Singapore is home to more than 2,200 registered charities and thousands of societies, foundations, and community organisations serving causes that range from social welfare and healthcare to the arts, education, and the environment. Whether you are a prospective donor researching where your contributions will make the greatest impact, a volunteer looking for meaningful engagement, or a nonprofit leader benchmarking your organisation against peers, this directory provides a structured, category-by-category overview of Singapore's nonprofit sector.
This guide covers the regulatory framework, lists prominent organisations by sector, explains how to start a nonprofit in Singapore, and explores the operational challenges that modern nonprofits face.
Understanding Singapore's Nonprofit Landscape
Types of Nonprofit Entities
Singapore recognises several legal structures for nonprofit organisations. Understanding the differences is essential for founders, donors, and partners alike.
| Entity Type | Governing Legislation | Registering Body | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Society | Societies Act | Registrar of Societies (ROS) | Membership-based; governed by a constitution; common for clubs, associations, and professional bodies |
| Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) | Companies Act | ACRA | No share capital; members guarantee a nominal sum; suited for larger nonprofits and charities |
| Charitable Trust | Trustees Act | Varies | Assets held by trustees for charitable purposes; less common in Singapore |
| Co-operative Society | Co-operative Societies Act | Registry of Co-operative Societies | Member-owned and -operated; focused on mutual benefit |
Regulatory Bodies
- Commissioner of Charities (COC): Oversees all registered charities, administers the Charities Act, and maintains the Charity Portal. Charities with gross annual receipts or total expenditure exceeding S$500,000 must submit audited accounts.
- Registrar of Societies (ROS): Registers and regulates societies under the Societies Act. All societies must file annual returns.
- Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY): Sets policy direction for the charitable sector and administers the Code of Governance for Charities and IPCs.
- Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS): Grants and oversees Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status, which allows organisations to issue tax-deductible receipts to donors.
What Is IPC Status?
An Institution of a Public Character (IPC) is a registered charity approved to receive tax-deductible donations. Donors contributing to an IPC can claim 250% tax deduction on qualifying donations. IPC status is granted for a fixed period (typically three to five years) and must be renewed. Not all registered charities hold IPC status, organisations must demonstrate strong governance, financial accountability, and public benefit to qualify.
Social Services and Welfare
Singapore's social services sector is anchored by umbrella bodies and a network of Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) that deliver programmes ranging from financial assistance and family services to community development.
| Organisation | Focus Area | IPC Status |
|---|---|---|
| National Council of Social Service (NCSS) | Umbrella body coordinating over 500 social service organisations | Yes |
| Community Chest | Fundraising and engagement arm of NCSS | Yes |
| Beyond Social Services | Youth development, community building in disadvantaged neighbourhoods | Yes |
| Care Corner Singapore | Family services, counselling, eldercare, children and youth | Yes |
| TOUCH Community Services | Integrated social services across family, youth, elderly, healthcare, and special needs | Yes |
| Lakeside Family Services | Family and community support, financial assistance | Yes |
| Fei Yue Community Services | Family mediation, senior care, youth programmes | Yes |
| Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities | Diverse social services covering elderly, disability, and family support | Yes |
| New Hope Community Services | Homelessness, poverty alleviation, reintegration programmes | Yes |
| The Salvation Army Singapore | Social services, family support, addiction recovery | Yes |
| Willing Hearts | Daily meal preparation and distribution to underprivileged individuals | Yes |
| Food from the Heart | Food distribution programmes, school goodie bags, community food packs | Yes |
Healthcare and Medical
Healthcare nonprofits in Singapore complement the public health system by funding research, providing patient support, and raising awareness about specific medical conditions.
| Organisation | Focus Area | IPC Status |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Cancer Society | Cancer prevention, screening subsidies, welfare aid for cancer patients | Yes |
| National Kidney Foundation (NKF) | Dialysis treatment, kidney health education, patient support | Yes |
| Singapore Heart Foundation | Heart health education, community screening, rehabilitation | Yes |
| Breast Cancer Foundation | Breast cancer awareness, early detection, patient support | Yes |
| Children's Cancer Foundation | Support for children with cancer and their families | Yes |
| Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) | Mental health services, rehabilitation, community integration | Yes |
| Institute of Mental Health (IMH) Fund | Mental health research, patient welfare programmes | Yes |
| Rare Disorders Society (Singapore) | Advocacy and support for patients with rare diseases | Yes |
| Diabetic Society of Singapore | Diabetes education, support, advocacy | Yes |
| Singapore Hospice Council | Palliative care advocacy, hospice service coordination | Yes |
| HCA Hospice Care | Home-based palliative care for terminally ill patients | Yes |
| Dover Park Hospice | Inpatient palliative care for terminally ill patients | Yes |
Education and Youth Development
Education-focused nonprofits include the well-known self-help groups serving Singapore's multi-ethnic communities, as well as organisations supporting youth development, mentorship, and academic enrichment.
