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Identify your priority areas
Get started with this quick guide.
Last updated 6 January 2025
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Overview
Determine which social issues align with your business’s values, expertise, and strategic goals. This will guide you towards initiatives that are the best fit for your business.
Steps and levels
Basic | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|
Select priority areas Select from the five suggested priority areas in the Sustainable Philanthropy Framework, those that best fit with your business's purpose, vision and mission. | Obtain an understanding of the social landscape and local needs Obtain a broad understanding of important social issues and local needs for the purpose of identifying priority areas. Extend beyond the five suggested priority areas where it best fits your business's purpose, vision and mission. | Champion ecosystem development Taking up leadership roles to champion select priority areas of value, and encourage other like-minded organisations and entrants to do more. |
Tips for social enterprises Social enterprises may choose to focus on their existing social causes that their businesses were built upon. | Tips for businesses Explore frameworks and tools (e.g. SWOT Analysis, Social & Human Capital Protocol) to align social issues with business values, expertise, and strategic goals. |
Illustrative examples
SMRT: Obtain an understanding of the social landscape and local needs
SMRT plays a pivotal role in providing reliable connectivity for commuters across the island. As a major public transport operator which also places inclusivity high as its priority, SMRT’s mission is to ensure that all commuters can travel safely and conveniently across Singapore, thereby enhancing their lifestyles and promoting social interactions.
Over the years, SMRT has worked with multiple Social Service Agencies, NGOs and government bodies to identify opportunities to further enhance the inclusivity and accessibility of commuters. This includes engagement with various community stakeholders from their Learning Journey visits to SMRT, commuter feedback, grassroots engagements, and customer surveys.
SMRT’s recent key milestones include partnering Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) to improve services for the elderly, especially those with dementia, and MINDS to deepen the support for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PWIDs) within the public transport system.
Microsoft: Champion ecosystem development
Microsoft champions ecosystem development through establishing platforms to convene partners. For instance, their AI for Good programme is a $165 million initiative that provides technology, resources and expertise to solve global challenges to various participants, including non-profit organisations, research institutions and community volunteers, including staff members.
Research developed through this programme transcends multiple focus areas, including environment, health, accessibility, humanitarian action and cultural heritage.