New initiatives launched to strengthen charities’ governance capabilities

29 October 2024

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong noted in a speech given at the Charity Governance Conference 2024 on 2 October 2024 initiatives aimed at strengthening charities’ governance capabilities, which are set out below.

ESG Playbook for Charities and Charities Capability Fund

Minister Tong noted that, to further support charities on their ESG journey, the Charity Council has partnered with KPMG in Singapore to co-develop an ESG Playbook for Charities (“Playbook”).

The Playbook was published by the Office of the Commissioner of Charities (“COC”) on 1 October 2024 and offers practical, tailored steps designed to align with each charity’s operational needs and aims to guide charities in identifying opportunities and integrating these principles into their operations. Workshops will be organised to onboard charities to implement these practices as seamlessly as possible.

Minister Tong also noted that funding support to help charities adopt ESG practices is available, in particular a Charities Capability Fund for internal ESG projects and the SG Eco Fund, administered by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, which supports ground-up projects that advance environmental sustainability and engage the community.

Empathetic practice through new mediation service for charities

The COC is in discussion with Pro Bono SG to launch a pilot programme to provide mediation services for resolving disputes involving smaller charities in Singapore, on a pro bono basis for charities who satisfy the means test. Pro Bono SG’s pilot programme aims to preserve the reputation and resources of these charities, allowing them to focus on their core missions.

Uphold high standards of transparency and accountability by safeguarding charities against money laundering and terrorist financing

Measures are being undertaken to safeguard charities from being exploited for illicit purposes such as money laundering and terrorist financing.

The COC will issue a guidance template on appropriate anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism policies and procedures to raise awareness and aid charities in enhancing their own skillsets and knowledge, and to develop a system to mitigate and protect themselves against financial crimes.

Reference materials

Minister Tong’s speech is available from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth website www.mccy.gov.sg. The Playbook is available on the Charity Portal website www.charities.gov.sg.