Which social service agency should I support?
With the large number of social service agencies registered in Singapore, you should choose the social service agency that is right for you. Take time to
find an agency that does good work in a field that is important to you, whether it serves disadvantaged children or families, the seniors in need, or people with disabilities.
If you have questions on whether the agency soliciting for your donations is authorised, request for written information that includes their mission and what they do. Your favourite social service agency should
be able to provide certain information upon request, including
- Financial statements that have been audited by an independent accountant
- An annual report / activity report that includes a list of the board of directors; the audited financial statements or comprehensive summary, and a description of services they provide
- A statement of functional expenses, explaining expenditure details such as rent, postage, salaries, fundraising, management and general expenses
- A projected budget for the coming year
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How do I get information on a social service agency?
You can ensure that a social service agency is legitimate if it has a formal registration with a legal authorisation body that incorporates its status
as a charitable organisation. Some of these bodies include the Registry of Societies, the Registry of Companies and the Commissioner of Charities.
You can also approach National Council of Social Service (NCSS), the coordinating body for social service agencies in Singapore, for an informed opinion of its
member organisations.
The Internet is also a great source of information and most social service agencies have websites with information on what programmes they run, how funds are allocated and how they fulfil their mission.
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How do I give?
Consider giving to legitimate social service agencies that make it their responsibility to manage your donations well. Such agencies attach a high value of accountability to their donors
and will be open regarding the use of funds collected.
Community Chest, for example, publishes its financial statements in its annual report, selected collaterals and provides them to interested donors upon request.
Whether it is us or other social service agencies that you choose to give to, it is advisable to issue your donations by cheque, not cash. Make certain that your cheque is made payable to the name of the social
service agency and not to an individual.
Besides outright donations, other ways of giving can include purchasing merchandise and donation draw tickets from established social service agencies for the purpose of fundraising.
You may also be approached on the streets for outright donations. Social service agencies do depend on such avenues to raise the necessary funds. However, you should not be pressured to give on the spot. If in doubt
concerning the legitimacy of the fundraising activity, you may ask about the fundraising licence that fundraisers have to obtain to conduct street solicitations. You may also ask about the benefiting social service agencies.
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How will my donations to Community Chest be used to help those in need?
We raise funds to support over 100 social service agencies, allowing them to focus on caring for the disadvantaged. 100% of your
donations will go towards empowering the lives of:
- Adults with disabilities
- Children with special needs and youth-at-risk
- Families in need of assistance
- Persons with mental health conditions
- Seniors in need of support
We believe that all your donations should be used for real needs. Our fundraising cost is usually kept to 16% or less, of the total funds raised – significantly lower than the 30% guideline set by the Charities Unit for
Institutions of A Public Character (IPCs).
We also ensure that the use of your donations is transparent, effective and efficient.
That is why we establish various levels of guidelines and standards for the social service agencies to adhere, including Service Standards Requirements and Programme Evaluation System.
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Is it safe to give to social service agencies online?
It is good to make sure that the social servie agency's site has a secure server that uses encryption technology that ensures appropriate security
of your personal and payment information.
To verify that the page requesting your credit card information is secure, the letters “https” rather than “http” should precede the page's URL and/or there should be an unbroken key or padlock
symbol located in the corner of the web browser.
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Do I have to make a contribution when I receive direct mail appeals with accompanied "gifts"?
You need not feel obligated to give when you receive direct mail solicitations that come with greeting cards,
stickers, calendars, key rings or other "gifts". Social service agencies do this to increase donations but you don't have to make a contribution to keep the "gifts". It is considered unethical for a social service agency to
demand payment for any unordered merchandise.
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If I do not wish to give money, what other ways can I give to social service agencies?
Many social service agencies benefit from alternative forms of giving, besides donation of money. Volunteering your
time and skills to help your community can be a rewarding experience. Most social service agencies welcome volunteers’ help in various ways. Find the volunteering opportunity that best suits your requirement. For donations-in-kind, social service agencies can benefit directly from your kind gesture. You may wish to select a social service agency from the list of NCSS member organisations to donate your gifts.
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I have unclaimed prizes that I wish to donate to Community Chest. How can I go about doing this?
Thank you for considering to donate your unclaimed prizes to us. From February 2017, as we will like NCSS
member organisations to benefit directly from your unclaimed prizes, we will appreciate it if you can select a social service agency from the list of NCSS member organisations available on the NCSS website to contact and donate your gifts directly. We will not be receiving unclaimed prizes on behalf of our member organisations so more can be channelled directly
and promptly to those who need them.
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