The Singapore Co-operative Movement and the Singapore Government have announced a new fund to support local co-operatives’ efforts to roll out or expand ‘Do Good’ initiatives for vulnerable communities.

The S$1,000,000 Empowering Communities Fund (ECF) is set up by the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF) and the Registry of Co-operative Societies (RCS), with support from the Singapore Co-operative Movement and the Government. ECF will be officially launched in early 2025.

Conversations on the fund first surfaced following the Singapore Co-operative Movement Forward Singapore exercise in 2022-2023, which saw local co-ops coming together to chart the aspirations and how they want to further contribute to the Singapore narrative. The exercise consolidated the feedback, and many of which highlighted the co-ops’ inclination to help the underserved.

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ECF will allow co-ops to defray a part of the costs used to set up these ground-up initiatives. This can include organising basic health screenings for the elderlies at void decks of housing estates or collaborating with corporate partners to enhance recreational space, making them more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.

Announced by Minister of State for Community, Culture and Youth Alvin Tan at the SNCF’s annual Co-operative Movement Night, Mr Tan said that co-operatives have played a key role in building the nation and continue to remain relevant in society. “(Co-ops) help to strengthen our nation’s fabric when it was still a nascent nation and also (by) serving the underserved.”

In its third year running, the Co-operative Movement Night recognises members for their contributions to the movement. And this year, 48 leaders from 24 unique co-operatives were recognised for their efforts in uplifting their communities and advancing the principles of cooperativism in their co-operatives.

Speaking to 300 co-op participants and other guests, Mr Tan, who is also the Minister of State for Trade & Industry, said that the Government will do more to support the Singapore Co-operative Movement: “RCS, in partnership with SNCF, will roll out governance initiatives for (co-ops) to help them navigate the changing business environment and members’ needs.”

Mr Tan also added that the Government is looking to create an induction guide for key co-op officers to enable co-ops to adapt the principles for their own use. Today, there are 77 co-operatives in Singapore with a membership base of 930,000 members.

“With the new fund, we hope to enable co-ops to give back to communities and do their part to strengthen Singapore’s social compact,” said Ang Hin Kee, chief executive officer of SNCF.

Mr Ang added that the ECF is the Government’s commitment to support and partner co-ops to sustain initiatives to benefit and uplift communities. “Co-ops in Singapore have existed for close to a century. Formed to tackle various needs in society, co-ops continue to exemplify the ‘Do well’ and ‘Do Good’ spirit.”

32-year-old Vincent Ng was one of the leaders who received a token of appreciation at Co-operative Movement Night. The former General Manager of changemaking co-operative A Good Space is excited at the possibilities the new funding can do for communities.

“This new fund provides an impetus for co-ops to act on these emerging needs or support people falling through the cracks,” Mr Ng said. “It could serve as an activation point for younger staff members to practise and connect with the social mission of co-ops they are working for, giving them a sense of purpose and helping with staff retention.”

Vulnerable communities, such as migrant workers, can stand to benefit from initiatives or ground up born from the fund. Mr Ng believes it is crucial for society to acknowledge and recognise the efforts of nation-builders who have toiled tirelessly behind the scenes in Singapore. “With the Forward SG movement reimagining a new social compact, this can be our chance to implement a safety net for these unsung heroes of our society,” he said. "Furthermore, co-ops often serve members who are residents or Singaporeans so this fund might be an interesting opportunity to go beyond that to migrant workers as well."

Like Mr Ng, founder of Love Empowered Co-operative Tony Lim sees potential for co-operatives looking to scale up their do-good initiatives with the fund. “Ideas and initiatives that may not be immediately sustainable but have the potential to thrive with some initial support, can stand to benefit from the fund,” Mr Lim, who has managed the co-op for the past nine years, said. “By providing this early boost, the fund helps these projects succeed and benefit their communities in the long term.”

By Sng Ler Jun