In efforts to encourage corporate volunteerism, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Heng Swee Keat announced in his Budget 2021 speech that the Business and IPC Partnership Scheme (BIPS) will be extended for another two years, till the end of 2023.
Under BIPS, businesses can enjoy a 250% tax deduction on qualifying expenditure incurred from 1 July 2016 to 31 Dec 2023 when they send their employees to volunteer and provide services, including secondments, to Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs).
When it comes to volunteering, it is vital that our actions come from our hearts. Therefore, selecting a charity that aligns best with your company’s / employees’ values is key. Should your company like to embark on the journey of corporate volunteerism but aren’t sure of how to do so or where to start, here are 8 charities (registered as IPCs) that you could consider volunteering at. For the full list of IPCs, click here.
#1 Singapore Cancer Society
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Singapore. Based on findings by the Ministry of Health (MOH), the number of deaths caused by cancer accounted to 28.4% of the total number of deaths in 2019. According to the Singapore Cancer Society, 15 people die of cancer every day, and 1 in 4 people may develop cancer in their lifetime.
Established in 1964, the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) aims to minimise the impact of cancer through research, screening, patient services, financial assistance and public education.
From cleaning and re-furbishing the houses of beneficiaries to volunteering as an usher and packing race packs, businesses can give through projects and fundraising events such as Festive Cheer with a Heart, Sweet Home Project, Race Against Cancer and Relay For Life.
Apart from volunteering, employees can also tap on their expertise to provide pro-bono services such as will-writing, estate planning, graphic design etc.
SCS currently partners with 16 corporations including Singtel, Eu Yan Sang and F&N. For more information on how you can be a corporate partner of SCS, click here.
#2 AWWA Ltd.
Established in 1970, AWWA aims to reach out to the marginalised and socially-disadvantaged, and empower them to lead dignified and independent lives. Committed to serving the disadvantaged across life stages, beneficiaries of AWWA include children and adults with special needs, low-income families and the elderly.
As corporate volunteers, you can give back to the community through organising internal fundraising events or ad-hoc outings, conducting regular volunteer sessions (art and craft workshops, befriender sessions, birthday celebrations) or developing new volunteering projects.
Do note that businesses should contact AWWA at least 1-2 months before their preferred volunteering start date and are required to complete an eOrientation module before their volunteering session. For more information, click here.
#3 Lions Home For The Elders
Established by Lions Cubs of Singapore, Lions Home For The Elders offers a holistic approach in Aged Care. It currently operates two fully equipped nursing homes with a housing capacity of 384 residents. The charity also has a team of 200 healthcare and social professionals to cater to the needs of residents and their families.
Due to COVID-19, on-site volunteering has been suspended till further notice. However, your company can still engage the elderly via e-volunteering through a Zoom session. During the session, your team can choose to conduct games, hold a live performance or teach simple arts and crafts to residents.
Weekly e-volunteering schedules:
- Lions Home Bishan: Wednesday, 10.30-11.30am
- Lions Home Bedok: Tuesday, 3-4pm
Do note that businesses will need to complete the Volunteer Registration Form at least 3 weeks before their e-volunteer session.
#4 Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS)
Established in 1962, Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) is a welfare organisation that provides a range of services that meet the current and future needs of persons with intellectual disability (PWIDs) and their caregivers. Through education, training, care, and sustainable job creation, MINDS aims to help PWIDs better integrate into society.
Corporate volunteers can reach out to MINDS via their Group/Corporate Volunteer Form and the charity will be in touch with you within 7 working days.
#5 Food from the Heart
Established in February 2003, Food from the Heart reaches out to the less-fortunate through its food distribution programme. As of 2019, Food from the Heart has reached out to 44,600 beneficiaries across Singapore through the efforts of over 10,000 volunteers.
From organising food donation drives to sorting and packing food and providing logistics and delivery services, these are some of the many ways corporate volunteers can provide their services to the charity. Do check out their short tour on how your company can serve the needy in Singapore!
#6 Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES)
Established in 2001, Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) aims to promote animal welfare through public education and raising awareness. To date, ACRES has rescued over 8,000 wild animals in Singapore and reached out to over 100,000 children and adults yearly through roadshows.
Corporate partners can volunteer with ACRES as an event coordinator. This means that your employees will be part of the core committee of an ACRES event such as World Animal Day and ACRES Flag Day. Should you prefer to work on a project of smaller scale, you can consider organising an internal event such as a Bake Sale Fundraiser. If your business would like to partner with ACRES, you may reach out to ram at [email protected].
#7 Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Established in the 1800s, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) aims to prevent cruelty and promote kindness to animals. To create a more compassionate society, SPCA offers a plethora of services such as shelter for unwanted pets, complementary veterinary care for community animals, adoption drives and public education.
Depending on preference, corporates can choose to engage in hands-on volunteering on-site or request for the SPCA team to head down to your office to give a talk on raising awareness for animal welfare to your employees. For more details, click here.
#8 Singapore Environment Council (SEC)
Established in 1995, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) aims to educate, inspire and assist individuals, business organisations and environmental groups to care for and protect the environment. Initiatives by the SEC include the Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards, Asian Environmental Journalism Awards, School Green Awards, Green Champions, Singapore Green Labelling Scheme and Project: Eco-Office and Project: Eco-Shop.
Corporate partnerships are highly valued and are vital for the sustenance of SEC’s programmes. If creating a sustainable environment is a cause that’s close to your heart, you may sign up as an Earth Helper here.
Read Also: How Companies Can (Legally) Reduce Their Corporate Income Tax In Singapore
#9 Children-At-Risk Empowerment Association (CARE Singapore)
CARE’s mission is to help vulnerable young people find direction, hope and success. Started in 1997, CARE believes that at-risk youths can be social assets instead of social liabilities. TThey offer a range of programmes and services to help support at-risk youths. This includes school social work, counselling, outreach/ youth mentoring, and a chatline – Hear4U.
CARE also works with socially responsible corporate citizens who wish to give back by helping youths succeed through its CSR partnerships. This can range from youth mentorship, event sponsorhips to corporate donations. Interested companies can contact CARE here.
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