Winning a grant is not an instant achievement but a process, a long journey that takes years. Their success is the sweet fruit of consistency achieved through trial-and-error runs. Therefore, use every opportunity to learn. Brainstorming sessions with mentors, past grantees, and fellow social entrepreneurs can take you one step further.JAVA FRESH Co-Founder & CEO Margareta Astaman, a grantee of DBS Foundation Grant Programme 2024, said, “Every journey to success is filled with challenges. Social entrepreneurs must dare to innovate, try new things, and explore their potential.”DBS Foundation Grant Program participants need not worry! The programme also provides mentoring and assistance, as well as networking sessions with past winners, and more.
Additionally, there should be a clear fund utilisation plan: the problem to be solved, the solution, and the strategy to achieve the goal. Remember, winning a grant is not the end goal but the beginning of a long journey to create a sustainable positive impact for the wider community.NAFAS is one of four grantees of DBS Foundation Grant Program 2023. NAFAS Indonesia Co-founder & CEO Nathan Roestandy said, “As a social enterprise, the positive impact in the community is the main indicator in measuring business success. We must start with the problems they face and offer real solutions to overcome them. Thus, every step must be well-planned to create a wider and more sustainable impact.”The assessment indicators used in the DBS Foundation Grant Program include innovative and sustainable business models, potential for expansion, and how social enterprises can support a more inclusive, empowered, and sustainable Indonesia.3. Maintain a positive cash flowOne of the crucial keys to winning grant funding is the ability to demonstrate a healthy and transparent financial flow. To achieve this, a social enterprise must be able to consistently generate revenue that is greater than its expenses every month. This reflects healthy operations as well as the ability to sustain growth.Furthermore, social enterprises must ensure that financial flows are managed transparently. Transparency not only builds trust but also ensures that every financial decision is justified.“Financial transparency is not just about showing pretty numbers but also how we maintain business integrity. It's a good idea to record every transaction, expense, and income carefully. With honest management, we can show that the business is growing in a more sustainable way,” said MYCL Founder & CEO Adi Reza Nugroho.MYCL is a social enterprise that received grant funding from the DBS Foundation Social Enterprise (SE) Grant Programme in 2016 and 2018, with a mission to reduce agricultural waste and preserve the ecosystem.
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About DBS FoundationEstablished in 2014, DBS Foundation is committed to uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. It aims to bring hope to those with less today, so no one is left behind and we can all face the future with confidence.In 2024, DBS committed up to SGD 1 billion dollars over the next decade to support vulnerable communities. It also pledged to contribute 1.5 million employee volunteer hours over the same period.Together with an ecosystem of like-minded partners, DBS Foundation seeks to create impact that goes beyond banking, beyond borders, and beyond generations.For more information, please visit: www.dbs.com/dbsfoundation.
About DBSDBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.Established in 1989 as part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, PT Bank DBS Indonesia (Bank DBS Indonesia) is one of the banks with the longest history in Asia. Currently operating 1 Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 16 Assistant Offices and 4 Functional Offices and 3,011 active employees in 15 Major Cities in Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia provides comprehensive banking services that focus on the customer experience to 'Live more, Bank less'. We also see a purpose beyond banking and are committed to supporting our customers, employees, and the community towards a sustainable future. PT Bank DBS Indonesia is licensed and supervised by The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and an insured member of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience.With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
