History of the Enhanced Fundraising Programme
A brief chronology of how the EFR Programme has evolved over the years.
Last updated 29 December 2025
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Since its inception, the Enhanced Fundraising Programme has evolved with Singapore's changing social landscape, strengthening the charitable sector through every challenge and opportunity.
Prior to April 2020
The scheme began with focused support for traditional fundraising, offering:
20% matching support for funds raised
Support capped at $50,000 per application
Focus on physical fundraising events
Maintaining the 35% Expenditure/Income ratio standard
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to our charitable sector. We responded by:
Introducing dollar-for-dollar matching support
Offering support for online fundraising
Partnering with approved digital platforms to ensure secure and transparent online giving
2021 - 2024
We extended our enhanced support to continue meeting the needs of the charity partners:
February 2021: Extended support for an additional year under then-DPM Heng Swee Keat's leadership
February 2022: Further three-year extension announced by then Finance Minister Lawrence Wong
Maintained dollar-for-dollar matching to help charities build resilience
2025-2027
To celebrate Singapore's 60th year of independence, we are providing $270 million top-up to the EFR programme to support the charitable sector.
To ensure a sustainable transition, we are putting in place:
A planned three-year extension
Gradual transition to pre-COVID support levels:
FY2025: Special anniversary year with continued dollar-for-dollar matching
FY2026: Adjusted matching ratios of 50% for sustainable support
FY2027: Return to Tote Board's core support model of 20% matching