Charities see big drop in donations, some urge rethink
in fundraising methods
SINGAPORE : A survey of 10 charities has revealed poor
takings in the past financial year, with donations falling by as
much as S$2.03 million.
While the economic downturn was cited as a reason, other factors
include the end of fundraising drives held in other years.
But in Singapore, the Handicaps Welfare Organisation has bucked the
trend, collecting over $171,000 more from the previous financial
year.
A key to its success is its lucky draw fundraiser, which helped
offset the drop in takings from flag days.
Charities interviewed by TODAY said the 'tin-can' method of the
fundraising may not work as well as in the past, especially with
growing competition among voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs)
for donor support.
Some have suggested going for more creative methods, such as
lotteries similar to that run by the blind in Ireland.
For the charity sector, the government is one alternative source of
funds.
Earlier it announced a $15 million contingency fund to help VWOs
tide over the economic crisis.
About $9 million have so far been disbursed by the ministries of
health, and community development, youth and sports.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1009290/1/.html