Getting donations right

Up to 40 per cent of the items donated by the public end up being discarded regularly because they turn out to be unsuitable for charities' use, according to charities interviewed by The Sunday Times in 2017. Yet, unsuitable donations keeps growing each year. Volunteers' time are also spent sorting out the good from the bad and the ugly.

One of the ways to prevent the mismatch and wastage from happening is for the public to call a charity before donating to find out the specific items on its wish list. Now, there is an easier way for the public to know what nonprofits' want and need with the Amazon x Shop for Good wishlist program.

The Amazon X Shop for Good Wishlist program is a joint effort by Amazon Singapore and the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre to encourage shoppers to donate to local non-profit organisations (NPOs) by purchasing items listed on their Amazon.sg wishlist.

The Shop for Good initiative is a part of the Collaborate for Good program organised by NVPC's Company of Good that aims to bring stakeholders in the retail and e-commerce space together to make doing good a part of daily encounters. Collaborate for Good facilitates partnerships between organisations to create social impact and serves as a go-to directory to do good as part of everyday life (eat, retail, space, learn and play).

By specifying the type of items and quantity needed in the NPO’s wishlist, shoppers can easily participate in donating to NPOs via a fuss-free and transparent manner. Through a simple click, shoppers can purchase items that will be delivered directly to the NPOs.

This collaboration builds on Amazon’s COVID-19 community outreach efforts in Singapore which includes in-kind and monetary donation to over 20 non-profit organizations so far.

To date, Amazon is working with NPOs such as Singapore Children’s Society, Blessings in a Bag, Children’s Wishing Well, Club Rainbow, The Food Bank Singapore, Singapore Red Cross, and SOSD, and welcomes more NPOs to use the wishlist function to facilitate their donation drive efforts. If you represent a nonprofit organisation, apply to be a part of the wishlist program here.

Why is Amazon Singapore running this program?

At Amazon, we are committed to helping children and youth, especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities, have easy access to the resources and skills they need to build their best future. We focus on building long-term and innovative programs that have a lasting, positive impact in towns and cities around the world.

Our goals include helping more young people from underrepresented backgrounds build successful careers in computer science, creating a positive learning environment by addressing immediate needs such as family hunger and homelessness, and serving communities in need following natural disasters.

With that in mind, we want to make it easy for customers to support their favorite charity by shopping on NPO wishlists on Amazon.sg via the Amazon X Shop for Good Wishlist program.

Who can take part?

At Amazon, we are committed to helping children and youth, especially those from underrepresented and underserved communities, have easy access to the resources and skills they need to build their best future. NPOs that benefit young people from underrepresented backgrounds will be prioritised.

Interested NPOs in Singapore can register their interest for the programme in the Online Registration Form here, and follow the Wishlist Setup Guide here.

Please note that for cash donations, NPOs need to obtain Institutions of a Public Character (IPC) status.
IPCs are exempt or registered charities which are able to issue tax deductible receipts for qualifying donations to donors. In other words, donors are able to claim tax relief from their assessable income based on the amount donated, at prevailing deduction rate. For more information and steps to apply for IPC status, please visit: www.charities.gov.sg/

How can NPOs benefit from this programme?

For ALL NPOs:
Set up a wishlist for your organization on Amazon.sg here.
Note: You’ll have to sign up for an account with Amazon.sg first.

Amazon.sg will also publicize your wishlist on Instagram to profile the organisation and encourage followers to donate to the wishlist.

For IPC NPOs:
Cash donations: You may be eligible for a cash donation from Amazon.sg.

How can interested NPOs get involved?

To find out if your organization qualifies, kindly fill out the Online Registration Form here and register your interest. Amazon Singapore will review the application and follow-up with additional instructions around the support rendered.

How can NPOs set up their own wishlists?

Set up a wishlist for your organization on Amazon.sg here.
Note: You’ll have to sign up for an account with Amazon.sg first.

Can donors send donations directly to the beneficiaries/individuals in need?

Items purchased will be delivered directly to the addresses that NPOs have set up for their respective wishlists, which will then be disseminated to their beneficiaries.

Would I know when donors purchase an item off my wishlist?

The wishlist is updated automatically, and will reflect the changes once an item has been purchased. NPOs can also indicate and update the exact quantities of items they need at any given time.

How often can we update items in the wishlist?

Amazon Singapore recommends NPOs check and update their wishlists on a weekly basis to ensure the items are up-to-date and serve the pressing needs of their beneficiaries.

If items are faulty, can I return them?

Access the ‘Returns & Refunds’ option here to contact Amazon Singapore’s customer service. Note: Customer Service will need the product details for your request.

Once the request has been processed, Amazon Singapore will either replace the item(s) or refund the total value to the NPO. The refunded amount can then be used to purchase other necessities.

For further enquiries related to the Amazon x Shop for Good wishlist program, reach out to us at press@amazon.sg and our team will get back to you within 5 working days.