Please note that the Cultural Matching Fund (CMF) only matches qualifying cash donations. Attempting to submit fraudulent cash contributions is a serious offence and offenders will be prosecuted.
Read (or download pdf) about a recent case on attempted cheating of the CMF.
There are general conditions for using the government’s matching fund, to ensure it is not put to activities that are harmful to Singapore. The CMF is not to be put to any use that may
Table 1 below illustrates the conditions of use that govern the CMF.
Amount raised per financial year | Use-conditions that apply to the equivalent matching fund component |
First $300,000 raised | Organisations are to use the matching grant according to the approved applied usage. |
Subsequent amounts raised (above $300,000) | Organisations are to use the matching grants for projects that are aligned to culture sector priorities. |
Culture sector priorities include projects that:
All CMF Matching Grants, regardless of the quantum of amount disbursed, cannot be used for items such as:
There are no conditions placed on the donations obtained from the donor. The organisation may use the donation at its discretion, or in line with the donor’s preference.
Organisations that have received the CMF should ensure:
The CMF Secretariat may appoint an external auditor to conduct a special purpose audit on the CMF’s use with any receiving Charity or IPC.
The following reports are submitted within six months from the close of your financial year:
If CMF funds are not utilised in accordance with the approved uses of the CMF, or in accordance with the conditions stipulated in the deed, the organisation will not be allowed to apply for future CMF grants. The Trustees also reserve the right to require the recipient(s) to refund to the CMF, all of any portion of CMF funds already disbursed, so that deserving organisations can benefit from the CMF.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) launched a public consultation from 10 April to 10 May 2013 on the design of the Cultural Matching Fund (CMF).
Key issues | Respondent recommendations | Reasons for recommendations |
General support for the CMF |
Majority welcomes the Fund | There is a need to grow private giving. |
Eligibility of groups/ projects for the Fund |
The Fund should be restricted to non-profit organisations (NPOs), Charities and Institutes of Public Character (IPCs) |
Ensures Accountability of public funds |
Allowable uses of the Fund |
There should be as few restrictions on the uses/ targets of the funds as possible |
Allows for greater creativity to best meet the carying needs of different groups |
Donations that qualify for matching |
Preference to limit the matching to only cash donations |
Improves ease of valuation and flexibility of use |
Fair distribution of the Fund |
Recommend a tiered matching cap according to the size and background of the recipients |
Ensures accountable spending and fair distribution of the Fund |
More information can be found on our Detailed Summary of the recommendations received (includes our preliminary responses).
Tote Board Enhanced Fund-Raising Programme Grant
Tote Board has enhanced its Fund-Raising Programme with effect from 17 April 2020 to support non-profit organisations adversely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
This fundraising programme started in 2006 to serve as a catalyst to encourage the community to better meet the needs of the underserved in the community. The fundraising gives VWOs and organisations a boost to initiate and achieve their fund-raising targets.
Arts and Heritage Organisations that are interested may visit the Tote Board website to find out more.
Important – Please note that i) sponsorship, grants and earned income, and ii) donations that have been matched by other government grants that allocate funds based on raised income are not eligible for matching by the Cultural Matching Fund.