We are an impact-driven grantmaker focused on building a caring and resilient Singapore. From enabling healthy living to championing social care and inclusion, we empower individuals, families and communities today, with a vision for a better tomorrow.
Our grantmaking philosophy centres on three core pillars:
- Relevance
We support projects that align with broad national policy directions and our four strategic outcomes, addressing complex challenges and emerging needs in Singapore.
- Innovation
We prioritise social innovation and new initiatives that drive social change, experimenting with diverse grantmaking approaches and fostering cross-sector synergies for improved community outcomes.
- Impact
Collaborating with partners from the People, Private, Public, and Philanthropy sectors, we focus on programmes that yield positive social outcomes. Our Impact Measurement Framework guides, manages, and maximises the impact of our work, optimising resources for greater effectiveness.
Our Strategic Outcomes
Tote Board touches lives and cares for Singaporeans through our broad-based funding support for social and community well-being. Our grantmaking is focused on four strategic outcomes.
Healthy lives and
well-being
We encourage active participation in healthy living and well-being at all stages of life.
Empowered communities
Our grants seek to uplift vulnerable members and their families in our society, by maximising their opportunities and potential to make meaningful contributions.
Caring, cohesive and resilient society
We believe in inspiring a sense of belonging where people care for and support one another towards a society which is future-ready.
Sustainable and liveable home
We support causes and projects that create a sustainable living environment and a vibrant home for all to work, live and play.
At the forefront of our efforts is the emphasis on social innovation and novel initiatives that catalyse social transformation. We continuously explore a range of grantmaking strategies and cultivate collaborative partnerships across sectors to enhance community impact.
Below are some examples of such initiatives:
Capability-building for Social Innovation
Enabling Lives Initiative
Launched in 2015, the Enabling Lives Initiative is the first and only grant that brings together a community of partners to innovate and scale solutions for persons with disabilities and their caregivers.
Tote Board Community Health Fund (TBCHF)
Now in its fourth tranche, TBCHF encourages innovation and piloting of new approaches and care models to address gaps in the community care landscape. Pilots are supported with the goal of scale-up for multiplier effect and to benefit more Singaporeans.
Strategic Funding
KeyStart Home Ownership Programme
This is a new programme to empower low-income families to achieve their dream of owning an HDB flat through a comprehensive housing assistance.
Digital Mental Health Connect (DMHC) and Self-Help Resources and Tools
In line with the Government’s National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, this new platform aims to make mental health support services more accessible and coordinated. DMHC is envisioned to streamline referrals between healthcare and social service professionals, making it easier to provide care for individuals with mental health needs. Meanwhile, the self-help resources and tools seek to promote self-help behaviours and reduce the medicalisation of mental health needs.
Collective Partnerships
Future Ready Society Impact Fund and Knowledge Partnership
The programme brings together community partners to co-solution towards a future-ready social ecosystem. These solutions will be informed by futures research, co-designed with partners, and driven by the community. The Fund supports the piloting of such innovative and evidence-based solutions to address complex problems and emerging needs.
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Tote Board Shared Gifting Circle for Children and Youth Mental Health
This was a novel participatory grantmaking approach where grant partners were empowered to make funding decisions based on their collective ground needs. As part of this ground-led initiative, the partners also went on to develop programmes to improve early identification of mental health conditions in children and youth collaboratively.
Impact Measurement
Established in 2022’s Strategic Review and aligned with national priorities, our grants framework transforms our vision into action through four strategic pillars: Care, Compact, Cohesion and City. With clear performance indicators, and an evidence-driven approach, we ensure that every grant addresses community needs and delivers impact.
The Tote Board Impact Measurement Framework tracks meaningful change in our beneficiaries' lives through
- Attitude: shifting mindsets and beliefs
- Ability: acquiring essential skills and capabilities
- Access: creating pathways to essential resources and opportunities
- Action: fostering behaviour change through sustained action in the longer term
“I faced various challenges, including the passing of a loved one, relationship issues, and academic struggles. Having a mentor helped me feel supported and kept me motivated to press on.”
— Muhammad Nur A'qil Bin Fairuz, youth participant in The GRIT Academy, supported by the Tote Board Social Service Fund
“I like the Bubbles activities because they are fun to do and I learn from them. I try to do them by myself but sometimes I need my mother's help. I like the sports Bubbles because they keep me healthy and strong. I do exercises and stretches from watching the video. I also like cooking at home and eating the food. I help out in the kitchen now.”
— Jared Jeffrey Luhur, a MINDS service user who has Down Syndrome, and a participant of the Empowering programme supported by the Enabling Lives Initiative grant
My children and I used to love snacks like chocolate and chips. After I started attending the Parent Plus workshops, I discovered that what we ate could affect our health. So I started to cook meals using healthier recipes and ingredients for my family.
— Theresa Bose, participant of Project PEER (Play, Eat, Exercise, and Rest) organised by Filos Community Services, a programme supported by the Movements for Health grant
“In my mental health journey, I participated in Circles of Resilience, a peer support group. It was a safe space where we openly share our stories, genuinely support each other, and validate one another's experiences. Now, as both a member and volunteer, I see how powerful this kind of peer support can be.”
— Rebecca Loh, volunteer with Circles of Resilience, a programme supported by the Tote Board Community Health Fund
Tote Board, in collaboration with the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), has developed a resource to guide non-profit organisations in measuring and demonstrating programme outcomes. Prospective grant applicants are encouraged to use it to align their impact strategies with Tote Board’s framework.
Download here: Guide to Impact Measurement
^Data is collected through pre- and post-programme surveys across funded programmes. While each programme may focus on different aspects of the 4As, together they help us measure and understand our collective impact.
