Celebrating SG60 with SG Gives 1-for-1 Matching Grant
When the SG Gives Matching Grant was introduced in February, its mission was straightforward: to drive sustained, impactful giving by amplifying every donation. With over S$600 million in a national matching fund, eligible contributions are doubled—matched dollar for dollar—to maximise philanthropic impact.
The Collective for a Stronger Society (CSS) is one of three key partners enabling these matched donations. Established by the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS), CSS connects donors, non-profits, and stakeholders across sectors to uplift lower-income families through collaborative support.
Donors collaborate with a dedicated philanthropy advisor at the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) to design a personalised giving plan and identify programmes that align with their values and impact goals. CFS handles all operational, administrative, and fund reporting matters, ensuring donors receive regular updates on the outcomes of their contributions.
“Many donors are eager to make a difference but may lack the time or resources to evaluate what truly works,” says Paul Tan, CEO at the Community Foundation of Singapore. “CFS simplifies that process by uniting donors around proven, high-impact programmes that are already driving change — and poised for growth.”
CSS partners with a select group of programmes and initiatives designed to provide long-term support for lower-income families in the areas that matter most—social, education, employment, housing, and health. Each initiative targets a pillar of family stability, offering consistent, strategic assistance where needed most. By promoting sustained giving over one-time donations, CSS ensures these programmes have the stability to grow, scale, and deliver lasting impact for vulnerable communities.
It was exactly the kind of solution Thanit Apipatana had been searching for.
In November 2024, he established the Apipatana Foundation to champion education and community initiatives in Singapore. Wanting to ensure his contribution would create a meaningful, lasting impact, he identified CFS as the ideal partner — an organisation with a clear vision and a track record of real progress.
Through CSS, the foundation made its inaugural donation of S$50,000. This donation was later matched dollar for dollar under the SG Gives Matching Grant, doubling the total contribution.
The donation was made through a donor-advised fund with CFS, allowing Apipatana the flexibility to direct his support toward a cause he deeply cared about, while CFS ensured proper fund management and alignment with his philanthropic goals.
The contribution from The Apipatana Foundation will support KidsExcel+, an afterschool programme that offers academic guidance, access to digital resources, and structured sports activities for children from lower-income families. KidsExcel+ is one of 17 impactful programmes and schemes currently supported by CFS.
“Supporting KidsExcel+ was meaningful to me because it tackles the very real challenges faced by lower-income families in Singapore,” says Apipatana, who is originally from Thailand. “Much like in my home country, many parents here work long hours to make ends meet, often leaving their children without the guidance and support they need after school. This gap can make it incredibly difficult for students to stay on track academically.”
Donors like Apipatana receive regular updates from CSS on the impact of the programmes they support. Apipatana shares that he’s especially excited to see how children in the KidsExcel+ initiative grow and benefit from his contribution—hoping that these stories will inspire others to join the cause.
Apipatana shares that he’s especially eager to witness real, measurable impact—like improved academic performance or a boost in self-confidence among children. For him, these individual transformations truly bring philanthropy to life. “When you see firsthand how your support has changed a child’s life, you understand it was never just about the money,” he says.
He believes that showcasing these personal victories can motivate others to recognise their ability to drive meaningful change. “When donors feel a genuine connection to the children they’re supporting, they often realise that giving is far more fulfilling and powerful than they ever imagined.”
Thanit Apipatana is a Bangkok-based entrepreneur, investor, and startup advisor with a keen interest in venture building, real estate, F&B, sports and philanthropy. Mr. Apipatana has advised and invested in companies in the region, including Singapore-based proptech startup Mogul.sg and Thai-basedLife Below Labs. As a thought leader, Mr. Apipatana shares his insights on entrepreneurship, F&B, education, sports and the social sector.