INTRODUCING THE AWARD CATEGORIES FOR PCSEA 2021!

The theme for this year’s Award is ‘Resilience’, as we celebrate the strength and fortitude of the Social Enterprise sector and their partners in bettering social and business outcomes amid extraordinary times.

The President’s Challenge Social Enterprise Award Applicants will be assessed, and the winners selected by an Award Committee comprising of distinguished members from the corporate, people and public sectors

The 2021 Award Committee was appointed by the Co-Chairs of the President’s Challenge Steering Committee.

Program Timeline

2021 Finalists

raiSE defines social enterprises (SEs) as business entities set up with clear social goals; and where there is clear management intent and resources allocated to fulfil their social objectives.

The Social Enterprise of the Year Award is presented to the social enterprise that has been operating for 2 years and more and can demonstrate how it has met our criteria through its social impact and business operations.

The Social Enterprise Start-Up of the Year is presented to the social enterprise that has been operating for less than 2 years that demonstrate how it has met our criteria through its social impact and business operations.

The Social Enterprise Champion Award is presented to the corporation and/or individual who have made significant contributions to the sector by supporting social enterprises in Singapore, resulting in greater social impact.

The intent of referral letters is to give affirmation and validation of the good work that Social Enterprise are doing. The reference letter should be backed by a credible and objective organisation that have a working relation with your Social Enterprise.

For the supporting material, perhaps a letter or compilation of testimonials signed off by the SSAs or charity organisation that you worked with. A recommended number will be 2 to 4 letters.

There is no maximum number of referral letters but from the application portal, you may find that you can only upload up to 4 supporting documents.

To submit more than 4, you may consolidate all referrals into 1 single document in PDF or word and upload on the supporting documents button.

The intent of the nominations is to give affirmation and validation of the support that the Corporates and/or Individuals have provided to the social enterprise sector. The nomination form should be backed by a credible social enterprise who has worked with or benefited from the Corporate and/or Individual.

A minimum of 1 nomination form signed off by the social enterprise(s) is required.

Only businesses that has been incorporated for less than 2 years will be able to qualify for the SE Start Up of the Year category.

Yes, please complete the Annex A financials to the best reflection of your business operation time period. You may provide the remaining months to give a better picture of your financials as per example below, (e.g 1 year 9 months).

• Your management accounts/Unaudited statements will be sufficient.
• Alternatively, you may provide the financials in ANNEX A, points a to c.

9.  For the Start-up category, we have some trouble filling up questions like "succession planning" and "employee progression" as the only full-timers are the founders. Can we just add this disclaimer into the questions?

• The Award Committee is aware of the situation for SEs, especially Start-ups that have Founders as their only staff. You may state the disclaimer in the answer.
• You may wish to substantiate your answer stating delegation of responsibilities/tasks to manage the company’s accountability, plans and day to day operations.

10.  How do I apply for PCSEA2021?

If you are a social enterprise applying for the Social Enterprise or Social Enterprise Start-Up of the Year Award, please visit our website at www.raise.sg/president-s-challenge-social-enterprise-award.html and click the ‘Apply!’ Button which will take you to the application portal. Please upload the completed application form and supporting documents and click ‘Submit’.

If you are a social enterprise who would like to nominate a corporation and/or individual who has supported you in your journey for the Social Enterprise Champion of the Year Award, please visit our website at www.raise.sg/president-s-challenge-social-enterprise-award.html and click the Apply! Button that will take you to the application portal. Please upload the nomination form (to be completed by the social enterprise) and the application form (to be completed by the corporation/individual) and click ‘Submit’.

All applicants will receive an email confirmation once all the required documents for their application have been received.

11.  Are-for-profit social enterprises eligible for PCSEA?

Both for-profit and not-for-profit social enterprises are welcome to apply, as long as they meet the required eligibility criteria.

12.  How will I know if my application has been received?

All applicants will receive an email confirmation once all the required documents for their application have been received. If you have submitted all your documents but have not received a confirmation email, you can write to the PCSEA Secretariat at PCSEA@raise.sg.

13.  What is the application process?

Your application will be reviewed for completeness, eligibility and adherence to the application guidelines. Incomplete and/or ineligible applications will be rejected. Complete applications that meet the eligibility criteria will be reviewed by the Award Committee. Shortlisted applicants will be notified and site visits or interviews with the Award Committee will be scheduled. Winners will be announced at the Award Ceremony in December 2021.

14.  If my social enterprise has taken part in PCSEA in previous years, can I take part again this year?

If your social enterprise has taken part in either PCSEA 2012, PCSEA 2013, PCSEA 2015 or PCSEA 2019 and/or won in those years, you will be eligible to take part in PCSEA 2021. If your social enterprise has taken part in 2019 but did not win any of the main prizes or commendations, you are also eligible to take part in PCSEA 2021.

However, if your organisation has won in 2019, you will not be eligible to take part in PCSEA 2021.

15.  Whom should I contact if I have further questions?

If you have further questions pertaining to the application process you may email the PCSEA Secretariat at PCSEA@raise.sg.