MSF Expands Gift-A-Family Initiative to Support more Lower-Income Families and Individuals

MSF Expands Gift-A-Family Initiative to Support more Lower-Income Families and Individuals

Seven additional divisions to come on board in the coming months, as part of three-year expansion

1            The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), in collaboration with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and People's Association (PA), will expand the Gift-A-Family (GAF) initiative to seven additional divisions in the coming months. This marks the first phase of a three-year expansion, with GAF to be rolled out to cover eligible ComLink+ and vulnerable families supported by Social Service Offices by 2028. 

2            GAF supports ComLink+ families by bringing together donor contributions to complement existing Government’s assistance for families’ basic needs and help families pursue goals that matter to them. Building on families’ strengths, aspirations and efforts, the initiative provides additional resources that can open up opportunities to progress and help families move towards greater stability, self-reliance and social mobility.

3            Through GAF, families can access opportunities that support their aspirations and development, including enrichment, training and skills upgrading.  By providing support at key stages of a family’s journey, GAF helps families build capabilities, strengthen resilience and make sustained progress towards their goals.   

4            The seven divisions coming on board in the coming months are Hong Kah North, Marsiling, Nanyang, Nee Soon Link, Paya Lebar, Punggol North and Toa Payoh Central. This builds on encouraging outcomes from earlier pilots in Boon Lay, Clementi, Jurong East, Bukit Merah, Queenstown and Tampines divisions, which have supported over 180 lower-income families and individuals to date. Support has included academic support and enrichment for children and skills upgrading such as driving courses to strengthen employment prospects.

5            To support the expansion, Community Chest, the philanthropic arm of NCSS, will provide seed funding of $100,000 per division each year from 2026 to 2028. Organisations and individuals that wish to support GAF can donate through Community Chest. 

6            MSF’s Social Service Offices (SSOs) will identify suitable families and individuals who would benefit from sponsorship to pursue their aspirations, including those referred by PA. Through regular conversations with their ComLink+ family coaches, families identify goals that are important to them and explore courses, programmes and other opportunities that can support their progress. Support will be tailored to each family's or individual's circumstances, strengths and aspirations. Residents in the participating divisions can approach their SSOs to find out more about GAF. Over time, local councils will be set up to to bring together community networks such as business owners, community groups and residents to support outreach, raise funds and mobilise resources for GAF.

7            Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration Desmond Lee said, "Gift-A-Family shows what is possible when Government and the community work together to create opportunities for progress. Through ComLink+, we work alongside families to understand their goals and build on their strengths.  Gift-A-Family complements this effort by mobilising community resources to support aspirations that families have identified for themselves, whether in education, employment or other areas of development. As GAF expands to more communities, we hope more partners and residents will join us in supporting families on their journey, empowering them to achieve their goals and build a better future for themselves and their children.”

8            Mr Wendell Wong, Chairman of the GAF Council for Boon Lay and Director, Drew & Napier LLC said, “Gift-A-Family began with a simple aspiration: to bring hope to families and help them pursue their dreams. We are grateful to see this ground-up initiative grow beyond Boon Lay and reach even more families across Singapore. GAF shows what is possible when Singaporeans come together to care for and uplift one another. We hope many more individuals and companies will join us on this shared journey”

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ISSUED BY

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT