This survey measures individual giving in terms of volunteerism and philanthropy in Singapore to gain insights in a bid to encourage the growth of a caring and engaged community.
Key Findings
Volunteerism
- While the incidence of volunteers remained steady, the number of hours served increased by 40%;
- A higher percentage of younger and older individuals were volunteering. Among those aged 15-24 years, the volunteer participation rate was 28% compared to 25% in 2004. Among those aged 65 years and above, the volunteer participation rate was 11% compared to 4% in 2004.
Philanthropy
- The total donation figure was an estimated S$341 million, lower than the S$438 million in the 2004 survey. The donor incidence rate also fell, at 89%, compared to 97% in 2004. Donors cited lack of clarity on how their donations were used most dissatisfying about being a donor (31% in 2006);
- A higher percentage of donors, 21% compared to 9% in 2004, planned in advance which organisations to donate to, rather than deciding only when asked to donate. Besides being more proactive, a significantly higher percentage of donors, 22% compared to 9% in 2004, sought information on the management of the organisations.
