Many of us may be unaware of the need for help or where it’s most urgent. The vast number of causes out there can be overwhelming, and without a clear sense of what issues are most pressing, we may not know where to begin.
We may also have barriers that prevent us from taking action—whether it’s a lack of awareness, uncertainty about where to direct our resources, or the perception that we don’t have enough time or means to make a difference. Overcoming these obstacles starts with an understanding that giving is a journey, not a one-time event, and that every small contribution counts.
Whether it’s supporting a cause, helping the underprivileged and disadvantaged, or contributing to long-term community development, there are countless ways to be part of the solution.
Making the effort to give—whether through donations or volunteering in Singapore—is a powerful way to create meaningful change, not just in the lives of others, but also in our own. But where do we start? Who needs help, and how can we be sure we’re contributing in the most impactful way?
In this article, we will provide a helpful guide for donors and volunteers who are keen to learn more about and to give back to impactful programmes and causes.
Getting Started as a Donor or Volunteer
Starting your journey of giving goes beyond simply making a donation or attending an event. There are many ways to give, including donating your time, sharing your unique skills and talents, or advocating for causes that resonate with your values and interests. Embrace the 3Es—Everyone, Every Day, Everywhere—and the 5Ts—Time, Talent, Treasure, Ties, and Testimony.
Begin by identifying the areas or causes that resonate with you, whether that’s education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, or social causes.
Once you have a clearer sense of what interests you, you can research organisations and community support providers within that field to understand their mission, impact, and how they operate.
Volunteering and donating can take many forms, so consider your level of commitment—whether you’re interested in short-term, one-time projects or longer-term involvement. Whichever option you choose, you can make a significant difference and knowing where and how to give can help you create a fulfilling, sustained impact.
Ever heard of giving.sg?
giving.sg is a platform that connects individuals and organisations with causes they care about in Singapore. It offers a seamless way for people to donate to a wide variety of charities, support community initiatives, and get involved in volunteer opportunities.
On giving.sg, you can contribute funds, organise fundraising campaigns, and discover volunteer opportunities in local communities. Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer your time, or advocate for a cause, giving.sg provides the opportunities and support to help you make a meaningful impact in Singapore.
In 2025, the Singapore government will provide a dollar-to-dollar matching for funds as part of Budget 2025, increasing support for fundraising efforts of charities and social causes.
Now, let’s explore some causes.
Animals
Animal charities play a crucial role in protecting and improving the lives of animals, offering support to those who are neglected, abused, or in need of medical care. They advocate for the ethical treatment of animals, raise awareness about issues such as animal cruelty, and work towards creating a safer environment for both domestic and wild animals.
The World Wide Fund for Nature (Singapore) Limited, commonly known as WWF, strives to build a world where both nature and people can thrive. A significant portion of WWF’s efforts focuses on conserving endangered species and safeguarding vulnerable habitats.
For instance, WWF collaborates closely with local communities, businesses, and authorities to combat wildlife crime throughout the supply chain—starting from the source, through trade, and all the way to the point of sale.
Credit: Pexels
Animal rescue charities play a crucial role in promoting animal welfare. From 2001 to 2018, ACRES successfully rescued more than 10,000 animals, investigated numerous cases of animal cruelty and wildlife crimes, and provided care to over 150 victims of the illegal wildlife trade at their sanctuary.
By providing shelter, rehabilitation, and resources for adoption, animal charities give animals a chance at a better life. Additionally, they help educate communities about responsible pet ownership and the importance of animal welfare.
In supporting animal charities, we not only help save lives but also promote kindness and compassion toward all living beings.
Explore more Animal welfare charities here.
Arts, Culture & Heritage
In Singapore, creative expressions and traditions help contribute to our national identity, and charities involved in the arts and cultural scenes play a vital role in cultivating a sense of belonging, pride, and shared history, while also nurturing creativity and innovation.
The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) offers free educational and public programmes that inspire people of all ages to explore exciting possibilities through art.
Founded in 1996 as Singapore’s first art museum, SAM focuses on contemporary art from a Southeast Asian perspective, fostering dialogue, discovery, and collaboration with its community. Through its collections, research, exhibitions, and programs, the museum aims to spark transformative and meaningful experiences. SAM strives to inspire a more humane and sustainable future by encouraging thought-provoking encounters with the art of our time.
The Singapore Heritage Society (SHS) serves as an independent advocate for heritage conservation in Singapore, believing that social bonds are strengthened when we understand and value the memories of past and present generations within the spaces we protect.
SHS’s work includes rediscovering overlooked histories, preserving living heritage, promoting cultural authenticity and vibrancy, and championing the conservation of built heritage—especially modern architecture from the 1920s to the 1970s. In addition, SHS plays a key role in education, helping individuals connect with their heritage and explore diverse cultural perspectives.
Credit: The Necessary Stage
With a mission to create bold, indigenous, and innovative theatre that resonates with both the heart and mind, The Necessary Stage (TNS) has presented over 130 original plays in Singapore and internationally, while remaining dedicated to pushing boundaries in local content creation and intercultural exploration. TNS is the only arts company in Singapore led by two Cultural Medallion recipients: Artistic Director Alvin Tan and Resident Playwright Haresh Sharma. Having celebrated its 37th anniversary in 2024, TNS aims to continue commitment to theatre-making and the development of emerging talent.
