Start Digital vs Go Digital: What SSAs Need to Know Under NCSS TSS (Legacy Terms Explained)

By Chiou Hao Chan, Chief Growth Officer at CRS Studio

Updated to reflect NCSS Transformation Sustainability Scheme (TSS), formerly Tech-and-GO!.

For many Social Service Agencies (SSAs) in Singapore, digital transformation is no longer a question of “Should we do it?” but “Where do we start?” .

NCSS’s digital transformation initiatives — previously known as Tech-and-GO! and now delivered under the Transformation Sustainability Scheme (TSS) — by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) has been one of the sector’s most important enablers, especially for organisations with limited budgets and stretched manpower.

Start Digital and Go Digital are terms originally introduced under Tech-and-GO! that many SSAs still use today. Under the current NCSS TSS framework, these terms are best understood as practical ways to describe different levels of digitalisation projects.

In simple terms, Start Digital generally aligns with pre-scoped digital solutions, while Go Digital refers to more customised or advanced digitalisation initiatives now delivered under the broader TSS framework.

This guide explains these legacy terms in plain language, helping SSAs translate older Tech-and-GO! terminology into the current NCSS TSS context.

Key Takeaways

• Start Digital is commonly used to describe pre-scoped, fixed-scope digital solutions suited for SSAs beginning their digital journey.

• Go Digital is commonly used to describe customised or more advanced digitalisation projects such as integrations, portals, or bespoke workflows.

• Both terms originated under Tech-and-GO! but are now best understood as informal ways of describing project types under TSS.

• Choosing the right programme depends on your organisation’s maturity, complexity of needs, and readiness to manage digital change.

• Implementation partners like CRS Studio help SSAs adopt NCSS-ready solutions such as Salesforce CRM, case management workflows, donor automation, volunteer management, and reporting dashboards.

How Start Digital and Go Digital Fit Within Today’s TSS Framework

NCSS Tech-and-GO! was launched to help SSAs adopt digital tools quickly and affordably.

The initiative recognised that many social service organisations struggled with:

• Manual administrative tasks

• Fragmented case and volunteer data

• Paper-based processes

• Limited reporting capabilities

• Outdated systems or inconsistent digital skill levels among staff

To address these gaps, Tech-and-GO! introduced structured funding support to help SSAs at different stages of their digital journey.

Over time, many Tech-and-GO! components were incorporated into the broader Transformation Sustainability Scheme (TSS), which now serves as NCSS’s current funding framework.

While Start Digital and Go Digital are legacy terms, many SSAs still use them as shorthand when discussing different digitalisation approaches under TSS.

Why Digital Readiness Matters for SSAs

Digitalisation doesn't just improve productivity—it directly enhances service delivery. Examples include:

• Faster volunteer onboarding

• Better visibility of clients across programmes

• More accurate reporting for funders

• Automated reminders and case follow-ups

• Reduced administrative workload

For agencies with limited manpower, the right digital system can meaningfully strengthen impact.

What Is Start Digital?

Start Digital was originally introduced under Tech-and-GO! and is now commonly used to refer to pre-scoped digital solutions within the TSS framework.

It focuses on helping SSAs begin digital adoption using pre-approved, off-the-shelf solutions that are ready to deploy with minimal customisation.

When SSAs Typically Use the Term “Start Digital”

• SSAs with no digital systems in place

• Organisations still using paper or spreadsheets

• Teams that need standardised, easy-to-learn tools

• Projects requiring fast approval and simple implementation

These solutions come with fixed scopes and vendor packages, ensuring predictable cost, shorter timelines, and simpler grant requirements.

Eligibility for Start Digital

To apply, your organisation must:

• Be an NCSS member or MSF-funded SSA

• Select a pre-approved solution from the Tech-and-GO! list

• Have a valid Organisational Health Framework for Social Services (OHFSS) assessment report (within the past year)

• Provide a vendor quotation sized according to Tech-and-GO! requirements

What Start Digital Covers

Start Digital supports:

1. Pre-Approved Software & Cloud Solutions

Examples include:

• HR management systems

• Payroll tools

• Basic donor/volunteer databases

• Accounting or billing systems

These solutions are curated for reliability and ease-of-use.

2. Bundled Hardware (When Included in Pre-Scoped Packages)

Hardware is supported only if:

• It is explicitly included in a pre-approved package

• It is not a standalone request (i.e., you cannot apply for laptops alone)

Funding Structure for Start Digital

Typical disbursement structures may include staged payments (e.g., initial disbursement upon approval followed by completion claims).

What Is Go Digital?

Go Digital was originally introduced under Tech-and-GO! and is now commonly used to describe more customised or advanced digitalisation projects under TSS.

It supports SSAs that require systems beyond fixed, pre-approved packages.

Agencies usually refer to “Go Digital” when they need:

• Multiple programmes

• More complex case management needs

• Existing digital systems that need integration

• Custom workflows requiring deep configuration

• Plans to scale operations digitally in the long term

Compared to pre-scoped approaches, this typically refers to bespoke or more advanced digitalisation projects.

Examples of Go Digital Projects

• Custom client service portals for applications or scheduling

• Chatbots for high-volume enquiry automation

• Robotic tools for service delivery support

• API integrations between existing systems

• Bespoke Salesforce setups for donor, volunteer, and case management

These projects often require deeper scoping and more experienced implementation partners.

