How much funds does CCF need annually?

Ans: We require an average of $5 million per year.

Who decides how funds are used within CCF?

Ans: We have a Management Committee that decides on fund allocation for various programmes, projects and activities at the beginning of each calendar year.

Does CCF get government funding??

Ans: No, we raise our own funds. We have been supported by the Corporate Community, Civic Organisations, Schools and generous individuals who help raise funds for CCF.

We are registered as a member of the National Council Social Service and is also an Institution of Public Character (IPC). The IPC status enables us to provide tax deductible receipts for direct donations.

How are these funds raised?

Ans: About 60 - 70% of our annual fund-raising target is from corporate and non-corporate sponsors.

The remaining is through our own fund-raising activities.

What percentage of the direct charitable expenses is expended to our beneficiaries?

Ans: About 80% of the funds are expended directly to our beneficiaries in the form of Financial Assistance, Casework and Counselling, Therapeutic Play, Childhood Cancer Transplant Programme, Caregiver Support Programmes, Educational talks and workshops, Social and Recreational Programme, training and research amongst others.

Why does CCF need to keep reserves?

Ans: Reserves enable CCF to continue serving the families at the current level of intensity, uninterrupted. Our reserves policy of three times of operating expenses will allow us to help as many families as possible.

For more information on our financial statement, you may refer to our annual reports here.

What is CCF's relationship with other volunteer organisations?

Ans: As an independent Voluntary Welfare Organisation (VWO), the Children's Cancer Foundation has no affiliation to other VWOs, local or otherwise. However, we do work closely with the following organisations on a frequent basis:

Club Rainbow Singapore

CCF and Club Rainbow have a close and long-standing relationship. In the past, we had co-hosted the annual camp for our children - Camp Sunshine.

VIVA Foundation

In 2011, CCF sponsored a total of $40,000 for 80 local delegates who attended St Jude-Viva Forum. The support represents CCF's commitment to collaborate with like-minded organisations such as VIVA Foundation in impacting the lives of children with cancer in Singapore.

National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS)

There is a close and supportive relationship between us. We support some of NCCS's initiatives for childhood cancer related events and activities. In addition, CCF is represented on the social work oncology network - an initiative of the medical social service of NCCS. While NCCS works more with adults with cancer, we focus on serving children with cancer and their families.

National Council of Social Service (NCSS)

We are a member of NCSS, but do not receive funding from them.

Singapore Children's Society

Both organisations help children in different areas. They are an additional community resource in the event that CCF's beneficiaries require services we do not offer, like marital counselling and school social work service.

Singapore Cancer Society (SCS)

CCF enjoys a supportive relationship with SCS, and we have a good understanding of each other's target audience. While SCS services adults with cancer, CCF helps children with cancer and their families.

What are survival rates for children suffering from cancer?

Ans: The survival rate for children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) - the most common form of cancer in Singapore - comparable with that of developed countries like the United States. In Singapore, survival rates for ALL patients are between 70% and 90%.

Which type of childhood cancer in Singapore has the lowest cure rate?

Ans: Brain tumour and advanced stage Neuroblastoma have the lowest overall survival.

What is the largest age group of children diagnosed with cancer each year?

Ans: 50% of children diagnosed with cancer are below 5 years of age.

How many families benefit from CCF?

Ans: Since 1992, CCF has served more than 2,000 children and their families who have benefited from our programmes and activities in one way or another.

What does CCF do for the family?

Ans: Our services are primarily focused at supporting the family as a whole. These services are generally provided through our social workers based at our Family Resource Centres in KKH (KK Women's & Children's Hospital) and NUH (National University Hospital).

We also support families financially for daily and medical needs related to their children suffering from cancer. Professionally trained social workers/counsellors provide counselling, therapeutic play and support programmes, bereavement service, etc. CCF also organises social and recreational activities that enhance interaction and family bonding.

How many full-time staff does CCF have?

Ans: Currently, we have 40 staff located at our Family Resource Centres at KKH, NUH, and in our Community Office at Tiong Bahru.

How does CCF ensure expertise in support functions?

Ans: As a firm believer of staff capabilities, staff are strongly encouraged to pursue continuous learning, self-development and skills upgrading.

Additionally, in-house training is another focal point in ensuring that our staff are well-equipped for their roles.