Singapore Making a Global Impact

Singapore, a thriving metropolis, is home to a vibrant and compassionate community that actively supports a wide range of charitable causes both locally and internationally. With a multitude of non-profit organisations operating within its borders, Singapore offers a unique platform for individuals and businesses to contribute to meaningful initiatives that address pressing social, environmental, and economic issues worldwide.

1. The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund

Since its inception in 1992, The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund has provided financial assistance to over 180,000 underprivileged students in Singapore. The fund's primary mission is to alleviate the financial burden faced by families struggling to make ends meet, ensuring that these children have access to basic necessities such as meals, transportation, and school supplies.

2. Community Chest

Established in 1983, Community Chest is Singapore's largest fundraising platform for social service agencies. It brings together over 800 member organisations that provide a comprehensive range of essential services to individuals and families in need, including healthcare, education, counselling, and disability support. Through its annual fundraising campaigns, Community Chest has raised over S$3 billion since its inception, supporting more than 5,000 programmes and projects.

3. Singapore Red Cross Society

The Singapore Red Cross Society (SRCS) is a humanitarian organisation that has been providing emergency relief and disaster assistance both locally and internationally for over 70 years. SRCS is known for its rapid response to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and cyclones, providing essential aid to affected communities around the world. It also operates a wide range of community programmes in Singapore, including blood donation, first aid training, and disaster preparedness education.

4. The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a global Christian organisation that has been operating in Singapore since 1938. It provides a diverse range of social services, including shelter, food assistance, addiction recovery programmes, and support for the elderly and disabled. The Salvation Army's unique approach to rehabilitation and social welfare has made it a trusted partner in the community, helping countless people overcome challenges and rebuild their lives.

5. Habitat for Humanity Singapore

Habitat for Humanity Singapore is a non-profit organisation that works to provide affordable housing solutions for low-income families in Singapore and beyond. The organisation's mission is to empower families to achieve a safe and stable home, often through the construction and renovation of houses in collaboration with volunteers. Habitat for Humanity Singapore has built or repaired over 600 homes in Singapore since its inception in 1993, transforming the lives of thousands of people.

6. World Vision Singapore

World Vision Singapore is a Christian humanitarian organisation that works in over 100 countries worldwide. Guided by its mission of transforming the lives of vulnerable children and their communities, World Vision Singapore provides a range of programmes in areas such as healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. The organisation works in partnership with local communities to address the root causes of poverty and injustice, seeking to create sustainable solutions that empower people to break the cycle of poverty.

7. Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO)

The Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO) is a non-governmental organisation that represents over 70 women's organisations in Singapore. Founded in 1980, SCWO advocates for the rights of women and girls and provides a platform for women's empowerment. The organisation works closely with government agencies and international organisations to promote gender equality and address issues affecting women's lives, including education, employment, and healthcare.

8. MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore)

MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore) is a non-profit organisation that empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Established in 1962, MINDS provides a comprehensive range of services and programmes, including early intervention, education, vocational training, and supported employment. The organisation's belief in the potential of every individual drives its mission to promote inclusion and create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to live fulfilling lives.

9. Assisi Hospice

Assisi Hospice is a non-profit organisation that provides palliative care and support to patients with serious illnesses and their families. Founded in 1996, Assisi Hospice offers a holistic approach to end-of-life care, focusing on the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of its patients. The organisation's compassionate and interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals works tirelessly to alleviate suffering, empower patients, and support families through the challenging journey of illness.

10. Willing Hearts

Willing Hearts is a non-profit organisation that provides hot meals to the underprivileged and elderly in Singapore. Founded in 2003, the organisation has served over 5 million meals to date, reaching out to individuals and families in need. Willing Hearts operates a unique "Soup Kitchen on Wheels" that delivers meals directly to the homes of those who are unable to access food, ensuring that nobody goes hungry in our community.

How to Choose the Right Charity Organisation for You

With so many worthy charity organisations operating in Singapore, choosing the right one to support can be a daunting task. Here are a few key questions to consider:

• What causes are you most passionate about? Whether it's poverty alleviation, education, environmental protection, or disaster relief, identifying the causes that resonate with you will help you narrow down your choices.
• What kind of impact do you want to make? Do you want to support a local organisation that is making a difference in your community, or do you prefer to contribute to a global cause?
• What are the organisation's values and mission? It's important to choose an organisation whose values align with your own and whose mission you believe in. This will ensure that your donations are being used in a way that is meaningful to you.
• How transparent is the organisation? Look for organisations that provide detailed information on their finances and operations, including their annual reports and audited financial statements. This will give you confidence that your donations are being used responsibly.

Tips and Tricks for Giving to Charity

• Give regularly. By setting up a regular donation, you can make a sustainable contribution to the causes you care about.
• Give what you can afford. Any amount, however small, can make a difference.
• Give in-kind. Donating your time, skills, or goods can be just as valuable as a financial contribution.
• Encourage others to give. Share your passion for charity with your friends, family, and colleagues, and inspire them to get involved.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Giving to organisations without doing your research. It's important to ensure that the organisation you're supporting is legitimate and uses your donations effectively.
• Giving based on emotion. While it's important to feel passionate about the cause you're supporting, it's equally important to make informed decisions about where your money goes.
• Ignoring local charities. There are many worthy local charities that make a significant impact in our community. Remember to consider these organisations before donating to international causes.

The Future of Charity in Singapore

The future of charity in Singapore looks bright. The government is supportive of the non-profit sector and provides funding and resources to organisations that are making a positive impact. The community is increasingly engaged in charitable giving, and new technologies are making it easier for people to donate and volunteer. As Singapore continues to grow and prosper, there is no doubt that the charitable landscape will continue to evolve and expand, creating even more opportunities for individuals and businesses to make a difference in the lives of others.

Tables

Table 1: Key Figures on Charity in Singapore

Table 2: Examples of Impactful Charity Projects in Singapore

Table 3: Tips for Giving to Charity

Table 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid When