The government will extend the Gift-A-Family scheme to seven more divisions and gradually broaden its coverage to help more vulnerable families improve their lives.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development said in a statement on Thursday (12 November) that it will work with the National Council of Social Service and the People's Association to progressively extend Gift-A-Family to seven divisions in the coming months: Hong Kah North, Marsiling, Nanyang, Nee Soon Link, Paya Lebar, Punggol North and Toa Payoh Central.
This is the first phase of GAF's three-year expansion roadmap. The aim is for the scheme to cover eligible ComLink+ families and vulnerable families supported by Social Service Offices by 2028.
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.
GAF pools donations from across society to provide low-income families with resources beyond the government's existing assistance for basic living needs. It helps them pursue goals in education, employment and skills development, working towards stability, self-reliance and upward social mobility.
Since its launch in late 2022, the scheme has been piloted in six divisions — Boon Lay, Clementi, Jurong East, Bukit Merah, Queenstown and Tampines — benefiting more than 180 low-income families and individuals so far. Support includes tuition and enrichment classes for children, as well as funding for adults to attend skills training such as driving courses to improve their employment prospects.
Under the scheme, Social Service Offices under the Ministry of Social and Family Development identify families and individuals suitable for funding, including cases referred by the People's Association. Through regular discussions with their ComLink+ family coaches, beneficiary families can identify their goals and find suitable courses and development opportunities. The authorities will provide targeted funding based on each family's or individual's circumstances, strengths and goals.
Residents in areas covered by the scheme can contact their local Social Service Office for details. Local councils will also be set up progressively in each division, bringing together business owners, community groups and residents to reach families in need, raise funds and mobilise community resources.
Minister for Education Desmond Lee, who oversees social services integration, said the government keeps in close contact with beneficiary families through ComLink+ to understand their goals and build on their strengths. GAF further mobilises community resources to support these families' development in education, employment and other areas.
He said: “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.”
Chairman of the GAF Council for Boon Lay and Director, Drew & Napier LLC Wendell Wong said the scheme began with a simple wish 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.”
