President Tharman Shanmugaratnam announced significant changes to the President’s Challenge (PC) at the launch event held at Delta Sports Centre on 4 September 2024. The refreshed initiative aims to go “beyond immediate needs” and achieve “sustained social impact” by uplifting individuals with aspirations and potential, particularly those facing greater odds. Key changes include a shift from one-off funding to longer-term funding for deserving initiatives and the inclusion of arts and sports as fields for nurturing potential.
Background
The President’s Challenge, an annual campaign that has raised funds for social causes for the past 23 years, will be refreshed from 2025. The announcement follows the launch of the 2024 edition of the President’s Challenge by President Tharman on 30 May 2024. A media release issued on the same day stated that more details about the refreshed campaign would be announced in the second half of 2024.
What to expect in the refreshed President’s Challenge
Several initiatives will be introduced under the refreshed President’s Challenge to benefit the social sector, arts, and sports. One such initiative is the introduction of new fellowships aimed at developing young civic leaders and recognising individuals pursuing second chances in life. The initiative will also extend its focus to include the arts and sports, enabling budding talents to sustain their development.
President Tharman highlighted that success in sports and the arts “depends greatly on chances and even surprises” in addition to talent. The refreshed President’s Challenge aims to “widen those chances and opportunities for every talent to be discovered.” Specifically, the initiative will partner with SportSG to expand opportunities and strengthen the pipeline of future talents, including supporting SportSG’s partnerships with schools. Disability sports will also receive additional support, with para-athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games cited as examples.
New funding model
To advance these goals, the refreshed President’s Challenge will transition from one-off funding to long-term funding of initiatives. This new approach will allow benefitting organisations to build their capabilities, scale up social innovations, and make a meaningful impact. The initiative will complement government efforts by integrating philanthropies, corporates, and volunteers with empathy and mentorship skills.
The refreshed President’s Challenge will collaborate with foundations and agencies that share its goals and principles, leveraging their expertise, networks, and capabilities. These partners will support selected beneficiaries through co-funding, progress tracking, and mentorship. Additionally, the initiative will work with philanthropic partners to mobilise contributions, including multi-year funding.
Future implications
The refreshed President’s Challenge represents a significant shift in how social impact initiatives are funded and supported in Singapore. By focusing on long-term funding and including arts and sports, the initiative aims to create sustained social impact and provide more opportunities for individuals to realise their potential. The changes announced by President Tharman signal a broader scope for the President’s Challenge, which will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of the community. Further details about the refreshed campaign are expected to be announced in the coming months, providing more clarity on how these changes will be implemented and the specific initiatives that will be supported.
