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NCSS Tech-and-GO! Grant: Complete Guide for Social Service Agencies (SSAs)

  • aaronsinduartha
  • Jan 12
  • 6 min read

By Chiou Hao Chan, Chief Growth Officer at CRS Studio


Consultancy support for SSAs under NCSS funding

Digital transformation is no longer optional for Social Service Agencies (SSAs) in Singapore. As community needs grow more complex and funders expect stronger reporting and operational efficiency, SSAs must adopt systems that help them work smarter, deliver better services, and demonstrate measurable impact.


This is where the NCSS Tech-and-GO! (TNG) grant, now supported under the Transformation Support Scheme (TSS) by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), plays a critical role.


These grants help SSAs strengthen organisational capabilities through consultancy, digitalisation, and project implementation support.


This guide breaks down the grant structure, eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and how SSAs can apply effectively. It also includes practical insights based on common challenges SSAs face when digitalising, plus examples of solutions that organisations frequently implement with NCSS support.



Key Takeaways


  • NCSS Tech-and-GO! is now part of the Transformation Support Scheme (TSS), a holistic funding framework to strengthen SSA capability in seven organisational domains.

  • SSAs can receive up to 80% co-funding for consultancy projects, digital solutions, manpower support, and bespoke systems.

  • To apply, SSAs must have a valid Organisational Health Framework for Social Services (OHFSS) assessment.

  • NCSS funds both pre-scoped solutions (e.g., CRM, HRMS, case management, volunteer systems) and custom digital builds such as portals, chatbots, and system integrations.

  • Applications are submitted via the OurSG Grants (OSG) portal, with different documentation required for approval and completion.

  • Vendors like CRS Studio help SSAs implement NCSS-ready systems such as Salesforce CRM, case management workflows, volunteer management systems, donor automation, and dashboards tailored for reporting and audits.



What Is the NCSS Tech-and-GO! Grant?


Tech-and-GO! (TNG) was launched to support SSAs in adopting digital solutions quickly and affordably. Over time, NCSS expanded the scope of support beyond technology into organisation-wide capability building. As a result, TNG components are now housed under the broader Transformation Support Scheme.


The core purpose remains unchanged: → help SSAs serve communities more effectively by strengthening their digital and organisational capabilities.


Many SSAs rely heavily on manual processes—spreadsheets for case tracking, paper files for service history, or siloed donor records. TSS funding helps agencies move toward integrated systems that reduce administrative burden and enable better service delivery.



What Does NCSS Stand For?

NCSS stands for National Council of Social Service, the lead agency for Singapore’s social service sector.


What Does NCSS Singapore Do?

NCSS supports SSAs through:



Understanding the Transformation Support Scheme (TSS)


TSS is structured to help SSAs improve in seven Organisational Health Domains:

  1. Strategy & Leadership

  2. Governance

  3. People

  4. Finances

  5. Digitalisation

  6. Communications & Partnerships

  7. User-Centric Services


TSS supports both digital and non-digital transformation, but Digitalisation continues to be one of the strongest components, carried forward from Tech-and-GO!.



What Is the NCSS Transformation Support Scheme (TSS)  & What Does It Fund?


As part of NCSS’s broader push to strengthen organisational health and service delivery capability, the Transformation Support Scheme (TSS) provides structured funding for both organisational development and digitalisation initiatives.


Through TSS, SSAs can access funding support for consultancy, manpower resources, and digital systems that improve operational efficiency, governance, service delivery, and reporting readiness.


Part A: Consultancy & Project Implementation Support


Funding: Up to $250,000 (manpower support capped at $200,000)


Part A supports foundational organisational improvements and transformation manpower that prepare SSAs for sustainable growth and digitalisation.


Typical projects include:

  • Compensation and benefits reviews

  • Volunteer management framework development

  • HR transformation and workforce planning reviews

  • Financial governance and controls consultancy

  • Digital transformation roadmap design

  • Manpower funding for project leads and transformation teams


These projects strengthen organisational readiness and enable SSAs to plan and manage larger transformation initiatives effectively.



Part B: Bespoke Digitalisation Projects


Funding: Up to $150,000


Part B supports the development of custom-built or highly tailored digital solutions for SSAs with specialised operational needs that cannot be met by off-the-shelf systems.


Common examples include:

  • Custom service delivery or programme registration portals

  • AI chatbots for high-volume enquiries

  • AI tools for case triaging, automated reminders, or service workflows

  • Therapeutic robotics and assistive technologies

  • Bespoke workflow automation and deep system integrations across platforms


These projects enable SSAs to implement purpose-built systems that directly support service delivery, compliance, and operational efficiency.


Part C: Pre-Scoped & Green-Laned Digital Solutions


Funding: Up to $40,000 per solution, capped at $150,000 total


Part C supports pre-vetted, ready-to-use digital solutions that meet NCSS requirements and can be implemented quickly.


