How to Apply for NCSS Tech-and-GO! Funding: Eligibility & Application Steps

By Chiou Hao Chan, Chief Growth Officer at CRS Studio

Digitalisation is now essential for Social Service Agencies (SSAs) in Singapore—not just for efficiency, but for service quality, reporting accuracy, and long-term sustainability.

Many SSAs recognise the need for reliable systems such as CRM, volunteer management tools, case management workflows, dashboards, and automation.

But the biggest challenge often isn’t deciding what to digitalise, it’s knowing how to apply for funding to make it possible.

This is where the NCSS Tech-and-GO! (TNG) funding by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) comes in.

Designed to help SSAs adopt digital solutions quickly and affordably, the programme supports both simple pre-approved tools and more advanced or customised systems.

This guide explains eligibility, required documents, how the OurSG Grants (OSG) application works, and common mistakes to avoid—written in a practical, people-first format for SSA staff, managers, and leaders.

Key Takeaways

• Tech-and-GO! funding supports SSAs with pre-approved digital tools (Start Digital) and more complex or custom solutions (Go Digital).

• To apply, your SSA must be an NCSS member or MSF-funded agency with a valid OHFSS assessment.

• Applications go through the OurSG Grants (OSG) portal and require documentation such as vendor proposals, cost breakdowns, and project scopes.

• Funding is usually disbursed via an 80% upfront milestone + 20% completion claim.

• A well-scoped digital project and an experienced vendor can significantly increase your chance of approval.

Understanding NCSS Tech-and-GO! Funding

NCSS Tech-and-GO! was created to help SSAs adopt digital solutions in a structured, financially supported way.

Over time, elements of TNG (especially consultancy and capability-building) were incorporated into the broader Transformation Support Scheme (TSS).

However, TNG’s digitalisation components remain widely used across the sector.

Tech-and-GO! is designed to:

• Reduce administrative burden

• Improve service delivery

• Enable data-driven decision-making

• Equip SSAs with modern, secure digital tools

Today, TNG supports both Start Digital and Go Digital pathways, catering to different levels of digital maturity.

What Is TSS Funding?

TSS (Transformation Support Scheme) is a larger NCSS framework that funds:

• Consultancy projects

• Organisational capability building

• Bespoke or advanced digitalisation projects

Think of TSS as a strategic umbrella, with Tech-and-GO! being the operational arm supporting digital adoption.

Who Is Eligible for NCSS Tech-and-GO! Funding?

Eligibility is intentionally broad to support SSAs at different scales. Your organisation must be:

• An NCSS member

• OR an MSF-funded SSA

• OR a charity delivering social services that meet NCSS guidelines

Additionally, for digital projects, you must have a valid Organisational Health Framework for Social Services (OHFSS) assessment dated within the last 12 months.

This assessment helps NCSS evaluate your agency’s readiness and the impact of your proposed digital project.

What Projects and Solutions Are Eligible?

Tech-and-GO! supports a wide range of digitalisation efforts. These fall into two broad categories:

Start Digital — Pre-Approved, Off-the-Shelf Tools

This pathway is ideal for SSAs beginning their digital journey. Start Digital focuses on pre-scoped, fixed-package solutions that are affordable, easy to deploy, and widely applicable.

Examples of Start Digital Solutions

• HR management systems

• Payroll software

• Basic donor or volunteer databases

• Accounting tools

• Productivity software packages

Because these solutions are standardised, they are faster to implement and easier for small teams to adopt.

Go Digital — Customised or More Advanced Solutions

Go Digital is for SSAs with more complex operational needs. This pathway supports custom builds, automation, integrations, and advanced CRM setups.

Examples of Go Digital Projects

• Custom case and programme management systems

• Bespoke Salesforce configuration

• Volunteer onboarding automation

• Donor and fundraising automation

• IRAS-compliant receipting systems

• API integrations

• Data dashboards for board reporting

These projects require deeper scoping and a more experienced implementation partner.

Documents You Must Prepare Before Applying

To streamline your application and avoid delays, prepare the following:

1. OHFSS Report (Valid Within One Year)

This is mandatory for both Start Digital and Go Digital. NCSS uses it to assess:

• Digital readiness

• Organisational capacity

• Existing strengths and gaps

2. Vendor Proposal or Quotation

Your selected vendor must provide:

• A clear project scope

• Timeline

• Cost breakdown

• Vendor-endorsed pricing

• Explanation of how the tool meets SSA needs

This is critical for NCSS evaluation and funding clarity.

3. Detailed Cost Breakdown

This includes:

• Licensing fees

• Implementation fees

• Training cost

• Optional modules

• Maintenance or support fees

Transparency helps avoid approval delays.

