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Social Service AgenciesFunding, Schemes and Common ServicesNCSS Funding InitiativesProfessional Capability Grant
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Professional Capability Grant (PCG)

The Professional Capability Grant (PCG) is your gateway to nurturing excellence within the social service sector. It provides vital support for scholarships, short-term local training courses/conferences, and higher education programmes.


Our Intent

PCG is dedicated to empowering Social Service Agencies (SSAs) with the means to bolster both their human resources and organisational capacity. Our goal is to equip social service professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the evolving needs of our sector.


General Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicant Eligibility: Applicant must be a staff member of an NCSS-member agency and/or MSF-funded agency.
  • Course Eligibility: The selected course must be social service related. It should be directly relevant to the job scope of the SSA's applicant.
  • Funding Restrictions: Funding will not be extended to courses that have already commenced.

Explore the PCG Schemes

Leadership Capabilities

Aims to nurture the leadership capabilities of social service professionals to fulfill top and middle management responsibilities. Within the Social Service Professionals Development Pathway, there are three new initiatives to support your organisation's leadership development.

icon Advanced Leadership

Overview

The Advanced Leadership programme is designed to broaden the perspectives and enhance the leadership competencies of Heads of Agencies and Senior Leaders through executive development programmes.

Agencies have the flexibility to propose various executive development programmes leading to certification. These programmes may include but are not limited to:

  1. Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management by Harvard University
  2. Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership by Duke University (USA)
  3. INSEAD Social Entrepreneurship (ISEP)
  4. Developing Leaders Programme for Nonprofit Professionals by Columbia University (USA)
  5. Executive Programme for Nonprofit Leaders by Stanford University

All approved training courses have to be completed within 1 year.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this programme, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Position: You must be the Head of Agencies (e.g., CEO, ED) or a senior leader (e.g., Deputy CEO, Senior Director).
  2. Experience: You should have a minimum of 10 years of sector experience.
  3. Citizenship: You must be a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident.
  4. Professional Qualifications: You should be registered with the relevant professional bodies and/or possess the necessary professional qualifications.
  5. Bonds: You must not be serving any current bond.
  6. Employment: You should currently be working in an NCSS member agency.
  7. Nomination: Participation in the Advanced Leadership programme is strictly by nomination by SSAs’ Board (for Head of Agencies) or employers (for Senior Leaders).

Funding Quantum

Course fees are subsidised up to $25,000.

Application

Please download the Advanced Leadership Nomination Form and upload the endorsed document via the online Advanced Leadership Application Form (FormSG).

This programme is open for application between October to December every year.

Contact

For more information, please email Leadership_development_programme@ncss.gov.sg.

icon Foundational Leadership

Overview

Programme scheduled to start in 2023. Please check this website again for more information.

The Foundational Leadership programme is designed for first-time managers in the Social Service Sector. It aims to enhance their managerial and functional skills, particularly in people development, strategy planning, and resource management.

This programme is ideal for individuals transitioning from specialist roles to people managers. We encourage agencies to send their first-time managers in groups of 5-8 participants as the programme includes group coaching segments.

During the 6-week Foundational Leadership journey, participants will cover:

  • Critical practices for excelling in today's challenging environment.
  • Frameworks to facilitate organisational alignment and resource management.
  • Methodologies for executing team strategies.

Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the Foundational Leadership programme, you must meet the following criteria:

Role and Experience:

  • You should be a first-time manager.
  • You should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in the sector.

Citizenship and Professional Qualifications:

  • You must be a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • You should be registered with the relevant professional bodies and possess the necessary professional qualifications.

Affiliation: You must currently work in an NCSS-member agency.

Nomination: Participation is by nomination from your organisation's senior management.

Funding Quantum

Course fees are subsidised up to 70% by NCSS.

Application

The programme is scheduled for 2023. Please check this website for more information.

Submission Timeline

To be updated.

Contact

For more information, please email Leadership_development_programme@ncss.gov.sg.

icon Intermediate Leadership

Overview

The Intermediate Leadership programme is designed for Heads of Departments and Senior Specialists. Its primary aim is to support these professionals in enhancing their competencies through post-graduate programmes, whether locally or overseas.