By supporting these charities, you can help support artists, foster cultural understanding and the charities can continue providing opportunities and access to creative opportunities for all, enriching our society as a whole.
Explore more Arts, Cultural and Heritage opportunities here.
Community Development
Community development plays a crucial role in reducing disparities, providing resources to underserved groups, and promoting equality. It empowers individuals and communities to create sustainable solutions to challenges such as financial hardship, educational gaps, and limited access to food.
Glyph Community Limited aims to advance opportunities for underprivileged children and youth in Singapore. The charity offers weekly non-academic activities designed around a developmental framework, fostering a socially connected community, with programs that include arts, sciences, technology, life skills workshops, field trips, sports, and more. They aim to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth, helping young individuals discover their passions and strengths.
Credit: Glyph Community Limited
Through these holistic educational experiences, youth are empowered to succeed and promote social mobility, especially for those in need.
Founded by sibling duo Nichol and Nicholas Ng, Food Bank Singapore (FBSG) is a movement dedicated to channelling excess food to those in need.
FBSG collects donated food—much of which would otherwise go to waste—from farms, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, consumers, and other sources. It then distributes this food to those in need through a network of over 300 member beneficiaries, which include homes, family service centres, soup kitchens, and various charitable organisations.
FBSG serves more than 100,000 families and over 300,000 individuals, providing a wide range of food, from fresh produce to fully cooked meals.
As needs in communities are addressed, the fabric of society improves, enhancing social cohesion, and improving the overall well-being of both individuals and the community as a whole.
Explore more Community Development charities here.
Education
There are more than 255,000 migrant domestic workers in Singapore, whose hard work and dedication are fundamental to the well-being of countless families in Singapore.
Although their remittances offer vital support to their families, many women return home with little or no savings at the end of their contracts, leaving them facing economic hardship and an uncertain future despite their years of hard work and sacrifice.
Aidha is a charity focused on empowering migrant domestic workers by teaching them essential financial literacy and communication skills. Through its educational programs, Aidha aims to break this cycle of poverty by encouraging women to save, invest, and start businesses, helping them plan for a more secure future.
Children’s Wishing Well is a charity dedicated to supporting children and youth from low-income families, primarily through educational programs and financial assistance. Each year, they reach over 1,000 beneficiaries across two full-service centres, eight community sites, and through partnerships with other charitable organisations.
Relying entirely on donations from private organisations and the public, they ensure that all of their services and programs remain completely free of charge for the children and families they support.
Explore more charities offering Educational support for different groups here.
Environmental Protection and Sustainability
Founded in 2002 by the National Parks Board, the Garden City Fund (GCF) is an independent charity dedicated to enhancing green spaces in Singapore. All donations fund initiatives that support urban biodiversity, community engagement, and the welfare of community animals.
GCF creates opportunities for the community to actively contribute to marine and terrestrial conservation, wildlife management, and responsible pet ownership. This includes areas such as conservation efforts to tackle climate change, research projects for knowledge capacity and outreach initiatives that connect people with nature.
Credit: Garden City Fund
Through community engagement, GCF hopes to cultivate a love for the environment and promote a sense of ownership in our natural heritage.
PM.Haze is leading a movement to combat the haze by empowering village communities in neighbouring countries to restore peatlands and create sustainable livelihoods. By promoting responsible consumption of palm oil and paper, the initiative works to protect our environment and reduce the risk of harmful fires.
Unsustainable peatland development has left landscapes vulnerable to drying out, increasing the likelihood of both natural and human-caused fires. These fires, worsened by dry weather, are a major driver of the transboundary haze affecting Singapore.
Starting with just a $10 donation, you’d have helped plant four native peat species trees that will reduce haze and fires in our region.
Explore more charities invested in Environmental Protection and Sustainability here.
Healthcare
Charities in the healthcare sector play a crucial role in supporting both individuals and communities in ways that go beyond what public health systems can often provide. These include roles such as access to critical care, support services, research and innovation and raising awareness on health issues and advocacy efforts to improve quality and accessibility of care for everyone, particularly vulnerable groups.
St. Luke’s Eldercare offers a comprehensive range of integrated services and programs designed to support seniors. These services include centre-based, community-based, home-based, and residential options. Tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, the offerings assist elders affected by physical disabilities from strokes, falls, or accidents, as well as those who are frail, socially isolated, or lack daytime caregivers. Additionally, St. Luke’s Eldercare provides support for seniors looking to maintain active, healthy, and socially connected lifestyles.
Did you know that 126 children are diagnosed with cancer every year on average in Singapore?
Founded in 1992, the Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF) offers vital support to children battling cancer and their families. CCF’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for children with cancer and those affected by the challenges of childhood cancer, focusing on their emotional, social, and medical well-being.
Throughout the years, CCF has supported over 3,800 children and families at various stages of the illness and recovery process.
