Since its launch in 2025, the Empowering Communities Fund (ECF) has been reshaping how Singapore's co-operatives give back.

Jointly established by the Singapore National Co-operative Federation (SNCF) and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), with funding support from the Central Co-operative Fund, the Government and the Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF), the S$1 million fund was set up to help co-ops turn ground-up ideas into real, tangible support for Singapore's vulnerable communities.

At the time of this story, the fund has committed a full S$1M to support 21 projects, each a ground-up initiative by Singapore’s co-operatives. Projects run the gamut from eldercare to financial literacy to community inclusion, so long as they serve vulnerable groups.

In this issue, we spotlight five co-operatives and the ECF-backed projects they've rolled out for their communities.

Singapore Mercantile Co-operative Society

Around 120 seniors, together with volunteers from women's welfare groups, polytechnic students, took part in an outing to the Singapore Oceanarium over four days, organised by Sree Narayana Mission and Singapore Mercantile Credit Co-operative Society (SMCS). The ECF project caught the attention of Tamil Murasu, which reported that the venue was chosen for being senior-friendly and wheelchair-accessible, said Mr Rathakrishnan, Honorary Secretary of SMCS — a fitting initiative as the co-op marks its 100th anniversary this year.

AUPE Credit Co-operative

Held twice on 1 November 2025 and 6 June 2026, AUPE Credit Co-operative's Community for Public Service Retirees project drew 205 registrations and 129 unique attendees across two events, bringing together public service retirees and re-employees at a stage in life when many are looking to build new routines and connections. AUPE Credit Co-op, which has served public sector employees since 1965, designed the events around learning new skills, health and wellness, and financial planning, all of which are practical entry points for retirees looking to spend their newfound time meaningfully.

Beyond the day itself, the ECF project aimed to spot "movers" and "joiners" among attendees who could go on to drive interest groups of their own, turning a one-off event into the seeds of longer-term peer networks for retirees navigating this new chapter together.

Singapore Teachers’ Credit Co-operative Society

The Singapore Teachers' Co-operative Society’s ECF project, entitled "Together as One Home, One Singapore", saw its co-operative members organising a workshop to 15 children and teenagers residing at Sunbeam Place @ Children’s Society, a protective shelter under temporary care. There, the members used LEGO-building as a gentle, creative way for participants to reflect on Singapore's 60-year journey and their own aspirations, before contributing their figurines to a collective display.

At its core, the ECF project aimed to give children who often lack access to creative, self-expressive spaces a chance to build confidence, emotional resilience and a stronger sense of belonging, reminding them they, too, are part of Singapore's shared story.

TCC Credit Co-operative

Following a Memorandum of Understanding signing between TCC Credit Co-operative and Society for WINGS on 1 April 2026, the two organisations came together to launch Empowering Voices & Actions for Single Mothers and Widows (EVA), a joint initiative to support women navigating life's transitions with resilience and dignity. The MOU was inked by TCC's Chairman Mr Shareef Bin Abdul Jaffar, and Society for WINGS President Ms Bay Teck Cheng, marking a shared commitment to uplift single mothers and widows through community, financial and legal support.

The co-op's kick-off event on 2 May at Bishan Community Club saw close to 350 attendees, mostly single mothers and widows from the WINGS community, come together for a day of learning and connection. Sessions ranged from legal rights and estate planning to financial literacy, nutrition, mindfulness, and digital wellbeing in the age of AI, alongside a panel discussion and health assessments. Supported by the ECF, EVA is designed to extend beyond this single event; TCC Credit Co-operative and Society for WINGS plan to follow-up with workshops and support circles over the next six months to keep the momentum going.

Silver Horizon Travel Co-operative

About 90 seniors, caregivers and volunteers took part in "Singapore Heritage Reconnect" across three sessions from the start of the year to June. The ECF project helmed by Silver Horizon Travel Co-operative, known for organising tours catered specifically for the elderly, included charity trips for seniors who have never owned a passport or travelled before.

The outing brought together vulnerable seniors aged 60 and above from lower socio-economic backgrounds — many facing financial constraints, limited mobility, or social isolation — identified through social service agencies, Active Ageing Centres and grassroots organisations across HDB heartlands, along with their caregivers and volunteers. Participants retraced heritage-rich pockets of Chinatown and Kreta Ayer, with the low-barrier outing aimed at easing isolation, strengthening community bonds, and giving caregivers and volunteers a well-earned moment of respite.

By Sng Ler Jun