Agencies have the flexibility to propose various types of post-graduate programmes and training leading to certification. These may include, but are not limited to:

For Managerial Competencies:For Clinical Competencies:
  • Masters in Business Administration
  • Masters in Human Capital Management
  • Masters in Social Work
  • Masters in Counselling

 

In addition to course fees, participants may access funds for other expenses during the programme, such as salary support and course materials.

Participants are also required to attend the Leadership Milestone Programme offered by the Social Service Institute (SSI) as part of their management training. This programme caters to social service professionals with varying levels of experience and development needs and is offered at three different levels.

All approved training courses must be completed within three years.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Intermediate Leadership programme, you must meet the following criteria:

Role and Experience:

  • You should hold a position as a Head of Department or Senior Specialist.
  • You must have a minimum of five years of experience in the sector.
  • You should be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Citizenship and Professional Qualifications:

  • You must be registered with the relevant professional bodies and possess the necessary professional qualifications.
  • You should not be currently serving any bond.

Affiliation:

  • You must currently work in an NCSS-member agency.
  • Your participation must be nominated by SSAs to join the Intermediate Leadership programme.
  • You should demonstrate potential in assuming leadership roles and/or higher responsibilities.

Funding Quantum

Course fees subsidised up to $200,000.

Application

To apply for the Intermediate Leadership programme, please download the Intermediate Leadership Nomination Form and upload the endorsed document via the Intermediate Leadership Application Form (FormSG).

Submission Timeline

This programme is open for application between October to December every year.

Contact

For more information, please email Leadership_development_programme@ncss.gov.sg.

 

Social Service Professional Capabilities

Provides funding for in-service staff of Social Service Agencies to obtain their first recognised qualifications in social work and psychology, enabling them to become registered Social Workers and Psychologists. It also offers training subsidies for other graduate and post-graduate studies related to social services.

icon Professional Development Sponsorship

Overview

The Professional Development Sponsorship offers funding for in-service staff at Social Service Agencies (SSAs) to obtain their first recognised qualifications in social work and psychology, enabling them to become registered Social Workers and Psychologists. It also provides training support for other graduate and post-graduate studies related to social services.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Employment: You must be a permanent staff member (Singaporeans/PRs only) of NCSS member Social Service Agencies and/or MSF-funded social service agencies.
  2. Funding: You should not be receiving other government funding for Graduate Diploma/Degree studies, except for the Ministry of Education subsidy, unless it's specifically allowed.
  3. Exemptions: You should not be eligible for other schemes like the Career Conversion Programme (CCP) for social workers.
  4. Program Acceptance: You must have been accepted into an approved Bachelor/Graduate Diploma/Masters programme.
  5. Please keep in mind:
    • We cannot fund courses that have already started.
    • Incomplete applications will not be processed.
    • Approvals are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on budget availability.
    • Check the list of approved programmes for Masters in Psychology.

Funding Quantum

Programme Funding Quantum
Graduate Diploma / Degree in Social Work Up to 75% of course fees, capped at $99,400
Masters in Psychology
Other Social Service-Related Graduate and Post- Graduate studies Up to 50% of course fees, capped at $37,500

 

Bond Requirement

The bond period will be pegged to the study duration. Upon grant approval, the supporting agency must sign an NCSS funding agreement, and the awardee must fulfil their bond duration with the supporting agency after completing the course.

Training Category Course Duration^ Bond Period
Graduate Diploma Programme Est. 1.5 years (18 months) Up to 1.5 years (18 months)
Degree Programme Est. 4 years (48 months) Up to 4 years (48 months)
Master Programme Est. 2 years (24 months) Up to 2 years (24 months)

Any deviation to the course duration outside this list will adjust the bond period accordingly to align with the course duration.

 

Liquidated Damages

In case of non-compliance with the grant's obligations, there will be Liquidated Damages (LD) incurred. LD will be the total disbursed amount, along with 10% compounded interest per annum on the disbursements made each year, compounded at the end of the year. Payment should be made to NCSS in one lump sum within three months.

