Charities, self-help groups and sports and cultural programmes are going to get more funding, which will help to strengthen community bonds and attract more people to participate in activities such as sports, arts and heritage causes. People with greater needs will benefit most from this new funding.
Since 2002, the VWOs-Charities Capability Fund has helped about 400 volunteer welfare organisations and charities to train their staff and expand their reach. More than $180 million has already been committed to the fund, and an extra $100 million will be pumped over the next five years.
Four self-help groups – the Chinese Development Assistance Council, Mendaki, Sinda and The Eurasian Association – will receive $6 million over the next two years to help needy families and children. $50 million has also been set aside to make it easier for Singaporeans to participate in sports, through the Sports-In-Precinct programme, which develops sporting facilities in neighbourhoods.
Aspiring athletes will also get an extra $50 million in grants over five years, through the SportCares programme, which helps and encourage disadvantaged youths to pick up sports.
The Government will also match up to $50 million in sports donations from the private sector, dollar-for-dollar.
Cultural activities build bonds among Singaporeans, and many people not only visit museums and attend performances, but also participate as guides and donors. To sustain this momentum, the Government will top up the Cultural Matching Fund by $150 million. Under the fund, the Government matches private cash donations to cultural institutions dollar for dollar.
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Source: The Straits Times, 21 February 2017