The Covid-19 outbreak in Singapore has brought about a wave of community support, resulting in campaigns like this:

Most community initiatives require financial support, which is why local philanthropic organisation The Majurity Trust has come up with the Singapore Strong Fund.

S$350,000 pledged so far

Announced on Feb. 17, the Singapore Strong Fund provides grants to students, volunteer groups and charities responding to community needs amidst the Covid-19 crisis.

The Majurity Trust aims to raise S$500,000 for the fund. So far, S$350,000 has been pledged by Singapore-based philanthropists and family foundations, including:

• Anthonia Hui and her husband Leo Drago (from AL Wealth Partners)
• American businessman Jim Rogers and his wife Paige Parker
• Terry Tan and Harris Zaidi
• Yong Hon Kong Foundation (set up by hedge fund founder Danny Yong)
• Woh Hup Pte Ltd

“We hope the funds can lighten the load and stress on those who are doing their part to help the individuals affected by the COVID19," said Parker.

"With funding to take care of some of the things they need to buy or operational costs, hopefully Singapore Strong will allow individuals to focus on creative and impactful ground-up initiatives, reaching out to more people in need, as well as rallying more of the community to respond positively.”

For Harris, there is an appeal in being able to support multiple projects instead of one:

"It’s not about giving to one charity or project but collectively, we can seed almost 100 projects. There’s something special in that I feel.

We’re hoping this will help more ground-up initiatives bring the community together at this time. Ideas that can serve the elderly or reach out to the migrant workers.

There’s probably a lot of ideas that just need a little support. I like that the Singapore Strong Fund can do that.”

Applications for funds already opened

According to The Majurity Trust, the Singapore Strong Fund will take only days to be disbursed, which will then help to implement ideas faster and reach those in need quicker.

While the Singapore Strong Fund has not reached its target of S$500,000, it has already proceeded to process grant applications from yesterday (Feb. 17).

Each project has a funding cap of S$5,000. This will potentially help to fund up to 100 community initiatives. The funds can be used to cover project-related costs such as venue, transport, material and logistics costs.

Funding will be made available until Singapore is given the all clear from Covid-19, said The Majurity Trust.

Individuals and groups who would like to apply for grants from the Singapore Strong fund can do so here.

Philanthropists or family foundations who would like to contribute can drop an email to The Majurity Trust at [email protected].

Top images via The Majurity Trust and Getty Images.