Philanthropy is more than just a gesture of goodwill; it’s a journey towards making a lasting impact on society. For the founders of the Maanas Cares Foundation, Manoj, Sreevidhya and their children, Aditya and Nitya, this journey began with a vision of creating a legacy of compassion and support for those in need. Partnering with the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS), they have transformed their philanthropic aspirations into tangible action, supporting a range of causes that are close to their hearts.

For over two decades, the founders of the Maanas Cares Foundation have given to charitable causes. A few years ago, they decided to deepen their impact, to make a more significant and enduring contribution that would extend beyond their lifetimes. As working professionals at the peak of their careers, they found it challenging to dedicate the necessary time to support these activities. This led them to seek out an organisation with a proven track record to handle the administrative aspects of their philanthropic efforts. That’s when they discovered CFS.

“We were struck by how well CFS’s mission and ideals matched our own goals for philanthropy,” they said. “This alignment inspired us to explore possibilities with CFS, leading to the creation of the Maanas Cares Foundation. This partnership has allowed us to channel our passion and resources towards causes that are close to our hearts, ensuring that our contributions make a tangible difference to the lives of others.”

PASSION-DRIVEN PHILANTHROPY

The Maanas Cares Foundation focuses on three main causes: supporting seniors, caregiver support, and education. Each of these areas holds personal significance for the founders.

In a rapidly ageing society like Singapore, the well-being of seniors is a growing concern. “We have seen how some elders, without immediate family support, find solace in old age homes,” they explained. “This has fuelled our determination to support the well-being of seniors and caregivers, addressing both health issues and social isolation.”

Education, another key focus, is deeply rooted in their family values. Having several educators in the family, they have directly experienced the profound impact of education. “Access to quality education can empower individuals to overcome adversity, break the cycle of poverty, and build brighter futures,” they said. “We want to provide support to the less privileged, enabling them to explore the world beyond their circumstances.”

CFS has played a pivotal role in enabling the Maanas Cares Foundation to pursue these passions. With the guidance of a dedicated philanthropy advisor, the donors have gained a comprehensive understanding of Singapore’s charitable landscape. This knowledge has informed their decisions, allowing them to strategically allocate resources to areas where there is the greatest need.

LEADING & EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION

Determined to leave a legacy of compassion and empathy, and to educate the future generation about charity, the founders have also brought their children on this journey.

They also recently established a named, endowed bursary at Republic Polytechnic, marking a significant step in their legacy giving. “We firmly believe in the transformative power of education,” they said. “By supporting students at Republic Polytechnic, we aim to empower individuals who may otherwise lack the resources to pursue higher education.”

The endowed bursary aims to break down financial barriers, enabling deserving students to pursue their academic and career aspirations without the burden of financial constraints. “We envision a future where talented individuals from diverse backgrounds have equal access to educational opportunities,” they said. “We hope our legacy gift will inspire others to join similarly in supporting education and creating positive change.”

STRATEGIC GIVING FOR LASTING IMPACT

One of the significant advantages of partnering with CFS is the flexibility and efficiency of the Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) structure. This structure allows the Maanas Cares Foundation to fund their foundation when it is most convenient, such as during times of bonuses or capital gains. CFS handles all the administration, providing a seamless and efficient process.

Reflecting on their journey with CFS, the founders highlighted several key takeaways:

  • Ease and Speed of Setup: “The process of setting up and running our foundation with CFS was remarkably simple and swift. Even during the pandemic, everything was managed virtually and smoothly.”
  • Informed Decision-Making: “CFS provided us with a menu of choices – causes that needed support. They offered detailed information on each cause, helping us make informed decisions quickly.”
  • Impact Monitoring: “CFS provides a ‘report card’ at the end of the year, detailing how our contributions were used, and the outcomes achieved. This transparency allows us to evaluate the impact of our giving and plan future contributions more effectively.”

WORDS OF WISDOM FOR ASPIRING PHILANTHROPISTS

To those considering starting their philanthropic journey, the founders of the Maanas Cares Foundation offer the following advice:

  • Start Small but Start Now: “Don’t wait until retirement to begin your philanthropic journey. The best time to start is during the peak of your career when you are earning the most.”
  • Reflect on Your Passions and Values: “Identify the causes that resonate with you and align your contributions accordingly. This will make your giving more meaningful and impactful.”
  • Choose a Reputable Partner: “Partnering with an organisation like CFS can simplify the process and ensure your contributions are managed effectively. Their expertise and support can help you make a lasting impact.”

Embarking on a philanthropic journey with the Community Foundation of Singapore has enabled the founders of the Maanas Cares Foundation to create a legacy of compassion and support. Their story is a testament to the power of strategic giving and the profound impact it can have on society. By sharing their journey, they hope to inspire others to join them in making a difference, creating a brighter and more equitable future for all.

LEGACY GIVING AND HOW YOU CAN START GIVING WITH CFS 

Legacy Giving is a planned future gift to a cause you are passionate about. It empowers you to create an enduring impact on your community, reflecting what you value and care about deeply. Here are ways you can leave a legacy:

  1. Give Now: Make an immediate impact by establishing a donor-advised fund to transform lives with your generosity.
  2. Give Later: Secure your future legacy by instructing your executor or trustee to create a donor-advised fund using assets from your will, trust, or CPF/insurance nominations.
  3. Give Now; Give Later: Amplify your impact by setting up a donor-advised fund now and supplementing it with future gifts from your will, trust, or CPF/insurance nominations.

Get in touch to speak to us on how you can tap on CFS’s expertise for your legacy giving journey.