Budget 2025: More than S$600 million in matching funds for charity; self-help groups get S$60 million
Larger donors for social causes will receive higher S$1.50 in matching for donations with minimum three-year commitment of at least S$250,000 per year
THE government and Tote Board will set aside more than S$600 million in matching funds as part of efforts to increase support for charity fundraising and social causes, announced Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday (Feb 18).
In his Budget speech delivered in Parliament, Wong said the government will provide a S$100 million top-up to the Cultural Matching Fund and extend it for five years until the end of FY2029.
This fund provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for private cash donations to registered charities in the arts and heritage sector.
In addition, the government and Tote Board will provide a S$270 million top-up to the Enhanced Fund-Raising Programme, which offers dollar-for-dollar matching grants for the fundraising projects of Singapore registered charities.
The programme will be extended for three years until the end of FY2027.
The government will also introduce a S$250 million SG Gives matching grant to provide dollar-for-dollar matching for donations made through platforms that help donors contribute to a range of programmes. These include the Community Chest, the Collective for a Stronger Society and the President’s Challenge.
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Many Singaporeans are passionate about social causes but may not have a specific charity in mind, said Wong, who is also the prime minister.
“To encourage sustained giving among larger donors, we will provide a higher S$1.50 in matching for donations with a minimum three-year commitment of at least S$250,000 per year,” he said.
Separately, self-help groups – such as the Chinese Development Assistance Council, Yayasan Mendaki, the Singapore Indian Development Association and the Eurasian Association – will also receive additional funding of S$60 million over the next five years.
“This will enable them to enhance their programmes and better support their communities,” said Wong.
For more Budget stories, visit businesstimes.com.sg/singapore-budget-2025
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