Start Digital vs Go Digital: Key Differences Under NCSS Tech-and-GO!

By Chiou Hao Chan, Chief Growth Officer at CRS Studio

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 Tech-and-GO! (TNG) initiative 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.

But within Tech-and-GO!, two terms often create confusion: Start Digital and Go Digital. They sound similar, but they serve very different purposes—and choosing the wrong one can delay projects, reduce funding eligibility, or limit your organisation’s long-term digital growth.

This guide explains both programmes in plain language, with comparisons, examples, and advice based on real challenges SSAs commonly face when embarking on digital adoption.

Key Takeaways

• Start Digital is designed for SSAs who are just beginning their digital journey; it funds pre-approved, off-the-shelf solutions with fixed scopes.

• Go Digital is for SSAs that require customised or more advanced systems, including portals, integrations, chatbots, and bespoke workflows.

• Both fall under NCSS’s broader push for digital readiness and sector capability building.

• 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.

Overview of NCSS Tech-and-GO!

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

The initiative recognises that many social service organisations struggle 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• Outdated systems or inconsistent digital skill levels among staff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! provides structured funding support for SSAs at different stages of their digital journey. 

Over time, many TNG components were incorporated into the broader Transformation Support Scheme (TSS), though Start Digital and Go Digital continue to feature prominently as practical pathways for digital adoption.

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 is the entry-level pathway under Tech-and-GO!. It focuses on helping SSAs begin digital adoption using pre-approved, off-the-shelf solutions that are ready to deploy with minimal customisation.

Start Digital Is Best For:

• 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 TNG 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 funding disbursement follows an 80/20 model:

• 80% of approved funding is released upon acceptance and vendor agreement

• 20% is given after project completion and claim approval

This reduces upfront cost and ensures accountability.

What Is Go Digital?

Go Digital is the more flexible, scalable pathway under Tech-and-GO!. It supports SSAs that require systems beyond fixed, pre-approved packages.

Go Digital is ideal for organisations with:

• 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

Unlike Start Digital, Go Digital allows bespoke 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

Go Digital proposals undergo closer evaluation 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 to Apply for Start Digital or Go Digital

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 the initial 80% disbursement (Start Digital).

4. Implement Project

Implementation timelines differ:

• Start Digital: shorter, fixed scope

• Go Digital: longer, multi-phase deployment

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 Start Digital allows 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 with Start Digital and Go Digital Projects

CRS Studio partners with SSAs to deploy both pre-scoped and bespoke digital solutions.

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 Go Digital Projects

• 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 Support Scheme) supports consultancy, digitalisation, and capability building for SSAs.

How is Start Digital different from Go Digital?

Start Digital supports pre-approved, fixed-scope solutions. Go Digital supports customised or advanced digital projects.

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.

Conclusion

Start Digital and Go Digital are both part of NCSS’s vision to uplift the digital capabilities of Singapore’s social service sector.

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

• Choose Start Digital if you're taking your first steps into digitalisation.

• Choose Go Digital if 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.