Philanthropy in Singapore

The Role of Higher Education Philanthropy in Singapore

Philanthropy is much more than a mere act of giving; it is a strategic, systemic endeavour aimed at bringing about lasting positive change. As Singapore faces a range of complex issues, spanning healthcare availability for an ageing population to educational disparities to environmental sustainability, the significance of philanthropy has become increasingly pivotal.

As the fundraising arm of the National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore’s leading public university, NUS Giving champions a forward-looking vision by actively supporting various initiatives that address Singapore’s pressing challenges. Through strategic partnerships,innovative research and impactful programmes, philanthropy plays a central role in advancing NUS’ mission of excellence and societal impact. From scholarship programmes to research endowments, each philanthropic gift fuels transformative initiatives that empower students, faculty, and researchers alike.

Higher Education Philanthropy Trends and Patterns

According to the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s Individual Giving Study 2021, more than 70% of the individuals surveyed participate in occasional giving, demonstrating a prevalent culture of philanthropy amongst people in Singapore. 

However, the study also revealed that there is opportunity for more strategic and sustained contributions, as a majority of donors give in an ad-hoc or seasonal manner. While individual giving remains prevalent, there is an opportunity for individuals to give in a more consistent manner to amplify the impact of philanthropy within NUS.

NUS Giving aims to bridge the gap between donors’ desires to affect social change and current giving methods, by providing targeted avenues through which individual contributions can lead to direct, visible change. 

Through methods such as alumni giving, commencement class giving, annual giving, faculty and staff giving, and legacy giving, individual donors can choose to give to specific initiatives, programmes, bursaries, or scholarships. This imbues every contribution with a tangible purpose, as well as gives donors higher transparency in the outcome or impact of their contribution.

The Evolution of Philanthropy in NUS

The history of philanthropy within NUS mirrors the University’s journey of growth and impact. Where early initiatives focused on student scholarships and financial aid, present day collaborations now directly address financial, resource, outreach, or manpower gaps in NUS’ key initiatives and programmes.

Today, NUS Giving stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of generosity and innovation within the university community.

Through targeted giving and strategic partnerships, NUS Giving supports a diverse range of initiatives that advance education, research, and societal impact not just within the NUS community, but across Singapore and even beyond national borders. 

From supporting student scholarships to research funding opportunities, philanthropic contributions enable NUS to foster talent development, pioneer groundbreaking research, and more. Initiatives such as the NUS Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme , Annual Giving Bursary, NUS Giving Scholarships, and NUS Giving See the Possibility Campaign demonstrate the tangible impact of philanthropy on shaping the future of higher education at NUS in myriad ways – where every contribution, be it individual or corporate, makes a tangible difference.

The Role of Philanthropists in Higher Education

Philanthropists play a pivotal role in driving positive change within NUS and beyond. By aligning their philanthropic goals with NUS’ strategic priorities, donors can contribute to a legacy of excellence and impact that extends far beyond their lifetime.

In addition to financial contributions, many donors offer invaluable expertise, mentorship, and networks that enrich the university community and empower future generations of leaders. 

Donors may also choose to contribute to the NUS community through varied non-financial methods including shares or securities, real estate gifts, or technology sharing – allowing them to contribute in a way that’s deeply personal and meaningful, while still directly impacting their chosen cause

Philanthropy's Impact on the NUS Community

The benefits of philanthropy within NUS extend to the entire university community, from students and faculty to alumni and partners, and even into Singapore’s wider society and the global community at large. 

Scholarships and research endowments create direct opportunities for talent development and innovation within the NUS community, particularly for students, professors, and researchers who lean on such initiatives to pursue their research goals. In the long run, programmes such as healthcare initiatives also benefit wider communities in Singapore and beyond, as research and outreach into diverse fields can be pursued with confidence.

Likewise, community outreach programmes foster a culture of engagement, social responsibility, and social mobility through education directly within the NUS community. But in the long run, being able to pursue community outreach projects enables the NUS community to connect with and help other communities and beneficiaries throughout Singapore. 

Through collective efforts, NUS Giving doesn’t just empower individuals within the NUS community alone – we empower individuals to make a difference and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society as a whole.

Join NUS Giving's Philanthropic Movement

NUS Giving invites you to join us in shaping the future of higher education philanthropy to create societal impact. Through supporting a spectrum of initiatives to foster positive societal change, from educational equity and healthcare advancements to environmental sustainability, we aim to be more than just a channel for monetary donations

Whether through financial contributions, volunteerism, or advocacy, your engagement with NUS Giving enables transformative initiatives that empower individuals and communities to thrive. Together, we can build a brighter future forSingapore for generations to come. Join us in making a difference today.