Eligibility for Go Digital

Your organisation must:

• Be an NCSS member or MSF-funded SSA

• Complete an OHFSS assessment

• Submit a detailed vendor proposal

• Commit to reporting outcomes and KPIs

More customised digitalisation projects under TSS usually require deeper scoping and stronger justification due to their complexity.

What Go Digital Covers

• Custom-built portals and systems

• Advanced automation

• Integrations across multiple platforms

• More extensive configuration and change management

• Bespoke data dashboards for reporting

Go Digital is the pathway for agencies that have outgrown Start Digital solutions.

Start Digital vs Go Digital — Key Differences

Below is a simplified comparison to help SSAs determine the right option:

Criteria	Start Digital	Go Digital
Digital Maturity Required	Beginner	Intermediate to advanced
Solution Type	Pre-approved, fixed packages	Customised or advanced systems
Flexibility	Low	High
Funding Cap	Solution-specific	Larger budgets allowed
Implementation Complexity	Low	Medium to high
Best For	Basic digital adoption	Scaling or integrating multiple systems

The most important difference: → Start Digital simplifies digital adoption. Go Digital expands it.

How to Choose Between Start Digital and Go Digital

Choosing the right pathway depends on your organisation’s stage and needs.

Choose Start Digital If…

• You want a simple, ready-to-use system

• Your team needs minimal onboarding

• Your processes are straightforward

• You require fast approval and deployment

• You prefer lower operational risk

This is the safest option for SSAs starting digitalisation for the first time.

Choose Go Digital If…

• You have multiple programmes with varying workflows

• You require integrations between systems

• You need automation to reduce staff workload

• Your reporting requirements are complex

• You’ve already outgrown basic pre-scoped solutions

Go Digital is an investment into long-term digital capability.

How SSAs Typically Apply for Pre-Scoped vs Customised Digitalisation Projects Under TSS

Applications for both pathways go through the OurSG Grants (OSG) portal, Singapore’s official government grants application platform.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare Documentation

• OHFSS assessment report

• Vendor quotation or proposal

• Project scope and expected outcomes

• Cost breakdown

2. Submit via OSG Portal

NCSS assesses:

• Relevance

• Feasibility

• Alignment with digital readiness goals

3. Accept Letter of Acceptance

This triggers funding disbursement based on the approved project milestones and funding terms stated in the Letter of Acceptance (LOA).

4. Implement Project

Implementation timelines differ:

• Pre-scoped solutions: shorter, structured implementation timelines

• Customised digitalisation projects: typically longer, multi-phase deployments

5. Submit Completion Reports

Includes:

• Completion Report

• OHFSS report

• Vendor documentation

Common Mistakes SSAs Make (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Choosing a solution that is too basic or too complex

Match solution complexity to your team’s readiness.

2. Assuming pre-scoped solutions allow extensive customisation

It does not—stick to the fixed scope.

3. Not budgeting for change management

Training and process redesign are often necessary.

4. Writing vague KPIs in the application

KPIs should be tied to service delivery outcomes.

5. Selecting vendors without SSA experience

This leads to misalignment and unnecessary rework.

How CRS Studio Supports SSAs Across Different Digitalisation Project Types

CRS Studio supports SSAs primarily through pre-scoped stakeholder management solutions aligned with NCSS funding requirements.

For Start Digital Projects

• Setup of NCSS-approved CRM tools

• Volunteer/donor mini-databases

• Cloud-based HR or reporting tools

• Fast deployment with minimal configuration

For Advanced Digitalisation Projects (Where Applicable)

• Salesforce-based case and programme management

• Volunteer management systems

• Donor and fundraising automation

• IRAS-compliant receipting solutions ensure fundraising processes meet Singapore tax requirements.

• Custom dashboards and API integrations

Our systems are PDPA-ready, grant-aligned, and designed for real-world SSA operations.

FAQ — Start Digital vs Go Digital

What does NCSS stand for?

National Council of Social Service.

What is TSS funding?

TSS (Transformation Sustainability Scheme) supports consultancy, digitalisation, and capability building for SSAs.

How should SSAs understand Start Digital vs Go Digital today?

Start Digital is generally used to describe pre-scoped, fixed-scope solutions, while Go Digital refers to more customised or advanced digitalisation projects under the broader TSS framework.

Who can apply for Start Digital?

Any NCSS member or MSF-funded SSA with an OHFSS assessment and a pre-approved vendor proposal.

Are custom projects allowed under Start Digital?

No. Start Digital supports only fixed, pre-approved solutions.

Is Tech-and-GO! still active?

Tech-and-GO! was the earlier framework. Funding and digitalisation support are now delivered under the Transformation Sustainability Scheme (TSS).

Conclusion

Although Start Digital and Go Digital originated under Tech-and-GO!, they remain useful terms for understanding how digitalisation projects vary within today’s NCSS TSS framework.

The right choice depends on where your SSA is today—and where you want it to be in the future.

• Choose a pre-scoped digital solution if you're taking your first steps into digitalisation.

• Consider a customised digitalisation project when you’re ready for deeper transformation, automation, or integration.

Whichever path you choose, the goal is the same: deliver services more effectively, empower your staff, and create lasting impact for the communities you serve.