Tote Board enhanced its Fund-Raising Programme to include digital platforms and doubles financial contributions

Singapore, 17 April 2020 – To support Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) with charitable status adversely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, Tote Board will enhance its Fund-Raising Programme by:

• Expanding the scope of the Fund-Raising Programme to include fund-raising projects on approved digital fund-raising platforms and 
• Doubling the financial contribution from 20% to 40% of the funds raised, capped at $100,000 per fund-raising project.

Tote Board has set aside $70 million for the Enhanced Fund-Raising Programme (EFR) which will support projects implemented from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021. 

Expanding scope to include use of digital fund-raising platforms

In alignment with the national efforts on digitalisation, Tote Board will enhance its Fund-Raising Programme to include fund-raising projects on approved digital fund-raising platforms, in addition to physical campaigns and events. To qualify, the digital fund-raising platforms are to comply with the Commissioner of Charities’ Code of Practice for Charitable Online Fund-Raising Appeals1 and/or be conducted on corporate websites of NPOs with charitable status. This is also in anticipation of more fund-raising activities moving online as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  
 
Doubling of contributions

To further support the NPOs in their work to help the community amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tote Board has set aside $70 million in Financial Year 2020 and will double its contributions from 20% to 40% of the funds raised, subject to a cap of $100,000 per eligible fund-raising project implemented between 1 April 2020 to 31 March 20212 on the condition that they meet the Expenditure/Income Ratio of less than or equal to 35%. 

Table: Illustration of the Impact of EFR

“Tote Board has always provided strong support to social service agencies and the expanded scope of support for EFR will help the sector to continue the work we do. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives and services, and the challenges are immense for the social service sector. During these challenging and trying times, we will need to serve and support vulnerable beneficiaries even more. Leveraging on technology presents a good opportunity for the sector to be creative, be it fund-raising or meeting specific needs of those we serve.” said TOUCH Community Services Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Tan. 

“It’s been heartening to see Singaporeans from all walks of life rallying to support the community as the Nation battles the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have volunteered and generously made donations for worthwhile causes.  More so than ever, the NPOs and social service agencies need to be able to continue to serve the vulnerable groups in our community. We hope that our EFR programme will provide much needed financial support to the NPOs during these challenging times.  We encourage the wider community to step up efforts in caring for fellow Singaporeans,” said Tote Board Chief Executive, Mr Fong Yong Kian.   

Organisations can apply for the EFR from 17 April 2020.  For more information, please visit http://www.toteboard.gov.sg/grants/apply-to-us/fund-raising-programme