Our vision

DBS Foundation Grant

When purpose-driven businesses grow, the impact they create travels beyond their company, beyond a single bottom line to uplift lives of those who need it most.

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Since 2015, DBS Foundation has provided more than SGD 21.5 million in grant funding to over 160 social enterprises and SMEs to scale their business models and deepen their impact. We're immensely proud of this impact community and what they've gone on to achieve.

Our flagship DBS Foundation Grant has nurtured a strong network of Businesses for Impact across Asia. From 2024, the grant has focused on scaling innovative social enterprises (SEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that help create a more inclusive world and bring enduring change to vulnerable communities in Asia.

Browse our grantee directory

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for innovative businesses that improve the lives of those in need so that they can be more socially and financially resilient. Moreover, as life spans increase, we want to support solutions that enable people at all life stages to age with dignity, purpose and joy. If your business provides essential needs or fosters financial inclusion, we invite you to apply to the grant.

Providing essential needs

Your business provides access to areas such as food and nutrition, basic education, and healthcare, including mental health. You equip people with tools to better manage daily stress, build self-esteem, and foster stronger community connections.

Dr. Shen Yiru

Hear from past grantees

“Every meal we create is a gesture of care, and thanks to the DBS Foundation, we've been able to extend that care to so many more lives. Their support gave us more than funding - it gave us hope, belief, and the strength to keep going, even when the journey was tough.”

Dr. Shen Yiru
GentleFoods, DBS Foundation 2021 Grantee
Singapore
Shi Cheng Chuan

Hear from past grantees

“Till date, we have provided services to over 1.5 million hearing-impaired individuals and over 200 public service institutions in China.”

Shi Cheng Chuan
Voibook, DBS Foundation 2020 Grantee
China
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Fostering inclusion

Your business provides skills and tools to improve financial and digital literacy, and improves access to upskilling opportunities for better employability.

Slide 1

Hear from past grantees

“From the very beginning, our partnership has been very multifaceted. Not just in funding, but also seeing in how can we use the assets of the bank as a whole. We want to continue to see how we can grow together as partners.”

Pamela Chng
Bettr Group, DBS Foundation 2015 Grantee
Singapore
Slide 2

Hear from past grantees

“We got to know more about the social enterprise mindset, skills, and how we can create impact and change through our business model. Support, resources, and funds from DBS Foundation have allowed us to better scale our business.”

Mohamad Bijaksana Junerosano
Waste4Change, DBS Foundation 2021 Grantee
Indonesia
Slide 3

Hear from past grantees

“The DBS Foundation Grant has been pivotal in validating our efforts and encouraging us to explore innovative ideas. For instance, the intergenerational fashion runway brought together seniors, youths, and individuals with special needs, fostering a sense of community and joy. This support has boosted our confidence to grow and expand our initiatives.”

Zac Toh
CitySprouts, DBS Foundation 2022 Grantee
Singapore
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What do we look out for?

An innovative business and impact model that shows potential to scale

At least 2 years of track record in delivering and measuring social impact with vulnerable communities

Clear and focused plans to use the grant funding to commercialise and scale the business and impact over the next 2 years

Strong leadership with a clear commitment towards building a sustainable business for impact. Strong team with relevant expertise and experience.

Businesses must be registered and operating in one of the 6 markets that DBS operates in: Singapore, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia or Taiwan.

Please note that entities that are registered as not-for-profit, sole proprietorship, charities, religious organisations for religious purposes, election campaigns, general fund-raising drives or event sponsorships will NOT be eligible for the grant.

What can the Grant be used for?

The DBS Foundation Grant aims to catalyse the growth of businesses so as to scale their impact on those in need. The grant purpose should therefore have a clear breakdown on how the funds will help achieve the stated purpose. Poorly substantiated grant requests will be rejected.

Funds can be used for various growth initiatives, including but not limited to, entering new markets, R&D into new products, enhancing product or service offerings, and building infrastructure required for growth.

Importantly, the business should demonstrate a clear path to financial sustainability after the grant funding.

Why should you apply?

The DBS Foundation Grant provides holistic support to scale up the business and impact of both Social Enterprises & SMEs.

Recognition

Be recognised as a purpose-driven business creating a positive impact

Funding

Receive up to SGD 250,000 in grants to scale

Community

Connect to, learn from and be inspired by our strong community of Impact Makers

Connect

Open doors to networking and business opportunities

Resources

Gain access to capacity-building programmes, banking support and integration opportunities with DBS

Exposure

Raise awareness for your business and impact on DBS and other platforms

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Please note that applications for the DBS Foundation grant is to be made online by clicking on the button above. DBS Foundation does not process any application through any channel partner and/or third party. DBS Foundation does not charge any fee for processing and application. Submission of an application does not guarantee eligibility for the DBS Foundation Grant. DBS Foundation reserves the sole discretion and right to determine whether an interested applicant will be shortlisted for further evaluation and/or consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Application

Files Download Links
Grant Application Form Template   Download
FAQs   Download
Terms & Conditions   Download

Learn more

Providing Essential Needs

Discover how we improve access to food and nutrition, basic education and healthcare, including mental health, and tools to better cope with daily stressors.

Fostering Inclusion

Learn how we provide skills and tools to improve financial and digital literacy, as well as access to financial products.