Our Beginnings

On March 2018, Kenn Foundation was established. Setting up a foundation is in line with my personal conviction that giving is the greatest form of receiving. My diverse life experiences, and the help I have received along my journey have taught me the importance of creating opportunities and intrinsic value for the less privileged. The Foundation’s vision is to strive for an inclusive society for people of all abilities, where there is a wealth of opportunity to create a life free from financial dependence, to enjoy good health and to access our rich culture.

A Year-Long Celebration

In line with our first anniversary, Kenn Foundation is holding a year-long celebration, starting with an internal Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme in April where we aim to create a culture of selfless giving, starting at home.

Come May, Singapore will play host as the first Asian country in history for the World Para Swimming World Series. Kenn Foundation will partner Singapore Disability Sports Council for the series – this meaningful event is in line with our vision to create a more equitable and inclusive society. In August, I will be also hosting a private fundraising event. Finally, in October, Kenn Foundation will hold our first charity concert at the Esplanade. All of us here are gearing up for yet another exciting and meaningful year!

Kenn Foundation’s Model of Impact Philanthropy

Impact philanthropy represents for me a natural progression from micro-giving. While I was happy to help in little ways in my youth, I am thankful that I am now in a privileged position to do more, to allow people in need to be empowered, gain skills and generate additional value.

Here at Kenn Foundation, we focus on impact philanthropy. This contrasts impulse philanthropy. We focus on maximising social outcomes, in terms of meaningful improvements to the lives of others, we conduct consistent review of our giving programme, by comparing costs to impact achieved. We also engage with stakeholders, leveraging existing programmes and resources to develop solutions that will make the most impact.

Kenn Foundation’s model of impact philanthropy can be understood in terms of four key prongs.

Development of the Arts
Art, in its many forms, enriches the individual and strengthens the community. We are proud sponsors of art programmes that are transforming lives and the society we live in.

Access to Education
While alternative career paths are emerging, the university degree remains an important stepping stone to employment in society today. Working with universities both locally and overseas, Kenn Foundation’s scholarships aim to empower deserving students who demonstrate financial need and/or extraordinary initiative.

Poverty Alleviation
Short-term, regular aid is a critical form of intervention, especially where some still struggle to meet their basic needs. Kenn Foundation partners reputable organisations to help these vulnerable communities. An example of these is the Red Cross FoodAid Programme where programmes such as ‘Meals with Love’ provides monthly rations of nutritious food to the underprivileged in our society.

Medical Studies and Research
Today’s investment in medical services and technology will benefit many generations to come. Kenn Foundation believes in advancing this cause for the betterment of our health and quality of life. To this end, we pledged a legacy gift to Duke – NUS, used to establish the Endowed Kenneth Kam Scholarship. This token gift will provide merit-based scholarships to Duke – NUS students to support their studies so that they can serve the community as clinicians and leaders of tomorrow.

With our vision of Empowering Equilibrium to build a more equitable and inclusive society through impact philanthropy at our core, Kenn Foundation will continue to strive in creating opportunities, and investing in initiatives that increase the capabilities and capacities of our charitable partners. Through our efforts, we hope to strengthen our social cohesion and help build a more equitable society. Afterall, philanthropy creates a virtuous cycle. It is a gift that keeps on giving.

– Kenneth Kam, Chairman, Kenn Foundation

For more on Kenn Foundation’ s philanthropic journey, please visit https://www.facebook.com/kennfoundation/

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