Self-Help Groups
Singapore's four major self-help groups are a distinctive feature of its social infrastructure. Each serves a specific ethnic community while collaborating on cross-community initiatives.
| Organisation | Community Served | Focus Area | IPC Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) | Chinese community | Education, skills training, family programmes | Yes |
| Yayasan MENDAKI | Malay/Muslim community | Education, workforce development, family empowerment | Yes |
| Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) | Indian community | Education, financial assistance, youth programmes | Yes |
| Eurasian Association (EA) | Eurasian community | Education, heritage preservation, community services | Yes |
Youth Organisations
| Organisation | Focus Area | IPC Status |
|---|---|---|
| National Youth Council (NYC) | Youth policy, engagement programmes, leadership development | No |
| Youth Corps Singapore | National youth volunteer movement | No |
| Boys' Brigade Singapore | Youth character development, community service | Yes |
| Girls' Brigade Singapore | Youth development, leadership, service learning | Yes |
| Halogen Foundation Singapore | Youth leadership development and mentorship | Yes |
| SHINE Children and Youth Services | At-risk youth counselling, student care, special education | Yes |
| Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre | Youth services, family counselling, community programmes | Yes |
| Singapore Children's Society | Child protection, youth services, early intervention | Yes |
Arts, Culture, and Heritage
Singapore's arts and cultural nonprofits preserve heritage, nurture artistic talent, and make the arts accessible to the broader public.
| Organisation | Focus Area | IPC Status |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Heritage Society | Heritage conservation advocacy, public education | No |
| The Esplanade Co Ltd | Performing arts centre, community outreach, arts education | Yes |
| Singapore Symphony Orchestra | Orchestral performances, music education, community concerts | Yes |
| Singapore Chinese Orchestra | Chinese orchestral music, cultural preservation | Yes |
| Singapore Repertory Theatre | Theatre productions, youth programmes, outreach | Yes |
| The Arts House Limited | Literary arts, multidisciplinary programmes, heritage programmes | No |
| Singapore Art Museum (SAM) | Contemporary art exhibitions, education, community engagement | No |
| Very Special Arts Singapore | Arts programmes for people with disabilities | Yes |
| ArtWorks Alliance | Art therapy, community arts programmes | No |
Environmental and Conservation
Environmental nonprofits in Singapore focus on nature conservation, sustainability education, and policy advocacy in a context where rapid urbanisation puts constant pressure on green spaces.
| Organisation | Focus Area | IPC Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Society (Singapore) | Nature conservation, biodiversity advocacy, guided walks | Yes |
| WWF Singapore | Wildlife conservation, sustainability, environmental education | Yes |
| Singapore Environment Council (SEC) | Environmental certification, education, eco-labels | No |
| Waterways Watch Society | Waterway conservation, clean-up activities, education | Yes |
| Zero Waste SG | Waste reduction advocacy, public education, policy engagement | No |
| Garden City Fund | Conservation of Singapore's natural heritage, community gardens | Yes |
| Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) | Wildlife conservation, environmental education, youth programmes | Yes |
| International Coastal Cleanup Singapore | Beach and coastal clean-up, marine conservation awareness | No |
| Cicada Tree Eco-Place | Environmental education, urban farming, community sustainability | No |
Animal Welfare
Animal welfare organisations in Singapore provide rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming services for domestic and wild animals while advocating for stronger animal protection legislation.
| Organisation | Focus Area | IPC Status |
|---|---|---|
| Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) | Animal rescue, rehoming, cruelty investigation, veterinary care | Yes |
| Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) | Wildlife rescue, anti-wildlife trade, nature education | Yes |
| Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) | Stray dog rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming | Yes |
| Cat Welfare Society | Stray cat management, sterilisation, adoption | Yes |
| Causes for Animals Singapore | Animal rescue, trap-neuter-return, community engagement | No |
| Purely Adoptions | Dog rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming | No |
| Mercylight Animal Rescue and Sanctuary | Animal rescue, sanctuary for special needs animals | No |
Disability and Special Needs
Organisations supporting persons with disabilities in Singapore provide services spanning early intervention, education, vocational training, and community integration.
