Driving sustained social upliftment through President’s Challenge 2026

President’s Challenge has gained momentum since its refresh in 2025, enabling benefiting organisations to deliver deeper and more lasting social impact through its longer-term funding model. 

Under President’s Challenge 2026, about 60 programmes will be supported over a period of up to five years — ranging from early intervention for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, to second chances for those rebuilding their lives, and inclusive opportunities for persons with disabilities to develop their abilities and thrive.  

One of the supported programmes is REACH Community Services’ Project GEMinate. The project aims to support children aged 6 to 12 who may have experienced challenges such as parental separation, neglect, abuse, and trauma. Through community sports and play therapy, the programme helps to build resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being in the children, while identifying those who need more targeted support.

President Tharman and Ms Jane Ittogi at REACH Community Services for President’s Challenge 2026.

During President Tharman and Ms Jane Ittogi’s visit to REACH Community Services, they learnt about Project GEMinate, including its play therapy and community sports components. President Tharman and Ms Ittogi observed how play therapy tools are used to help children navigate their emotions during a play therapy session. President Tharman also participated in a game of basketball with the children as part of the Community Sports Programme, which uses sports as a platform to nurture social-emotional skills, build self-confidence, and foster a sense of belonging. 

President Tharman and Ms Ittogi engaging in a play therapy session.

President Tharman participating in community sports with the children.

The President’s Challenge also extends its reach and deepens its impact through strategic partnerships, expanding opportunities across sports, arts, and culture for individuals to discover their strengths, build confidence, and contribute to a more inclusive society. 

In sports, President’s Challenge supports Team Singapore athletes in pursuing sporting excellence through the spexEducation Undergraduate Scholarship, as well as expands opportunities for more children and youth to play and compete.  

It also significantly expands inclusive pathways for persons with disabilities through the Enabling Sports Fund (ESF), which grows community-led disability sport initiatives and enables talent identification for high-performance pathways in disability sports. Under the inaugural FY25 cycle, 21 proposals were supported under the ESF and are expected to benefit over 8,000 persons with disabilities across more than 20 sports. 

In the arts, President’s Challenge supports emerging talents to develop their aspirations, contribute to Singapore’s cultural identity, and uplift capabilities in the arts sector, including the creative economy, through the NAC Arts Scholarship. 

In culture, President’s Challenge supports efforts to bring communities together through shared cultural experiences, such as Chingay, while creating opportunities for cross-cultural participation, contribution, and outreach. 

Through its refreshed focus on sustained upliftment, President's Challenge 2026 reflects a collective commitment to building a culture of unity and respect where every individual – regardless of background or starting point in life – is empowered to realise their potential and uplift others around them.