Credit: Assisi Hospice
Assisi Hospice serves 3,200 patients annually, offering palliative care that prioritises dignity and quality of life for both patients and their families. When confronted with life-limiting illnesses, patients receive comprehensive care, including medical treatment, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual support from a dedicated team of specialist doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and pastoral care staff.
As a charity, Assisi Hospice relies on public donations to fund these essential services. All contributions go toward providing end-of-life care for patients in need and offering bereavement support for their families.
Overall, healthcare charities often fill gaps, provide much-needed services, and have a positive impact on public health, making them an essential support system in Singapore.
Explore more Healthcare charities here.
*Source: Singapore Childhood Cancer Registry (2019-2023)
Overseas Humanitarian Aid
The work of overseas humanitarian aid is driven by the shared belief that everyone deserves dignity, support, and the opportunity to thrive, regardless of where they live.
For instance, more young Singaporeans are making trips to our neighbouring countries to provide voluntary assistance and solutions to local communities there. It provides a cultural learning experience, broadens perspective and an experience in understanding unique challenges faced by developing countries.
Founded in 2003 to address human tragedies and disasters in the Asia Pacific region, Mercy Relief is Singapore’s leading independent disaster relief agency. With strong leadership, expertise in capacity building, and an extensive affiliate network, Mercy Relief operates throughout the entire disaster management cycle.
The organisation provides emergency aid within 72 hours of an international appeal following a disaster. Its long-term sustainable development programs aim to uplift and empower communities in five key areas: water and sanitation, shelter, sustainable livelihoods, healthcare, and education.
Over the past two decades, Mercy Relief has carried out 115 relief operations and allocated more than $47.5 million in relief funds across 31 countries.
Mercy Relief has also been granted Overseas Humanitarian Assistance Tax Deduction Scheme (OHAS) status by the Ministry of Community, Culture & Youth (MCCY) in Singapore. Starting on January 9, 2025, donations from both individuals and corporate donors toward overseas humanitarian aid efforts will be eligible for a 100% tax deduction.
Explore more Overseas Humanitarian Aid charities here.
Social Service and Welfare
Ambulance Wish Singapore honours the lives of terminally ill patients by fulfilling their final wishes. As a volunteer-driven organisation, the charity provides invaluable support to patients and their families through the simple yet profoundly meaningful act of wish-granting.
Credit: Ambulance Wish Singapore
With a focus on patients who have a life expectancy of less than 12 months, Ambulance Wish Singapore aims to enhance the end-of-life experience by bringing moments of joy, peace, and comfort to both patients and their loved ones. The charity extends care beyond the confines of hospitals and hospices, reaching into homes and hearts to make a lasting impact.
SPD is a local charity dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities, or those at risk of developing disabling conditions, of all ages to reach their full potential and integrate into mainstream society.
Through over 20 programs and services, SPD provides support in areas such as early intervention, therapy, vocational training, assistive technology, day care, as well as educational, employment, and social services. The charity serves individuals with physical, sensory, and developmental needs.
As a strong advocate for inclusive employment, SPD also trains individuals with disabilities and collaborates with them to find suitable job opportunities, empowering them to achieve financial independence and live a fulfilling, engaged life.
Explore more Social Service and Welfare charities here.
Sports
Sports charities play a crucial role in providing access to sports for underprivileged groups, including low-income children, individuals with disabilities, and others facing challenges. By offering opportunities to participate, they help develop life skills like teamwork, discipline, and leadership.
These organisations also focus on youth development, nurturing talent and encouraging young people to excel in sports, ultimately contributing to Singapore’s success on the international stage.
The Wrestling Federation of Singapore (WFS) is the governing body for the sport, overseeing areas such as national representation, affiliation, coaching, talent scouting, technical officiating, and the promotion and education of wrestling in schools, corporations, and local communities.
Credit: Wrestling Federation of Singapore
WFS is committed to developing homegrown athletes who continue to achieve success on the international stage, contributing to Singapore’s sporting accomplishments.
A donation of $10 helps covers the cost of one training session, while a $60 donation supports the purchase of essential training and competition equipment.
The Singapore National Paralympic Council (SNPC) is dedicated to supporting and empowering Singapore’s para athletes, overseeing the selection of teams for major events such as the ASEAN Para Games, Asian Para Games, Asian Youth Para Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Paralympic Games.
As part of a global movement, SNPC harnesses the power of sport to shift societal perceptions of people with disabilities and promote a more inclusive and diverse community. Beyond their athletic achievements, para athletes serve as powerful role models, inspiring others and making an impact throughout society.
To strengthen the Paralympic movement in Singapore, SNPC collaborates with local and international affiliates, sports organizations, and partners to offer sports programmes and competitive opportunities for athletes at all levels.
Explore more Sports charities here.
Browse giving.sg for more giving opportunities across various areas
The list of volunteering and donation opportunities on giving.sg grows week by week, so check back often to find out what’s new. Register your interest or sign up for a one-time or recurring giving programme or volunteering session on the portal, and enjoy the journey of giving back!