| Organisation | Focus Area | IPC Status |
|---|---|---|
| SPD (formerly Society for the Physically Disabled) | Services for people with physical, sensory, and neurological disabilities | Yes |
| MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore) | Education, training, employment, residential care for persons with intellectual disabilities | Yes |
| Autism Association (Singapore) | Education, therapy, vocational training for persons with autism | Yes |
| Rainbow Centre | Special education for children with significant disabilities | Yes |
| Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) | Education, rehabilitation, therapy for persons with cerebral palsy | Yes |
| Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) | Sign language services, education, employment support for deaf individuals | Yes |
| Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) | Rehabilitation, education, employment support for visually impaired persons | Yes |
| Down Syndrome Association (Singapore) | Early intervention, education, employment, social programmes | Yes |
| Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore) | Support, advocacy, and services for persons with neuromuscular conditions | Yes |
| SG Enable | Government agency coordinating disability services (works closely with nonprofits) | No |
| Disabled People's Association (DPA) | Disability rights advocacy, policy engagement | No |
Elderly and Aged Care
With Singapore's rapidly ageing population, nonprofits focused on elder care provide essential services ranging from befriending and meals on wheels to day care, nursing, and end-of-life support.
| Organisation | Focus Area | IPC Status |
|---|---|---|
| AWWA Ltd | Integrated eldercare, disability, and family services | Yes |
| Lions Befrienders Service Association | Befriending, social isolation prevention for seniors | Yes |
| SAGE Counselling Centre | Counselling and support services for seniors and caregivers | Yes |
| St Luke's ElderCare | Day care, day rehabilitation, home care for seniors | Yes |
| Tsao Foundation | Community health, eldercare innovation, caregiver support | Yes |
| Montfort Care | Active ageing, senior befriending, family services | Yes |
| O'Joy Care Services | Home personal care and nursing for elderly and disabled | Yes |
| Ling Kwang Home for Senior Citizens | Residential care for destitute and needy elderly | Yes |
| All Saints Home | Nursing home, day care, home care for seniors | Yes |
| NTUC Health | Eldercare, childcare, and healthcare social enterprise | No |
Religious and Community Organisations
While many religious organisations operate as registered charities, they also frequently provide social services, education, and community development programmes open to all regardless of faith.
| Organisation | Focus Area | IPC Status |
|---|---|---|
| Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) | Religious guidance, community development, mosque management | Yes |
| National Council of Churches of Singapore | Ecumenical Christian body, social service coordination | No |
| Singapore Buddhist Federation | Buddhist education, welfare, cultural programmes | Yes |
| Hindu Endowments Board | Management of Hindu temples and related charities | No |
| Sikh Welfare Council | Community welfare, education, financial assistance | Yes |
| Tzu Chi Foundation (Singapore) | Humanitarian aid, medical outreach, community services | Yes |
How to Start a Nonprofit in Singapore
Starting a nonprofit in Singapore involves a structured process with specific regulatory requirements at each stage.
Step 1: Choose Your Legal Structure
The most common options are registering as a society under the Societies Act or incorporating as a company limited by guarantee (CLG) under the Companies Act. Societies are simpler to set up and more suited to membership-based organisations, while CLGs offer stronger governance frameworks and are often preferred for larger charities.
Step 2: Register Your Entity
- For Societies: Apply to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) via the e-Services portal. You will need at least 10 members, a constitution, and details of your management committee. Processing takes approximately four to six weeks.
- For CLGs: Incorporate through ACRA. You will need at least one member/subscriber and one director. The memorandum and articles of association must state charitable objects.
Step 3: Apply for Charity Registration
If your organisation has exclusively charitable objects (relief of poverty, advancement of education, advancement of religion, or other purposes beneficial to the community), apply for registration as a charity with the Commissioner of Charities through the Charity Portal. Charity registration provides exemption from income tax.
Step 4: Apply for IPC Status (Optional)
If your charity operates for the public benefit and meets governance standards, you may apply for IPC status through the Commissioner of Charities. IPC status allows you to issue tax-deductible receipts to donors (currently at 250% tax deduction), which significantly enhances your fundraising capability. Requirements include:
- At least one year of charity registration
- Compliance with the Code of Governance for Charities and IPCs
- Demonstrated programmes serving the public
- Proper financial controls and accountability
Step 5: Ongoing Compliance
All registered charities must file annual returns, maintain proper accounts, and comply with the Code of Governance. Charities with annual receipts or expenditure exceeding S$500,000 must submit audited financial statements. IPC organisations face additional reporting requirements, including disclosure of fund usage and compliance with conditions of IPC approval.
