Temasek Foundation Inspire Fund to support promising athletes

What is the Temasek Foundation Inspire Fund for Athletes? 

The new “Temasek Foundation Inspire Fund for Athletes” is a fund to support promising athletes who represent Singapore, but who are not currently covered by the High Performance Sports system.

Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law, said: “Athletes who represent Singapore at international competitions will get a leg up with the new Temasek Foundation Inspire Fund for Athletes. The fund sets no age limit or restriction on types of sport, so this will benefit a wider base of aspiring athletes. I would like to encourage all eligible athletes to apply and make Singapore proud!”

How much funding is available?

Supported by the E W Barker Endowment, the Temasek Foundation is contributing $100,000 annually towards the Fund.

Who will be administering the funds?

National Youth Sports Institute (NYSI) and Sport Singapore (SportSG) will jointly administer the Fund. There are two grant calls in a year for athletes to submit their applications.

What are the qualifying considerations for this fund?

Only Singapore Citizens will be considered for individual applications. For team applications, mixed teams of Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents will also be considered.

An assessment panel (comprising NYSI and SportSG representatives) will assess applications based on the following:

      Applicant’s commitment, track record and potential 

Consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate the following:

• level of commitment, in particular to prepare for the said competition;
• track record (performance and conduct);
• performance potential;
• whether they are selected by their National Sports Association (if one exists) to represent Singapore at the said competition.
  Level of competition

Funding is provided to support the applicant’s participation in an international competition. Consideration will be given to the level and significance of the competition, including whether it is organised under the auspices of the International Federation or by a National Sport Association; whether the competition is on an international or regional level; its reach in terms of global audience, as well as the quality and strength of the competitor field.

Mr Toh Boon Yi, Chief, Singapore Sport Institute, said: “At Singapore Sport Institute, we look at every possibility to strengthen and provide all aspiring athletes with the competitive edge they need to achieve their dreams. However, this requires the collaborative effort of every member of our society to contribute as One Team Singapore. We are pleased that Temasek Foundation has stepped up to join us in enabling athletes to realise their full potential and hope that the Temasek Foundation Inspire Fund will encourage more athletes to commit to train, compete at their best, and inspire our community.”

What are the qualifying costs?

The qualifying costs taken into consideration may include airfare, accommodation, registration fees, visa fees (if any), and travel insurance (which will be mandatory for recipients).

Ms Koh Lin-Net, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation Nurtures, said: “Aspiring athletes need a community of support to grow.  It is so heartening to see passion-driven, self-funded athletes go on to represent Singapore in international competitions. They come from different sporting disciplines – from talented youths in emerging sports such as dodgeball, indoor skydiving and tchoukball, to masters athletes. The Temasek Foundation Inspire Fund will provide support for these athletes to nurture their aspirations. We hope this will inspire and empower others to follow.”

What is the funding arrangement?

Up to $50,000 is set aside for each grant call. Funding amount will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the merits of each athlete.

The successful applicants (and parent / legal guardian if a minor) will have to sign a funding agreement that states clearly:

• the competition in question
• expenditure items supported and corresponding amount estimates
• applicant’s commitment to provide official documentation of his participation post-competition
• commitment to share their experiences post-event on various publicity platforms 

Upon signing the Letter of Acceptance, 50% of funds will be disbursed to the applicant, with the remaining 50% provided post-competition on a reimbursement basis (subject to the submission of receipts / documentation showing actual expenditure).

Dr Su Chun Wei, Director, National Youth Sports Institute, said: “The Temasek Foundation Inspire Fund extends support to athletes who require financial backing and we would like to encourage youth athletes to apply for this fund. With NYSI’s focus on the development of youth athletes in high performance sports, we look forward to supporting more youth athletes in their sporting aspirations to further build the Singapore youth sports ecosystem.”

How can I apply?

Applications can be submitted online on https://tfinspirefund.myactivesg.com from 13 January to 12 February 2021.