How to Apply for NCSS TSS Funding (Formerly Tech-and-GO!): Eligibility & Application Steps
- Jan 9
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 18
By Chiou Hao Chan, Chief Growth Officer at CRS Studio
Updated to reflect NCSS Transformation Sustainability Scheme (TSS), formerly Tech-and-GO!.
This guide explains how SSAs apply for digitalisation funding under the NCSS Transformation Sustainability Scheme (TSS), which now delivers support previously associated with Tech-and-GO!.
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 National Council of Social Service (NCSS) Transformation Sustainability Scheme (TSS) funding comes in, providing structured support for SSA digitalisation initiatives.
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
NCSS TSS funding supports SSAs across pre-scoped digital solutions as well as more advanced digitalisation initiatives depending on organisational needs.
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 disbursement often follows staged milestones (commonly structured as an initial disbursement followed by completion claims).
A well-scoped digital project and an experienced vendor can significantly increase your chance of approval.
Understanding NCSS TSS Digitalisation Funding
NCSS TSS supports SSAs in adopting digital and organisational transformation initiatives through structured funding pathways.
Many digitalisation pathways originally introduced under Tech-and-GO! continue to be referenced, but funding today sits under the broader TSS framework.
TSS digitalisation funding aims to:
Reduce administrative burden
Improve service delivery
Enable data-driven decision-making
Equip SSAs with modern, secure digital tools
Today, digitalisation support under TSS includes pre-scoped solutions and more advanced transformation projects, depending on organisational maturity.
What Is TSS Funding?
TSS (Transformation Sustainability Scheme) is a larger NCSS framework that funds:
Consultancy projects
Organisational capability building
Bespoke or advanced digitalisation projects
TSS serves as the overarching framework supporting both organisational capability development and digital transformation initiatives for SSAs.
Who Is Eligible for NCSS TSS 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?
Under TSS, SSAs can implement a wide range of digitalisation initiatives depending on project scope and funding category.
Pre-Scoped Digital Solutions (Previously referred to as Start Digital)
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.
Bespoke Digitalisation Projects (Previously referred to as Go Digital)
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
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 required for digitalisation projects under NCSS TSS to assess organisational readiness and project alignment. 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.
In practice, NCSS evaluates how well the project addresses organisational priorities — vendor selection comes after clarity on transformation goals.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for NCSS TSS Funding
Applications are submitted under the NCSS Transformation Sustainability Scheme (TSS), which now governs digitalisation and organisational transformation funding for SSAs.
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 your project fits pre-scoped solutions or a more customised digitalisation approach under TSS.
Under TSS, projects are expected to be grounded in organisational needs and outcomes identified through internal assessment (such as OHFSS), before selecting vendors or digital tools.
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:
Pre-scoped solutions → typically shorter and more structured implementation timelines
Bespoke digitalisation projects → usually involve multiple phases such as discovery, configuration, testing, and 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 disbursement (based on approved funding terms):
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
Funding disbursement under NCSS TSS is typically milestone-based and depends on the approved project category and funding agreement.
In many cases, SSAs receive an initial disbursement after approval and submission of required documents (such as the signed vendor agreement), followed by a final disbursement upon project completion and successful submission of completion reports and claim documents.
Agencies should always refer to their Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and approved funding terms for the exact disbursement structure.
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 That Do Not Match TSS Funding Categories
Pre-scoped solutions follow predefined packages, while customised digitalisation projects must be applied under the appropriate TSS pathway.
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 digitalisation initiatives under the NCSS TSS framework—especially for CRM, volunteer systems, and case management.
Our Support Includes:
NCSS-ready Salesforce configurations
Case & programme management workflows
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
Is Tech-and-GO! still used today?
Tech-and-GO! was the earlier digitalisation framework. Today, funding is delivered under the NCSS Transformation Sustainability Scheme (TSS).
What is TSS funding?
TSS (Transformation Sustainability 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 TSS approval take?
Typically 6–10 weeks, depending on documentation completeness and project complexity.
Conclusion
NCSS TSS funding provides a structured 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.
