NCSS Transformation & Sustainability Scheme (TSS): What It Covers and How SSAs Can Apply

By Chiou Hao Chan, Chief Growth Officer at CRS Studio

For many Social Service Agencies (SSAs) in Singapore, long-term sustainability depends on more than just strong programmes. It requires resilient people practices, good governance, effective digital systems, and organisational health that can withstand operational challenges. 

The NCSS Transformation & Sustainability Scheme (TSS) was created precisely to support these areas.

Whether your agency wants to redesign HR processes, strengthen volunteer management, adopt new digital systems like CRM or case management, or fund a project team to drive transformation, TSS provides targeted funding that helps SSAs build capabilities systematically and sustainably.

This article breaks down what TSS covers, who qualifies, and how your SSA can apply—written in a clear and practical format that speaks to teams juggling heavy caseloads and administrative responsibilities.

Key Takeaways

• The NCSS Transformation & Sustainability Scheme (TSS) supports consultancy, organisational capability building, digitalisation, and project implementation across SSAs.

• Funding is spread across three components (Part A, B, and C), with caps ranging from $40,000–$250,000 depending on project type.

• To apply, SSAs must be NCSS members or MSF-funded and must have a valid OHFSS assessment.

• Part A supports consultancy and project manpower; Part B funds bespoke digital solutions; and Part C funds pre-scoped or Green Lane solutions.

• Applications are submitted through the OurSG Grants (OSG) portal with required documentation.

What Is the NCSS Transformation & Sustainability Scheme (TSS)?

The Transformation & Sustainability Scheme is a funding initiative by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). It helps SSAs strengthen organisational resilience and improve long-term service delivery.

TSS replaces and expands several earlier support schemes (such as some Tech-and-GO! components), offering a more structured, capability-focused approach.

TSS focuses on seven organisational health domains:

1. Strategy & Leadership

2. Governance

3. People

4. Finances

5. Digitalisation

6. Communications & Partnerships

7. User-Centric Services

Improvements across these areas equip SSAs to deliver more reliable, effective, and sustainable social services.

What Is Sustainability Transformation?

While “digital transformation” gets the most attention, sustainability transformation refers to strengthening an organisation’s core functions—people, systems, governance, and culture—so it can serve beneficiaries effectively in the long run.

For SSAs, this often looks like:

• Moving from manual to structured HR processes

• Developing a volunteer strategy to reduce staff workload

• Implementing digital systems that reduce reporting time

• Ensuring governance practices meet funder expectations

These improvements help agencies remain resilient despite limited manpower and changing sector demands.

TSS Funding Components: Part A, B, and C Explained

TSS is divided into three components, each supporting different kinds of capability-building or digital transformation.

Part A — Consultancy and Project Implementation Support

Funding cap: Up to $250,000 (Capped at $200,000 for project headcount)

Part A supports consultancy projects and manpower required to execute transformation initiatives. This is especially useful for SSAs redesigning internal systems or strengthening people practices.

Examples of fundable projects

• Compensation & benefits review

• HR performance frameworks

• Volunteer management frameworks

• Hiring project staff to lead a 1–3 year transformation roadmap

This component is ideal for SSAs that first need to define or improve operational structures before adopting technology.

Part B — Bespoke Digitalisation Projects

Funding cap: Up to $150,000

Part B is for SSAs that require custom-built or advanced digital solutions beyond pre-approved packages. These tools often involve complex workflows, multi-programme reporting, or automation.

Examples of Part B projects

• Custom case management portals

• AI chatbots for beneficiary or volunteer enquiries

• Therapeutic robotics for eldercare or disability programmes

• API integrations connecting multiple systems

This is also where many SSAs choose to implement custom Salesforce systems for casework, volunteer management, or donor automation.

Part C — Pre-Scoped and Green Lane Digital Solutions

Funding cap: Up to $150,000 total Up to $40,000 per solution (unless stated otherwise)

Part C supports digital systems that have already been pre-scoped or classified as Green Lane solutions. These are sector-proven solutions that deliver measurable impact.

Examples of Part C solutions

• HR management systems

• Donor management tools

• Volunteer management systems

• Booking platforms

• Case/client management tools

• Learning management systems

• IRAS donation API integrations

• Cybersecurity & Data Protection consultancy

Since Green Lane solutions do not require pre-approved vendors, SSAs can select their preferred provider as long as procurement guidelines are followed.

Eligibility Criteria for TSS Funding

To qualify for any TSS component, agencies must:

• Be NCSS members or MSF-funded SSAs

• Have a valid OHFSS assessment (Organisational Health Framework for Social Services)

• Participate in the Organisational Health Diagnostic Scheme (OHDS) if applying for Part A/B

• Commit to KPIs and outcomes defined in the project proposal

OHFSS is a foundational diagnostic tool—its findings help shape project direction and justify funding.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) SSAs Must Commit To

TSS funding approvals depend on clear, measurable KPIs. NCSS expects improvements aligned to your selected domains.

