The annual Lew Foundation seed grant programme supports Institutions of Public Character (IPCs) in their efforts and initiatives to drive positive social impact and support our community.
Successful applicants will be offered a grant of up to S$30,000 per project or initiative.
Requirements
- Grant applications are open to social service agencies or voluntary welfare organisations registered as IPCs in Singapore.
- Provide a point of contact for any follow-up questions or clarification.
- Each entity may submit one proposal per application period. Proposals must be in English. Please note that the Foundation reserves the right to disqualify multiple applications submitted within a single evaluation period.
- Proposals must be for new programmes, projects or initiatives. Existing or ongoing programmes, projects or initiatives will not qualify for seed grant funding.
- The proposal should state a clearly defined purpose, requested areas of support and the social impact of the project/initiative. For any accompanying supplementary information or appendices, you may submit a PowerPoint presentation along with the main proposal.
- Proposals that support elderly or youths in need will be given greater priority.
What we are looking for
A clear overview of your key stakeholders and target beneficiary groups/industries (e.g. disadvantaged elderly/youth, healthcare, eldercare, education, etc).
A clear description of the project/initiative’s key objectives and how the Lew Foundation seed grant programme can make a difference to your cause.
A clear description of the project/initiative’s intended outcomes supported by quantitative social impact metrics.
From Early Support to Sustained Impact
SIT was among the earliest recipients of the Lew Foundation Grant Programme, beginning in 2021 with the Lew Foundation Bursary, which supported financially disadvantaged undergraduates across all disciplines and enabled them to stay focused on completing their studies successfully. Seven bursaries were supported over the initial three-year period.
Building on this foundation, the partnership deepened significantly in 2023 with the Lew Foundation Cognitive Remediation in Community Mental Health Applied Research Grant. This initiative strengthened Singapore’s community mental health capabilities by supporting the delivery of Cognitive Remediation programmes at Singapore Anglican Community Services, applied research conducted by SIT faculty and students, and the adaptation of the NEAR (Neuropsychological and Educational Approach to Remediation) model across three Anglican Care Centres—Hougang, Simei and Bukit Batok. Participants experienced improvements in memory, attention, problem-solving and daily functioning, while centre staff received structured training to better support
clients.
In 2025, the Foundation broadened its support further through renewed bursaries for students in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Diagnostic Radiography and Nursing, funding a total of 36 Lew Foundation bursaries. A new Global Mobility Award was also introduced, supporting 30 students in overseas credit-bearing learning experiences that enhance their global perspectives and career readiness. Together, these initiatives help strengthen the pipeline of future healthcare professionals in Singapore. What began as targeted financial assistance has progressively grown into a multi-programme, multi-year collaboration advancing educational opportunity, applied research, community mental health, and social mobility. SIT exemplifies how early grant recipients can deepen their partnership with Lew Foundation to deliver sustained social impact.
About the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
As the university for industry and Singapore’s first university of applied learning, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) offers industry-relevant degree programmes that prepare its graduates to be work- and future-ready professionals. Its mission is to maximise the potential of its learners and to innovate with industry, through an integrated applied learning and research approach, so as to contribute to the economy and society.
The University’s unique pedagogy integrates work and study, embracing authentic learning in a real-world environment through collaborations with key strategic partners. Its focus on applied research with business impact is aimed at helping industry innovate and grow. SIT’s new centralised campus within the larger Punggol Digital District features a vibrant learning environment where academia and industry are tightly integrated with the community.
For more information, visit www.SingaporeTech.edu.sg.
Terms & Conditions
All submissions and any accompanying information will be treated as private and confidential.
Only proposals submitted within the stipulated application period will be accepted. (1 May to 31 May every year).
Successful applicants will be informed of the outcome within two months from the application closing date. Grants will be awarded by the end of the calendar year.
At the end of the grant period, successful applicants are to provide a review of the programme’s outcomes, impact and any other relevant feedback.