YMCA Financial Assistance and Capability for Employment Scheme (YMCA FACES)

YMCA Financial Assistance Scheme

"I want to thank you together with my children for all the help you gave us. With the vouchers, my children now can have a decent dinner everyday." - Family of eight

"Thank you so much for helping me and giving me NTUC vouchers. I was really lost and desperate. But the vouchers help my children not to go hungry." - Family of five

Since 2008, the YMCA Financial Assistance Scheme has helped over 265 families in crisis with $200,000 in emergency aid. Help us reach more families in need by donating to YMCA FACES.

About YMCA Financial Assistance

Although Singapore is one of the richest countries in the world by GDP per capita, there are many families in Singapore who fall through the cracks. It could be because the main breadwinner gets retrenched, a beloved family member falls seriously ill, or a housewife with young children is suddenly widowed.

YMCA Financial Assistance assists families like these who require immediate but short-term help. We work closely with partner organisations which identify and refer families in need to YMCA Financial Assistance. Within 3 weeks, families who meet the scheme's eligibility criteria are given food and/or transport vouchers to tide them over the crisis and help them meet the challenges ahead.

Eligibility Criteria

i. The applicant is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, or one member of the immediate family is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.

ii. Per capita income under $600, or client faces an emergency situation resulting in temporary financial crisis (e.g accident, illness of self or family member, etc)

iii. Limited savings

iv. Limited or no family support

v. Assistance will enhance client’s employability or improve family situation.

Do you need help?

If you need help or know of families who need short-term emergency assistance and fall within our eligibility criteria, please contact a partner organisation in your area for referral to YMCA Financial Assistance Scheme. Please note that YMCA does not accept direct applications or walk-in clients.

If you do not fit within our criteria, other sources of help can be found in this document compiled by Central Singapore CDC.

Our Partners:
Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre
Bethesda Care & Counselling Services Centre
Care Community Services Society
Fei Yue Family Service Centre
New Hope Community Services
Promoting Alternatives to Violence (PAVE)
Singapore Anglican Community Services Family Care Centre
Thye Hua Kwan Family Service Centre
Whispering Hearts
Yong-En Care Centre

How you can help

Our current reach is limited because our funds are limited. Help us reach more families in crisis by donating to YMCA FACES. Every cent you donate to YMCA FACES will be spent on needy families, as the programme’s administrative overheads are covered by YMCA’s general funds.

· Online Donations
Donate online through the SG Gives website. Choose YMCA FACES for the section “Donate to Programmes”.

· GIRO Donations
Spread out your donation over the year through monthly GIRO payments. Click here to download the GIRO form.
Under Part 1 of the form, please specify YMCA FACES as the "event" you wish to donate to.

· Cheque Donations
Send a crossed cheque payable to “YMCA of Singapore”. Please include your contact details and NRIC so that we can issue you a tax-exempt receipt. Please also include a note to specify that your donation is to be used solely for YMCA FACES. You will receive an acknowledgment receipt.


Please mail cheques, postal orders or GIRO forms to:
FACES Secretariat
YMCA Of Singapore One Orchard Road
Singapore 238824

YMCA Employment Scheme

YMCA also addresses the growing need to look into the employment of people with special needs as a means for them to gain independence and social integration. The YMCA Employment Scheme facilitates work training opportunities for these beneficiaries through short work attachments at the YMCA International House.