Every powerful story begins with heart. How will yours begin?

We all have it in us to give. To uplift. And to make a meaningful difference. But what if you could do this even beyond your lifetime?
With Legacy Giving, you can.
Whether you want to start a fund to empower future generations or leave a bequest in your will to ensure the causes you care about get continued support, the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS) can help.
Curious to learn more? We’re here to answer your questions.
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What does Legacy Giving mean to Rachel, Bryan and their family? Find out below.

Uncover these stories of legacy giving

A former Everest expedition leader who rose above his own disability to raise others up. A son’s devotion to honour the aged. A mother’s dedication to continue her family’s values.

Watch now to discover their greater stories.

Bringing dignity to the aged, and strength to their caregivers
This is Ryan’s greater story.

Ryan Lee

Lee Choi Seng Foundation

From climbing mountains to breaking disability barriers
This is David’s greater story.

David Lim

David Lim Everest Foundation

Looking beyond wealth to pass down a heart for giving
This is Rachel’s greater story.

Rachel Yang

SCATECH Philanthropy Fund

Why you should consider Legacy Giving

Perhaps, you too are looking for a meaningful way to honour someone you love. Or, have always wished that the values and life lessons you hold dear can be passed on to the next generation.

At CFS, we'll help you craft a customised plan. Leave a bequest in your will or start a philanthropic fund with us, to support what matters to you beyond your lifetime.

Because, just like Rachel, David and Ryan, we all have greater stories that are waiting to be told.

Wondering how to kickstart your giving journey? We’re here to help.

How to make a Legacy Gift?


Cash

Designate a cash gift to CFS


CPF Monies

Nominate CFS as the beneficiary of your CPF


Insurance

Nominate CFS as the beneficiary of your policy


Marketable Securities

Gift shares, bonds and unit trusts listed on major stock exchanges.


Tangible Property

Gift real estate or tangible property. Speak to us about the possibilities.

You may also choose to start a donor-advised fund with CFS, where you can nominate a successor to continue your legacy, or entrust CFS to manage it on your behalf. With a minimum sum of SGD 200,000, you can create a named fund without the significant costs and administrative burden of setting up a private foundation.

Alternatively, make a direct donation to CFS, enabling us to channel your gift towards community needs and high-impact programmes.

The CFS Story

Since 2008, the CFS has worked with donors to make their giving impactful and sustainable. As Singapore’s first trusted provider of donor-advised funds, we partner with charities, government agencies, and experts to identify funding opportunities and develop collaborative solutions to address community needs.

Updated as of 30 June 2025.

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  • Insights to maximise your giving
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  • Giving strategies that work

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FAQs about Legacy Giving

FAQ

Who should consider Legacy Giving?

People of all ages, from all walks of life can live and leave a legacy to contribute to support the community.

What is the best time to start planning legacy gifts?

You can start thinking about legacy gifts at any stage of your life.  It is never too early to start planning.

Can I leave a legacy gift to CFS and let CFS decide on the charity or cause to support?

Yes, you can leave your gift unrestricted to provide flexibility in meeting the evolving needs of the community.  With our deep understanding of local issues and evolving needs, CFS identifies gaps and opportunities in the community to foster more effective giving.
You can also give directly to the charity.

Can CFS help me set up an endowment fund in support of a cause or charity?

With an endowment fund, your donation is held at CFS in perpetuity and invested.  Payout from the investment is directed to the designated cause or charity.

How can I make a legacy gift?

Your legacy gift can be a simple outright gift, such as a bequest in a will or a donation in memory of a loved one directly to a charity.
To plan a legacy gift to CFS, you can start by setting up an endowment fund in your name or in memory of a loved one.
Giving in memory lets a family celebrate the life of a loved one by supporting a cause close to their hearts.  A memorial fund is a thoughtful way to remember your loved one and at the same time make an impact on the community.  Memorial giving lets friends and family celebrate the life of a loved one by supporting a cause close to their hearts.
If you already have a fund with CFS, you may direct a portion of your estate as a contribution to your existing flow through or endowment fund.  Alternatively, you may include a directive in your will to establish a fund with CFS.  We will honour your wishes and ensure that your fund is used prudently to help the community and directed to the charitable causes you care about most.

How do I start my Legacy Giving with CFS?

You can start by establishing a fund with CFS.  This fund will then be named as a beneficiary to receive your assets in accordance to your will, CPF and insurance nominations.
Alternatively, you can give directly to CFS and leave your gift unrestricted to provide flexibility in meeting the evolving needs of the community.

Is there a minimum amount I need to make a legacy gift?

You have various choices in making a legacy gift. 
You can give a gift directly to CFS to meet the evolving needs in the community. You may wish to establish a donor advised fund (DAF) with CFS to support specific causes or charities over time, starting with S$200,000.  It is also possible to give directly to a charity of your choice.

Do I need to inform CFS in advance of my legacy gift?

It will be helpful to inform CFS if you intend to include a gift to CFS in your will.  You may do so by filling in the Legacy Pledge Form.

Why give with CFS?

With CFS, you can be assured that your charitable intent will be honoured and your giving meaningful and impactful. As your trusted legacy partner, we will:

Carry out your wishes

We will honour your wishes and ensure that your fund is used prudently to help the community and directed to the charitable causes you care about most.

Invest your gift wisely

Should you choose an endowment fund, we will work with investment experts to help grow your fund so that the reach of your legacy will be extended over time.

Ensure that your gift has a lasting impact

Whether flow through or endowment fund, we will ensure that your legacy gift will make an impact.

How do I know that CFS is financially accountable?

We comply with the requirements of the Code of Governance for Charities and Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs) and are committed to upholding the values of accountability and transparency within our organisation.  CFS has to comply with the advanced tier of the Code of Governance for IPCs, which is the most stringent requirement for large IPCs with receipts of at least $10 million.
In 2019, CFS is honoured to have won the Charity Governance Award – Special Commendation for Governance and Management – as well as the Charity Transparency Award. Conferred by the Charity Council, we were privileged to be amongst a select line-up of outstanding charities that were recognised for exemplary disclosure and transparency practices at the Charity Governance Awards dinner on 3 December 2019. 
Our audit partner KPMG conducts an independent audit of our financial statements every year. Our audited financial information is available at https://cf.org.sg/resources/publications/.

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