Earlier this month, I completed a training on philanthropy and social impact with a group of learners from Singapore’s wealth management and nonprofit sectors. As part of the session, we explored why people in Singapore choose to give, and why they sometimes hold back.

Why People Give

Six key themes emerged as we discussed why people in Singapore give. Generosity here extends far beyond charity - it is an expression of purpose, identity, and legacy.

1. Altruism & Social Impact  

The dominant motivation centers on helping others and improving the world. People give to multiply goodness, pay it forward, help underprivileged communities, and to uplift others. The responses reflect a deep-seated belief in social responsibility and the transformative power of collective good — giving as a means to create positive change.

2. Financial & Pragmatic Factors

A secondary cluster focuses on strategic or rational benefits: tax deductions and reductions, corporate branding, and funding innovation. Here, giving is seen as both smart and impactful — aligning philanthropy with business or financial stewardship.

3. Legacy & Family Values

Many view giving as an act of legacy — teaching children, honoring loved ones, or to instill good values for the next generation. This cluster highlights intergenerational philanthropy, where giving becomes a way to pass on moral and social capital.

4. Personal Fulfillment & Meaning

For some, giving fulfills a personal or emotional need: feeling grateful, finding purpose, or feeding the soul.

5. Religious & Spiritual Roots

Faith-based reasons, such as afterlife blessings, karma, or emptying for regeneration, play a meaningful role, underscoring how religion anchors generosity in moral duty and divine reciprocity.

6. Cultural & Moral Influences

Some respondents connect giving to upbringing, tradition, or cultural expectation, especially within Asian or collectivist contexts — giving as a reflection of who we are raised to be: part of Asian culture, custodian for the future, or social theories of reciprocity and gift exchange.

Why People Do Not Give

Learners shared a range of personal, social, and practical reasons for why people in Singapore do not give. Seven main themes emerged, showing that hesitation stems from emotional, informational, and situational barriers.

1. Trust and Credibility Gaps

A recurring barrier is distrust in charitable institutions. Many learners noted uncertainty about how funds are managed or whether donations truly reach the intended beneficiaries. Comments such as “don’t trust charities” and “lack of credibility (data)” reflect deeper concerns about transparency and accountability — highlighting the need for clearer communication and tangible evidence of impact.

2. Financial Constraints

Giving may also be constrained by economic realities. Respondents mentioned “not enough money (yet)” and a “scarcity mindset”, reflecting the tension between wanting to help and needing to prioritize personal financial security. Some also perceive that some contributions would be insignificant compared to wealthier donors — a belief that diminishes motivation.

3. Awareness and Knowledge Gaps

Some mentioned that people don’t know where or how to give. This indicates that information accessibility and simple giving pathways could significantly increase participation.

4. Lack of Personal Connection or Relevance

Some people don’t give because charitable causes feel distant or unrelatable (“cause does not relate to me”). When individuals don’t see a clear connection between their values and a cause, motivation wanes.

5. Structural and Convenience Barriers

Practical barriers also play a role. The comment “operational hurdle to give — not easy to donate” illustrates how inefficient systems or complex donation processes can discourage action, even among those who want to give.

6. Social and Cultural Influences

Giving is also shaped by social context and cultural expectations. Phrases like “my family does not appreciate” and “kiasu mentality” reflect social norms that discourage giving or prioritize self-preservation over generosity. This indicates a social permission gap, where community attitudes can either enable or inhibit giving behavior.

7. Fatigue and Negative Experiences

Some respondents suggested signs of donor fatigue or emotional burnout. Prior negative experiences — such as feeling unappreciated, over-solicited, or disappointed — can lead to disengagement. 

The Balance of Heart and Head

Together, these insights paint a portrait of giving in Singapore that is both empathetic and evaluative. People give when it aligns with their sense of purpose and trust; they hesitate when these are absent. The future of philanthropy in Singapore, therefore, lies in bridging this gap — fostering trust, transparency, and personal connection that turn good intentions into sustained generosity.