Application

The agency can submit the application via the OurSG Grant (OSG) portal.

Submission Timeline

Please refer to the submission timeline for Professional Development Sponsorship.

Contact

For more information, please email PCG_Enquiries@ncss.gov.sg.

 

Up-skilling and Reskilling  

Support Social Service Agencies (SSAs) in upskilling and reskilling employees through training, better equipping professionals to meet the needs of the social service sector.

icon Local Training Grant (Short Courses, Accredited Certificate Courses)

Overview

The Professional Capability Grant (PCG) is here to support Social Service Agencies (SSAs) by providing training subsidies. These subsidies empower SSAs to enhance their manpower and organisational capabilities through training, better equipping professionals to meet the needs of the social service sector. PCG supports social service-related scholarships, awards, short-term local training courses/conferences, and higher education programmes. Our pre-approval funding specifically supports short-term social service-related courses and conferences.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Applicant Eligibility: Staff of NCSS member Social Service Agencies (SSAs) and/or MSF-funded agencies are eligible to apply for training grants related to their scope of work.
  2. Volunteer Eligibility: Volunteers of NCSS member SSAs and/or MSF-funded agencies are eligible for Professional Skill-based training related to their volunteering roles in SSAs.
  3. Work Pass Requirement: SSA applicants on Work Passes must have a validity of 1 year or more at the point of application.
  4. Employment Pass/S Pass/Work Permit Holders: Applicants holding Employment Pass (EP), S Pass (SP), or Work Permit (WP) must have at least one year of remaining EP/SP/WP validity at the point of application.
  5. Course Eligibility: Courses must be attended by participants from more than one SSA to receive funding. Funding will not be extended to courses that:
    • Have already commenced.
    • Are receiving other sources of Government funding, unless specially allowed.
    • Can tap on grants administered by other Government agencies such as SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), Workforce Singapore (WSG), and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).

Funding Quantum

Training CategorySingapore Citizen / Permanent ResidentsEmployment Pass / Work Permit / Special PassApplication Platform
Funding LevelCapped AtFunding LevelCapped At
Pre-approved Courses Up to 80%$1,400 per courseUp to 60%$1,100 per courseCourse enrolment through approved Training Providers
Non-Pre-approval Courses Up to 20%$600 per courseUp to 10%$400 per courseOurSG Grant (OSG) Portal
Accredited Certificate and Specialist DiplomaUp to 80%$5,200 per courseNot eligible

 

Application

For Pre-Approved Courses

SSAs will register their course enrolments directly with the respective Training Provider. The Training Providers will then handle the course participant enrolments in TPGateway before the course commencement.

For Non-Pre-Approved Courses

SSAs can apply for non-pre-approved courses, including Accredited Certificate and Specialist Diploma via the OurSG Grant (OSG) Portal.

Submission Timeline

Please refer to the submission timeline for Local Training Grant.

Contact

For more information, please email PCG_Enquiries@ncss.gov.sg.

icon Local Training Grant (for Training Providers)

Overview

The Professional Capability Grant (PCG) empowers Social Service Agencies (SSAs) by providing training subsidies. These subsidies assist SSAs in enhancing their manpower and organisational capabilities through training and better equipping professionals to meet the needs of the social service sector. PCG supports social service-related scholarships, awards, short-term local training courses/conferences, and higher education programmes. Our pre-approval funding specifically supports short-term social service-related courses and conferences.

Eligibility Criteria for Training Providers

  1. Course Alignment:  Training courses should align with the Technical Skill Competency Framework for Social Service. Courses not aligned may be considered on a case-by-case basis at a lower funding quantum. Refer to the Skills Framework for Social Service.
  2. Other Funding Considerations: Additional criteria for funding consideration could include (but are not limited to):
    • Relevance and importance of the training to the social service sector (e.g., targeting MSF/NCSS funded services or helping social service professionals advance their professional skills/techniques and knowledge).
    • Training that elevates the strategic organisational capabilities of the SSAs.
    • Demonstrated prudence and transparency in the cost calculations of submitted courses for pre-approval.
  3. Course Eligibility: Funding will not be extended to courses that:
    • Have already commenced.
    • Are receiving other sources of Government funding, unless specifically allowed.
    • Can tap on grants administered by other Government agencies such as SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), Workforce Singapore (WSG), and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).