1. People Practice KPIs

• Increased staff retention

• Improved performance review processes

• Enhanced HR consistency and compliance

2. Volunteer Management KPIs

• Increase in active volunteers

• Growth in volunteer hours

• Improved volunteer retention and engagement

3. Project Implementation Support KPIs

• Completion of roadmap milestones

• Demonstrable improvements in organisational health scores

• Documented implementation outcomes

4. Digitalisation KPIs

For Part B or C digital solutions:

• Reduced reporting time

• Higher data accuracy

• Increased automation adoption

• Improved case visibility or stakeholder experience

Grant Quantum and Co-Funding Structure

TSS typically supports up to 80% of project costs, depending on the component:

• Part A: Up to $250,000

• Part B: Up to $150,000

• Part C: Up to $150,000 total (with per-solution caps)

This structure ensures SSAs can pursue meaningful transformation without overwhelming internal budgets.

How to Apply for TSS Funding (Step-by-Step Guide)

Applications must be submitted via the OurSG Grants (OSG) portal.

Step 1 — Complete the OHFSS Assessment

The assessment:

• Identifies strengths and gaps

• Establishes baseline indicators

• Guides project scoping

Step 2 — Identify Which TSS Component Fits Your Project

Ask:

• Do we need consultancy? → Part A

• Do we need a custom system? → Part B

• Do we need a pre-scoped digital solution? → Part C

Step 3 — Gather Required Documents

Depending on the component, documents may include:

• Project Plan

• Vendor Proposal and Signed Agreement

• Cost Breakdown

• OHFSS report

• Diagnostic reports (OHDS, EESS, VMM, DAI, BoardPulse)

(External link idea: “Refer to NCSS’s official TSS documentation for up-to-date requirements.”)

Step 4 — Submit Through the OSG Portal

Agencies fill in the required forms and upload all documents. Some applications may take 8–12 weeks depending on complexity.

Step 5 — Accept Letter of Acceptance & Begin Work

Upon approval:

• Review and accept the LOA

• Sign vendor agreements

• Begin consultancy or implementation work

Step 6 — Submit Completion Reports

After the project ends, SSAs must submit:

• Completion report

• Post-implementation OHFSS

• EESS, VMM, DAI, BoardPulse (depending on project type)

This final step is necessary to receive the remaining disbursement.

Common Mistakes SSAs Should Avoid

1. Unclear or unrealistic KPIs

KPIs should address real organisational gaps and be measurable.

2. Proposing solutions misaligned to OHFSS results

TSS requires strategic alignment—not isolated tech purchases.

3. Vendor proposals lacking SSA context

Proposals should demonstrate understanding of SSA workflows.

4. Incomplete documentation

Missing OHFSS, poor cost breakdown, or outdated assessments cause delays.

5. Choosing the wrong TSS component

For example, applying Part C for a fully custom system.

How CRS Studio Supports SSAs with TSS Funding

CRS Studio helps SSAs plan and implement both digital and organisational transformation. Our team works closely with agencies to prepare grant-ready proposals and build operationally practical solutions.

Our Support Includes:

• Designing TSS-aligned project scopes

• Providing NCSS-ready Salesforce solutions

• Building custom case, donor, and volunteer workflows

• Implementing dashboards for audits and reporting

• Supporting pre-scoped and Green Lane digitalisation projects

• Providing templates for proposals, KPIs, and reporting

Working with a partner familiar with NCSS requirements significantly reduces application errors and speeds up approval.

FAQ — NCSS TSS (People Also Ask)

What is sustainability transformation?

It refers to strengthening internal systems, people practices, processes, and digital capabilities to ensure long-term organisational resilience.

Is TSS the same as Tech-and-GO!?

TSS integrates and expands several elements previously funded under Tech-and-GO!, offering a more holistic organisational capability framework.

Can my SSA apply for more than one TSS component?

Yes, if each project meets eligibility requirements and aligns with organisational health needs.

How long does TSS approval take?

Typically 8–12 weeks, depending on documentation completeness and project complexity.

Do we need an OHFSS to apply?

Yes. A valid OHFSS assessment (within one year) is mandatory for all TSS applications.

Conclusion

The NCSS Transformation & Sustainability Scheme (TSS) is one of the most important funding avenues for SSAs looking to strengthen their organisational capabilities.

Whether you’re improving HR processes, redesigning volunteer management, or adopting digital systems that streamline service delivery, TSS provides the structure and financial support to make transformation sustainable.

By understanding the scheme’s components, eligibility criteria, KPIs, and application steps, your SSA can take confident action toward capability building—and create meaningful long-term impact for the communities you serve.

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