SBF’s VolunteerInc programme to support companies eyeing social impact

[SINGAPORE] The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) has officially launched its initiative aimed at supporting businesses in their corporate volunteerism efforts.

Called VolunteerInc, the programme connects businesses with suitable volunteer opportunities tailored to their size, interests and capabilities, said Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo.

Established by the Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth in partnership with SBF and its social impact arm, SBF Foundation, the programme was officially launched on Thursday (May 14) at SBF’s Future Economy Conference at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

It has already engaged more than 50 partner companies and deployed some 500 people to volunteer in the community over the last nine months.

“VolunteerInc will build on this momentum to grow volunteerism more widely, with an ambition of engaging 600 businesses and deploying 6,000 employees to serve the community by 2030,” he added.

Bridging the gap

Neo said that over 120 businesses have also indicated their interest in participating.

According to SBF’s inaugural Social Sustainability and Corporate Volunteering Study, nine in 10 local businesses see social sustainability as essential to their long-term success, but only 30 per cent have actually pursued volunteering and donation efforts.

“The gap between 30 per cent and 90 per cent suggests that many businesses want to do more, but may be held back by constraints, such as manpower and resources for SMEs, and difficulty measuring impact for larger firms,” said Neo.

He added that besides matching businesses with suitable opportunities, the programme also helps companies leverage their unique strengths in their volunteering efforts.

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He cited how VolunteerInc worked with Grab and Beautiful People – a charity supporting women from disadvantaged backgrounds – to design an artificial intelligence workshop that trained beneficiaries in using AI tools for job preparation and workplace tasks.

“Whether through partnerships with social service agencies, employee volunteerism or championing causes close to Singaporeans’ hearts – from the arts and heritage to sports – businesses can help create shared experiences that bring us together as a nation,” said Neo.

“This builds not just goodwill, but trust – and trust in this changed world is one of the best and hardest earned currencies.”