Common Challenges for Singapore Nonprofits
Despite the strength of Singapore's nonprofit ecosystem, organisations across every sector face a common set of operational challenges.
Donor Management and Fundraising
Nonprofits must cultivate relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, grant-making bodies, and government agencies, each requiring different engagement strategies and reporting. Tracking donation history, generating tax-deductible receipts compliant with IRAS requirements, and segmenting donors for targeted appeals can become overwhelming as an organisation grows.
Volunteer Coordination
Volunteers are the backbone of most nonprofits, but managing availability, skills matching, scheduling, training records, and volunteer hours manually leads to inefficiency and frustration. Organisations with large volunteer pools often find that spreadsheets cannot keep up with the complexity.
Compliance and Reporting
The Commissioner of Charities requires annual reporting, and IPC organisations must provide detailed breakdowns of how donated funds are used. The Code of Governance requires compliance across board governance, conflict of interest management, financial management, and fundraising practices. Preparing these reports manually is time-consuming and error-prone.
Membership Tracking
Many nonprofits operate on a membership model, professional associations, alumni groups, community clubs, and advocacy organisations all depend on members for governance participation, programme engagement, and financial sustainability. Tracking membership tiers, renewal cycles, attendance, voting eligibility, and communications preferences across hundreds or thousands of members becomes unmanageable without dedicated systems.
Data Silos and Fragmentation
When donor records, volunteer data, event registrations, and membership information live in separate spreadsheets or disconnected tools, staff waste time reconciling records and risk missing critical relationships. A volunteer who is also a major donor may receive an impersonal form letter instead of personalised recognition. A lapsed member may never receive a renewal reminder because the membership spreadsheet is not connected to the email system.
Streamlining Nonprofit Operations with Technology
The challenges outlined above share a common root cause: fragmented, manual processes that cannot scale. Modern nonprofit management software addresses these issues by centralising constituent data, donors, members, volunteers, and event attendees, into a single platform.
What to Look for in Nonprofit Software
When evaluating software for your nonprofit, prioritise solutions that offer:
- Unified constituent profiles combining donor, member, volunteer, and event data into a single record
- Automated donation receipting compliant with IRAS requirements for IPC tax deductions
- Membership lifecycle management with automated renewals, tiered benefits, and self-service portals
- Volunteer management with scheduling, hours tracking, and skills matching
- Compliance-ready reporting aligned with Commissioner of Charities requirements and the Code of Governance
- Event management with registration, attendance tracking, and post-event engagement
- Communication tools for targeted outreach based on constituent segments and engagement history
- Data security compliant with Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)
The Case for Purpose-Built Solutions
Generic business software forces nonprofits to adapt their workflows to tools designed for commercial sales pipelines. Purpose-built platforms like Memberlytic are designed around the realities of membership-based and nonprofit organisations, supporting the overlapping relationships, compliance requirements, and engagement workflows that charities and associations depend on daily. The result is less time spent on administrative overhead and more resources directed toward mission delivery.
Conclusion
Singapore's nonprofit sector is diverse, well-regulated, and deeply embedded in the fabric of national life. From large IPCs managing millions in donations to small community societies run entirely by volunteers, every organisation plays a role in advancing social good.
For donors and volunteers, this directory serves as a starting point for identifying organisations aligned with your interests and values. For nonprofit leaders, it offers a benchmark against the broader sector. And for anyone considering starting a nonprofit, Singapore's structured regulatory environment, while demanding, provides a framework that builds public trust and ensures accountability.
The most effective nonprofits are those that combine passionate mission focus with operational discipline. Investing in the right tools and systems to manage members, donors, volunteers, and compliance frees your team to focus on what matters most: delivering impact to the communities you serve.
Running one of these organisations?
Memberlytic is nonprofit membership software built for Singapore: members, donors, and volunteers in one database, with IRAS-compliant donation receipting for IPCs, automated renewals via PayNow and GIRO, and PDPA consent tracking built in. Migration from spreadsheets or an existing system is a managed service and takes about 3 working days.
Get a quote, tell us your membership size and what you use today, and we will quote against it.