Philanthropy
Contents
Definitions and Scope
Philanthropic Organisations
See ACSEP 2018 Study on Philanthropic Foundations in Asia
Segments
Size of Philanthropic Organisations
Funding Gaps in Singapore's Social Sector
As Singapore tackles complex socio-economic challenges stemming from structural changes in the economy and demographic shifts, it woudl be timely to promote philanthropy. Indeed, such genorisity and civic action can have a lasting impact in addressing emerging social challenges in Singapore. The first section will introduce various funding gaps and case studies in Singapore, while the second section will focus on possible factors behind funding gaps in Singapore's philanthropy scene.
What are some funding gaps within the social sector of Singapore? Where are more resources needed?
Why do funding gaps exist?
1. Restrictive Regulation (pending)
The first factor behind funding gaps could be the issue of restrictive state regulatory controls on civil society and funding.
2. Meritocracy
A second factor may be Singapore’s national ethos of meritocracy. At a panel discussion on privilege and giving back to society, Professor Paulin Straughan from Singapore Management University cited meritocracy as an obstacle to becoming a more generous society today.
By recognising individual merit alone, we attribute our capabilities to industry and effort. As Donald Low notes in his book, Hard Choices: Challenging The Singapore Consensus, meritocracy has long been widely regarded as "a core principle of governance in Singapore", and one that is close to "being a national ideology". The principle of meritocracy promotes "equalising opportunities not outcomes, and allocating rewards on the basis of an individual's merit, abilities and achievements". However, such narratives of self-reliance elide entrenched, systemic and intersectional inequalities - people may not have the same starting point, by virtue of their identity - be it their race, class, gender, age, disability, nationality, sexual orientation and more. As a result, many may fail to recognise that their position in society is closely tied to, even founded upon their privilege. Lien Foundation chairman Laurence Lien also concurred, raising the common "assumption that because we are a meritocratic society, if people are poor, it must be their fault; they must be not working hard.
3. The (Perceived) Role of the State
Another factor behind the persistent gap in funding could be the perception that the Government is wholly responsible for helping the needy. While we espouse a ‘Many Helping Hands’ approach in policy making (which calls for community support for pressing social issues), the status quo may fall short. After decades of extensive government oversight and intervention in many spheres of society, Singaporeans share a common mentality that erodes the community ownership and shared sense of responsibility essential for a vibrant philanthropy scene. The delegation of funding and even caring for social causes to the state apparatus foments a paucity of incentives and motivation for Singaporeans to give back, resulting in funding gaps.
Desired impact for target group
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Existing Resources
Gaps and Their Causes
Possible Solutions
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Resource Directory
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Pay for success; social impact bonds
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