4. Project Scope & Expected Outcomes

Your proposal should address:

• What problem the SSA is solving

• How the digital tool improves service delivery

• KPIs or outcome indicators

Examples:

• Reduce manual case tracking time by 40%

• Improve volunteer database accuracy

• Provide real-time dashboards for programme leads

5. Board Approval (If Required)

Some SSAs require internal governance approval for grant applications. NCSS may request these minutes or endorsement letters.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for NCSS Tech-and-GO! Funding

Below is the application process, simplified for SSA staff who may be new to digitalisation projects.

Step 1: Identify Your Needs and Select a Solution

Start with internal discussions:

• Which processes are bottlenecks?

• What takes too much staff time?

• What reporting gaps exist?

Then determine whether Start Digital or Go Digital suits the project.

Step 2: Engage a Vendor for Scoping & Quotation

Speak with vendors experienced in NCSS digitalisation. A good vendor should:

• Understand SSA workflows

• Provide realistic timelines

• Offer NCSS-ready documentation

• Design solutions that reduce admin workload

Step 3: Submit Application Through the OSG Portal

Log into the OurSG Grants (OSG) portal with your CorpPass. You will need to upload:

• OHFSS report

• Vendor proposal

• Project scope

• Budget breakdown

• Application form

Evaluation may take 6–10 weeks, depending on complexity.

Step 4: Accept the Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

Once approved:

• SSAs must accept the LOA digitally

• This triggers the initial disbursement (typically 80%)

• The project can now begin

Vendors may request the LOA before starting work, since it confirms financial commitment.

Step 5: Implement the Digital Solution

Depending on solution type:

• Start Digital → shorter, structured timeline

• Go Digital → more phases (discovery, build, testing, onboarding)

Ensure:

• Staff are assigned clear roles

• Data migration prep is done early

• Training sessions are fully attended

Step 6: Submit Completion Reports for Final Disbursement

To receive the final 20%:

• Submit Completion Report

• Provide evidence of implementation

• Upload vendor invoices

• Submit updated OHFSS (if required)

This ensures accountability and verifies that the solution is functional and beneficial.

How Funding Disbursement Works

The standard structure is:

Initial Disbursement — 80%

Released after:

• Application approval

• Signed vendor agreement

• Submission of claim docs

Final Disbursement — 20%

Released after:

• Project completion

• Submission of Completion Report

• Satisfactory assessment

This structure helps reduce financial strain for SSAs with limited cash flow.

Common Mistakes SSAs Should Avoid

Many SSAs experience delays or rejections due to avoidable errors. Here are the most common:

1. Submitting Outdated OHFSS Reports

The OHFSS must be within one year, otherwise NCSS will not accept the application.

2. Choosing Solutions Not Supported Under Start Digital

Start Digital supports only pre-approved packages. Custom projects will not qualify.

3. Writing Vague or Overly Ambitious KPIs

Instead of:

“Improve reporting significantly.”

Use:

“Automate programme reporting to reduce monthly reporting time by 50%.”

4. Underestimating Training and Change Management

Digitalisation is not just about software—it requires:

• Staff onboarding

• Workflow redesign

• Consistent adoption

5. Working With Vendors Without SSA Experience

Digital tools must be contextualised to SSA operations.

PDPA Compliance Requirement

SSAs implementing CRM, volunteer, donor, and case management systems must comply with Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) to ensure proper handling of personal and sensitive beneficiary data.

How CRS Studio Supports SSAs Through the NCSS Application Process

CRS Studio works closely with SSAs to support the entire Tech-and-GO! journey—especially for CRM, volunteer systems, and case management.

Our Support Includes:

• NCSS-ready Salesforce configurations

• Case & programme management workflows

• Volunteer management systems

• Donor and fundraising automation

• IRAS-compliant receipting

• Dashboards for funders, audits, and boards

• Vendor proposals aligned with NCSS evaluation criteria

• SSA-focused implementation and training

This ensures that digital adoption is not only successful but sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TSS funding?

TSS (Transformation Support Scheme) is an NCSS programme that funds consultancy, capability building, and digitalisation projects for SSAs.

Who is eligible for the NCSS open grant?

NCSS grants generally apply to NCSS members, MSF-funded SSAs, and recognised charities serving social service needs.

Who is eligible for the SME grant?

The SME grant is unrelated to SSAs—it applies to for-profit small and medium enterprises under other programmes, not NCSS.

How much is the Startup SG Tech Grant?

Startup SG Tech is unrelated to NCSS; it supports tech startups in developing prototypes or proof-of-value projects through Enterprise Singapore.

How long does NCSS Tech-and-GO! approval take?

Typically 6–10 weeks, depending on documentation completeness and project complexity.

Conclusion

NCSS Tech-and-GO! funding provides a powerful pathway for SSAs to adopt digital solutions that strengthen service delivery, reduce administrative burden, and support long-term impact.

With a clear understanding of eligibility, required documents, and the application process (and with the right vendor partner) your SSA can secure funding and accelerate digital transformation confidently.