A New Way to Give: SGShare Programme Launches for Singapore’s 60th Anniversary
SINGAPORE – In celebration of Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence (SG60), a new national regular giving programme was launched on January 18, 2025, to encourage Singaporeans to give back to their community. The programme, named SGShare, aims to make regular donations easier and more accessible for everyone.
The new initiative is a reimagined version of the Share programme, which has been running since 1984. It builds on the legacy of this older programme, encouraging people to donate a small amount from their monthly salary or income to support those in need.
The SGShare programme will allow individuals, families, and employees to contribute regularly, making it simple for anyone to help out.
What is SGShare?
SGShare is a national regular giving programme launched by the Community Chest, which is the charitable arm of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). This initiative encourages Singaporeans to contribute a small amount of money every month to help fund important social programmes.
The goal of SGShare is to build a spirit of giving and to support critical causes such as helping people with disabilities, supporting lower-income families, and funding healthcare services. With SG60 as the backdrop, the programme invites all Singaporeans to contribute to the future of the country by sharing a little of what they have.
How SGShare Works:
- Monthly Donations: Individuals can donate as little as $5 per month, or they can choose to make a one-time donation of any amount, starting from $1.
- Ease of Giving: Donations can be made through Giving.sg, an online platform for giving.
- Choice of Donation Amount: Singaporeans can choose to give $5 each month for an entire year or simply donate a one-time contribution. The donations will go towards supporting over 200 community programmes that impact lives across the country.
Supporting Important Causes
The funds raised through SGShare will support several critical social programmes in Singapore, benefiting people in need across various communities.
Here are a few of the causes that SGShare aims to support:
- Counselling services for individuals with disabilities to help them live more independent lives.
- Support services for lower-income families, such as financial assistance and educational help for children.
- Social inclusion programs, which aim to integrate marginalized groups into society.
Each donation goes directly towards these vital programs, helping thousands of Singaporeans who need it the most.
SGShare’s Expanded Reach and Accessibility
The SGShare programme is a major step forward in making regular giving more accessible to all Singaporeans. Unlike the old Share programme, which mainly relied on employers to collect donations, SGShare expands its reach by collaborating with government agencies, businesses, community groups, and institutes of higher learning to create more platforms for donations.
This expanded scope means that everyone can participate, whether through their company, school, or individually, making it easier to donate regularly and support local causes.
DPM Gan Kim Yong Launches SGShare
The official launch of SGShare took place on January 18, 2025, at the Singapore Expo, where Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong unveiled the new programme. DPM Gan shared the importance of giving back and how it plays a key role in building a stronger, more inclusive society.
During the launch, DPM Gan remarked that Singapore has made remarkable progress over the years, but there are still people in the country who need extra help. He emphasized that those who have more should share with those who may be struggling, promoting the idea of collective responsibility in helping build a brighter future.
DPM Gan also pointed out that donations through SGShare would fund more than 200 social programmes, benefiting over 82,000 people in Singapore each year.
Corporate Participation: Encouraging Employees to Give Back
One of the notable aspects of SGShare is the strong involvement of corporate Singapore. Many companies are encouraging their employees to sign up for the programme, making it easier for staff to give regularly.
For example, Dr Peter Lim, Chairman of MoneyMax Financial Services and SK Jewellery Group, shared how his company rolled out the SGShare programme for its 750 employees. He explained that his team was eager to contribute to the programme after learning that Community Chest’s initiatives are not fully funded by the government and rely on the generosity of donors.
“After introducing SGShare, our employees felt a sense of pride and satisfaction in contributing to the community,” said Dr Lim. “They started talking about the programme with their families, friends, and even customers. It’s great to see that the giving spirit is growing in the workplace.”
A Whole-of-Society Effort
SGShare is not just about donating money – it’s about building a culture of giving across all segments of society. More than 1,300 corporate and community volunteers participated in the launch event, packing and distributing 9,000 festive bags to seniors and lower-income families across Singapore. This event showcased the collective effort to support those in need and create a united community.
How to Get Involved: Donating to SGShare
It’s easy for anyone to get involved in SGShare. If you would like to contribute, you can make a monthly donation through Giving.sg, the official donation platform. You can donate as little as $5 each month, or opt for a one-time gift starting at $1.
To start your donation today, visit www.giving.sg/sg60share and choose your preferred amount. Your contributions will go a long way in supporting critical social services and helping those in need.
The Spirit of Giving: Why It Matters
The SGShare programme is more than just a fundraising effort – it’s a reminder that small acts of kindness can lead to big changes in the lives of others. As Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence, the SGShare initiative invites everyone to join in the spirit of giving back. By donating regularly, we can all play a part in building a more inclusive, caring society where no one is left behind.
In a society where progress and prosperity are celebrated, SGShare calls on Singaporeans to remember the importance of supporting those who may not have the same opportunities. The spirit of giving is not just about money – it’s about coming together as a community to make a difference in the lives of others.