Typical solutions include:

  • CRM systems for case, donor, or volunteer management

  • HRMS for payroll, attendance, and leave management

  • Accounting and finance systems

  • Event booking and programme registration tools

  • API integrations connecting existing systems

  • Cybersecurity, PDPA audits, and compliance tools


Part C allows SSAs to adopt proven digital tools rapidly while maintaining governance, data protection, and audit readiness.


Together, these three funding components allow SSAs to adopt digital solutions at different stages of organisational maturity. From foundational capability building to full-scale digital transformation and bespoke system development.


This structure ensures that agencies can implement the right level of solution for their operational needs while remaining aligned with NCSS governance, compliance, and reporting expectations.



Who Is Eligible for NCSS Grants?


To qualify for Tech-and-GO! / TSS funding, your organisation must be:


Eligibility is intentionally broad so that SSAs of varying sizes can access support—from small community charities to national social service bodies.



TSS Eligibility vs Tech-and-GO! Eligibility

  • TNG was heavily focused on digitalisation only

  • TSS expands beyond digital to consultancy and organisational transformation

  • Digitalisation under TSS still mirrors the TNG framework and funding levels


For SSAs planning a digital project, the process still feels similar to Tech-and-GO!.



NCSS Grant Quantum: How Much Funding Can SSAs Receive?


Funding levels under TSS remain competitive:

Component

Funding Level

Cap

Part A

Up to 80%

$250,000 (manpower support capped at $200,000)

Part B

Up to 80%

$150,000

Part C

Up to 80%

$150,000 total (up to $40,000 per solution)

The higher funding percentages reflect the sector’s need for sustainable digital adoption with minimal financial burden.



How to Apply for NCSS Tech-and-GO! / TSS Funding


Applications are submitted via the OurSG Grants (OSG) portal, the official Singapore government grants application platform.


While the process is structured, SSAs benefit significantly from preparation and vendor support.

Below is the step-by-step breakdown:


Step 1: Complete OHFSS or Organisational Diagnostics


This assessment identifies strengths and gaps across the seven domains. It is often a prerequisite for Parts A and B.


Step 2: Identify Solutions & Obtain Vendor Proposal


Work with an NCSS-experienced vendor to:

  • Identify the right digital solution

  • Clarify scope

  • Produce a quotation

  • Estimate project timelines


Step 3: Apply via OurSG Grants (OSG) Portal


Submit:

  • Project proposal

  • Vendor quotation

  • Board approval documents

  • OHFSS report

  • Expected KPIs


Approval time varies but is typically within several weeks depending on complexity.


Step 4: Project Execution & Vendor Agreements


Once approved:

  • Sign vendor agreement

  • Start implementation

  • Hire project staff if seeking manpower support


Step 5: Submission of Completion Reports


Required documentation includes:

  • Completion Report

  • OHFSS report

  • Employee Engagement Survey (if required)

  • Board assessment report


These submissions ensure accountability and track the impact of funding.



What SSAs Should Prepare Before Applying


Based on real-world implementation experience, SSAs should prepare:


1. A Clear Problem Statement

Funders want to see that the digital solution directly addresses operational gaps.


2. Defined Outcome Metrics

Examples:

  • Improved volunteer onboarding time

  • Reduced duplication in case records

  • Faster reporting to funders


3. Board Approval

Most applications require governance oversight.


4. Vendor Quotations

Important for budgeting and evaluation.


5. PDPA Readiness

SSAs implementing CRM and digital systems must comply with Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Especially for CRM and case management systems.



Examples of NCSS-Eligible Digital Solutions


1. CRM for Case, Donor, and Volunteer Management

Ideal for SSAs with fragmented data systems.


2. IRAS-Compliant Receipting Systems

IRAS-compliant receipting systems ensure fundraising and donation processes meet Singapore tax compliance requirements.


3. Dashboards for Impact Reporting

Supports funders, boards, audits, and programme evaluation.


4. API Integrations for Service Delivery

Useful for agencies that need systems to communicate with one another.



How CRS Studio Helps SSAs Implement NCSS-Approved Digital Solutions


CRS Studio supports SSAs across all digital transformation stages with:


Our systems are PDPA-ready, grant-aligned, and designed for daily operational realities in social service work.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


What is TSS funding?

TSS (Transformation Support Scheme) funds consultancy, digitalisation, and project implementation support for SSAs.


Who is NCSS under?

NCSS operates under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).


What not to say when applying for a grant?

Avoid vague problem statements, unrealistic KPIs, or overly broad project scopes. Funders prefer clarity, practicality, and alignment with service delivery outcomes.



Conclusion: Choosing the Right NCSS Funding Path for Your SSA


Digitalisation is one of the most sustainable ways for SSAs to improve service delivery, reduce manual work, and demonstrate impact. Whether your agency needs consultancy, out-of-the-box digital solutions, or bespoke systems, TSS provides a structured, well-funded pathway to achieve your goals.


With the right preparation—and the right implementation partner—your organisation can secure funding and build digital systems that support both today’s operations and tomorrow’s service needs.


To support SSAs that must meet NCSS digitalisation standards, CRS Studio provides a complete Salesforce for NCSS Grant Eligible setup.

 
 
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