The idea of common good brings people together, says Martin Tan of The Majurity Trust

Philanthropy has been making headlines. In January 2024, the World Economic Forum highlighted Dalio Philanthropies’ efforts to promote a deeper understanding and care for marine environments globally. A few months later, at the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2024, panellists stressed the need for solutions backed by the right policies and impact investments to achieve sustainable scale.

And then, just before my conversation with Martin Tan, The Straits Times published an op-ed highlighting the transformation in Singapore’s philanthropic landscape, driven by new players, incentives, and innovative financing mechanisms.

The article resonated deeply with Tan, the chief executive officer of The Majurity Trust (TMT), a Singapore philanthropic organisation that seeks to work with donors and social impact partners to build a thriving and sustainable local community. It echoed his thoughts on the evolution of giving and the critical role of building a supportive ecosystem for lasting impact. 

“It highlighted the shift from traditional grant-making to fostering a philanthropic ecosystem. This is something we at TMT have been advocating for. It’s not just about the funds but about creating a collaborative environment where charities and donors work together towards common goals.”

“Grow the giving pie”

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Tan’s vision for TMT is clear and ambitious. “Our mission is to grow the giving pie in Singapore,” he states. “As our societal challenges become more complex, we need all hands on deck. We must expand our efforts to meet these needs rather than just reallocating existing resources.”

However, Tan is acutely aware of the bumps that lie ahead. One significant concern is the rate of fund deployment to charities and social impact agencies. 

“We need to ensure that the giving pie has truly grown and that the funds pledged are quickly deployed to the ground where they are needed most,” he emphasises. “At TMT, our promise to our donors is a 100 per cent commitment rate within 12 months of funds raised, apart from multi-year funds. This ensures that the impact is felt swiftly and effectively.”

Uniting for impact

TMT's approach to philanthropy is built on a powerful ideal: that everyone, regardless of their status or stage in life, can thrive.

“We tap into the power of the collective,” Tan says passionately. “We bring together donors, grantee partners, stakeholders, government, and corporations to create an impact ecosystem. It's about supporting one another and achieving greater outcomes together.”

He feels that what sets the outfit apart from other philanthropic organisations is its desire to empower grantee partners. He adds that “we all play to our strengths in the sector”. 

“We don’t define impact on our terms,” Tan points out. “We value the insights and expertise of the leaders on the ground. The power of philanthropy can be to remove impediments to social impact, whether that’s providing resources, connecting charities with networks, or investing in the capacity and capability of the leaders themselves so that they can do their work better.”

Collaboration, though challenging, is key to TMT’s success. “Everyone has their goals and approaches, but the idea of common good brings people together.” 

He shares examples of town halls where grantee partners exchange ideas and support one another. “It’s incredible to see the collaborative spirit and the innovative projects that emerge from these interactions.”

He is particularly concerned about vulnerable groups in Singapore that often fall through the cracks.

“The unseen needs worry me the most,” he admits. “Elderly men in isolation and socially reclusive youths with mental health challenges are groups that struggle silently. Their needs are real and urgent.”

Taking TMT to the next level

Reflecting on TMT’s evolution, Tan, who has always believed in the transformative power of philanthropy, expresses pride in their efforts to go beyond window dressing. “It’s gratifying to hear our grantee partners trust us enough to share their problems,” he says. “We believe in building a thriving ecosystem based on trust and mutual respect.”

He looks forward to the launch of The Foundry, a new social impact hub set to open in November. “Partnering with Singapore Land Authority and Singapore Government Partnerships Office to repurpose the former elections department building at 11 Prinsep Link is a milestone,” he reveals. 

The Foundry is one of his proudest achievements “because we have the opportunity…to achieve something that is truly from the community, by the community, for the community”. While excited about its establishment, he remains focused on the future of TMT and the broader philanthropic landscape. “My faith guides me. It compels me to translate words into action and serve.”

If there is a lesson that has stuck with him in his six years at TMT, it is the potency of collective effort. “Creating real impact demands that we set aside self-interest for the common good to create incredible change. Together, we can achieve so much more.”