Application

The Training Providers can submit their training courses to be pre-approved via the Training Partners Gateway (TPGateway). Training Providers can login to TPGateway using their Organisation CorpPass.

Please submit the following supporting documents for assessment:

  1. Course/conference details: Include course fee, duration, projected training places, target audience, and sector.
  2. Supporting research: Local and overseas research that backs the course for pre-approval.
  3. Skill alignment: Explain how the course aligns with the Technical Skill Competency Framework for Social Service.
  4. Trainer information: CV/Resume of Trainers.

Submission Timeline

For details regarding the submission timeline for Local Training Grant.

Contact

For more information, please email PCG_Enquiries@ncss.gov.sg.

icon Overseas Training Grant

Overview

The Overseas Training Grant supports specialised training programmes that aren't available in Singapore, including:

  • Short-term conferences and seminars
  • Specialised certification courses, and
  • Study trips.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Employment: To be eligible for the Overseas Training Grant, you must be a permanent staff member (Singaporeans or PRs) of NCSS member social service agencies (SSAs) and/or Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)-funded social service agencies.
  2. Exclusions: Volunteers, Board Members, non-permanent staff, and holders of the Work Permit, S-Pass, and Employment Pass are not eligible for this grant.
  3. Employment Duration: You should have been employed by the social service agency for at least one year at the point of application.
  4. Frequency of Grant: For SSAs with multiple programmes, each programme can apply for one staff member once every two years. To qualify, the agency and staff must not have received the grant in the last two years.
  5. Relevance: The training you seek must directly relate to your job scope and be of direct social service nature.
  6. Attendance and Sharing: If approved, you are expected to attend all sessions of the courses and pass all examinations (if applicable). After your training, you should be willing to share your newfound knowledge with other social service agencies at platforms identified by NCSS.
  7. Funding Limitations: The grant does not extend to courses that:
    • Have already commenced.
    • Include political or religious proselytization.
    • Are receiving other sources of Government funding, unless specifically allowed. Can tap on grants administered by other Government agencies such as SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), Workforce Singapore (WSG), and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).
  8. Application Timing: Incomplete applications and late submissions, less than three months before the course commencement date, will NOT be processed.
  9. Approval Process: Please bear in mind that approval of applications operates on a first-come, first-served basis, contingent upon budget availability.

Funding Quantum

Training CategoryFunding Level (capped at $20,000)
Specialised certification courses, short courses, Conferences and Seminars (Without paper presentation)Up to 60% of the actual expenditure or the approved funding quantum, whichever is lower.
Conferences and Seminars (With paper presentation)Up to 80% of the actual expenditure or the approved funding quantum, whichever is lower.

The additional funding is given to encourage social service agencies to showcase their good work to the international community.

 

Application

The agency can submit the application via the OurSG Grant (OSG) portal.

 

    Submission Timeline

    Applications must be submitted to NCSS at least 2 months before the course commencement date. Please refer to the submission timeline for Overseas Training Grant.

    Contact

    For more information, please email PCG_Enquiries@ncss.gov.sg.

    icon Open Grant

    Overview

    The Open Grant seeks to empower initiatives within the Social Service Sector, whether they're SSA-initiated or centrally driven. We are dedicated to enhancing professional capability through various projects, including initiatives, and clinical supervision efforts.

    Through the Open Grant, we assist social service agencies in engaging external consultants for clinical supervision. This supports the development of professional staff, such as social workers, case workers, counsellors, and psychologists, over a two-year period.

    Clinical supervision typically includes individual and group sessions, aimed at improving professional skills. Additionally, there is a Supervision of Supervisors (SOS) component to develop the supervisory competencies of internal clinical supervisors.

