The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund was initiated on Children's Day (October 1) in the year 2000 by The Straits Times, to heighten public awareness of the plight of children from low-income families who were attending school without proper breakfast, or pocket money to sustain their day in school.

The aim is to alleviate the financial burden faced by parents in providing for their children's education. At the same time the funds will help children who are already facing difficulties in remaining in school to stay on.

In the past few years, members of the public, schools and corporations responded generously after reading stories highlighting children especially those from single parent families who were most affected.

The public's generosity...
In its first year, 2000, The Straits times managed to raise $1.3m that went on to help 3,175 kids on the fund. Over the next few years, the number of beneficiaries increased significantly.

Year	Recipients	Money Raised
2000/2001	3,173	$1.3m
2001/2002	7,177	$2.5m
2002/2003	9,500	$3.4m
2003/2004	11,000	$3.5m
2004/2005	10,000	$3.1m
2005/2006	10,000	$3.2m
2006/2007	9,000	$3.6m

Since donations to the fund are collected prior to the year it is disbursed, donations received in a given year goes on to help the people who apply to the fund the following year. An estimate on the amount that needs to be raised is based on the projection provided by the National Council of Social Service.

In 2002 , we received $3.5m from the corporations and members of public to support the 11,200 beneficiaries.

The School Pocket Money Fund has received immense support from the public, especially individuals. In fact, donations from individuals make up almost 80% of the collections whereas corporations make up the other 20% of the donations.

The School Pocket Money Fund receives donations all year round, so if you would like to make a contribution, please click here. We thank you for your support.

Disbursement of the fund ...
The National Council of Social Services, which administers the funds, makes quarterly disbursements to agencies, such as the Family Service Centres (FSC), Special schools and Children's Homes to benefit their eligible clients.

Currently 38 FSCs, 22 Special Schools and 13 Children's Homes have been commissioned to administer the scheme.

Agencies' approval is based on set of eligibility criteria and assessment of the family's financial situation. Based on the assessment of the case, social workers recommend the disbursement.

The approval of either the Director of the Family Service Centre, Principal of a Special School or Head of a home is required for each application.

To find out more on how one can be eligible for the fund, click here.

Administration Costs
10% of all donations go to the National Council of Social Service for their administrative costs.Singapore Press Holdings does not take any cut of any donations