Children’s charity Glyph celebrates getting IPC status
Founder Shaun Wang notes that the Institution of a Public Character accreditation marks a high standard of governance which gives donors confidence
NON-PROFIT organisation Glyph held its seventh anniversary celebrations at Gardens by the Bay over the last weekend, with more than 500 beneficiaries and stakeholders joining in the festivities.
The occasion was even more special as the local children’s charity received its Institution of a Public Character, or IPC, status two months ago.
Glyph founder Shaun Wang shared that the recognition represents a very high standard in charity governance, which the government awards selectively.
“Hence, this status gives donors the confidence that the charity has gone through rigorous vetting by the authorities,” he added.
When asked about the challenges faced in getting the recognition, Wang, who is in his 30s and works in the financial sector, said that it was in having a robust business plan.
“How it is governed, and ensuring that the operations are sound – these were just some hurdles we had to overcome,” he added.
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He also said that anyone can incorporate a non-profit organisation, but after becoming a registered charity, one must have a proven track record – in terms of the social and financial aspects – in order to be given the IPC status.
The children’s charity is part of the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s ComLink programme, which aims to uplift lower-income families with children.
Patron and guest of honour, Minister for National Development of Singapore Desmond Lee, attended the second day of the anniversary celebrations, and encouraged the beneficiaries present to sign up as ComLink Club members.
Dominic Kiw said that since joining Glyph, his eight-year-old daughter – who is one of the beneficiaries – has become more confident as the organisation has allowed her to learn new things through play.
Wang shared that one of Glyph’s missions is to change the perception that non-profits just give handouts to beneficiaries.
Many more social enterprises are coming up with innovative business models to support communities with a more holistic and coordinated approach.
He added that it is important for both for-profit and non-profit companies to see each other as partners.
“For-profit entities are similarly concerned about making an impact in the communities which they operate in. Therefore, by working with non-profits who understand the ground better, we can create a virtuous cycle because when more people’s lives are uplifted, it benefits for-profit entities (as) they will have access to a greater pool of customers/consumers,” he added.
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