    Eligibility Criteria

    For Open Grant Projects

    1. Membership Status: You must represent a NCSS member social service agency or an MSF-funded social service agency that is not receiving other government funding.
    2. Project Commencement: Funding will not be be extended to projects that have already started.
    3. Timely Applications: Late applications will not be processed and will not be automatically moved to the next window.
    4. Completion of Applications: Incomplete applications will not be processed.
    5. Approval Process: Please note that approvals are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to budget availability.

    For Clinical Supervision

    1. Eligible Organisations: All NCSS member social service agencies or MSF-funded social service agencies are eligible.
    2. Project Type: Projects must be one-off and non-recurring.
    3. Commencement Approval: Projects can only commence upon PCG Secretariat's approval.
    4. Project Commencement: Funding will not be extended to projects that have already commenced or are receiving other sources of government funding, unless specifically allowed.
    5. Supervisor's Qualifications: The appointed Clinical Supervisor must be an external consultant for Clinical Supervision, a member/registered to a professional body (RSW with SASW, SAC, or equivalent; SRP or equivalent), and have received training in clinical supervision in accordance with guidelines from:
    6. Completion of Applications: Incomplete applications will not be processed.
    7. Approval Process: Please note that approvals are granted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to budget availability.

    Funding Quantum

    For Open Grant Projects

    Funding QuantumNumber of SSAFunding Amount
    Up to 80% of the approved project cost or actual expenditure, whichever is lower 1 SSAUp to $100,000
    Up to 100% of the approved project cost or actual expenditure, whichever is lowerMore than 1 SSAsUp to $200,000

     

    For Clinical Supervision

    Funding QuantumFunding Amount
    Up to 80% of the approved project cost or actual expenditure, whichever is lower, over two years projectCapped at $100,000

     

    Application

    The agency can submit the application via the OurSG Grant (OSG) portal.

      Submission Timeline

      Please refer to the submission timeline for Open Grant.

      Contact

      For more information, please reach out to PCG_Enquiries@ncss.gov.sg.

       

      Well-being

      icon Sabbatical Leave Scheme

      Overview

      The Sabbatical Leave Scheme (SLS) is designed to offer social service professionals a chance to rejuvenate. It provides 10 weeks of paid leave with salary support of up to $15,000. This opportunity is open to Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech therapists, Psychologists, Counsellors, and EIPIC teachers.

      Eligibility Criteria

      1. Professional Qualification: To be eligible for the SLS, you must meet specific professional qualifications based on your field:
        • Social Workers: Registered with the Social Work Accreditation and Advisory Board.
        • Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Speech Therapists:  Full/restricted registration with the Allied Health Professions Council.
        • Psychologists: Registered with Singapore Psychological Society (SPS)
        • Counsellors: Registered with the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC)
        • EIPIC Teachers: Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Intervention (Special Needs).
      2. Professional Experience: You must have a minimum of five years of direct work experience in your respective professional field within the sector at the time of application.
      3. Employment Status: You should be employed in an NCSS member organisation or a Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)-funded organisation.
      4. Bond Status: You must not currently be serving any bonds.

      Requirement

      After completing your sabbatical, you may be asked to mentor junior professionals in your field. You must also:

      1. Conduct a sharing session within your organisation.
      2. Submit a written report to your employer and the National Council of Social Service.

      This helps ensure knowledge sharing and benefits the sector as a whole.

        Application

        The agency can submit the application via the OurSG Grant (OSG) portal.

        Before applying, it is advisable to discuss your proposed sabbatical plans with your current employer. Please note that incomplete applications will NOT be processed.

        For more information on the Sabbatical Leave Scheme, please refer to the FAQ.

        Submission Timeline

        Please refer to the submission timeline provided.

        Applications Submission DateApplication Outcome Date
        31 March15 June
        31 July15 October
        30 September15 December
        30 November15 February

         

        Contact

        For more information, please contact PCG_Enquiries@ncss.gov.sg.

        In support of:
        Forward Singapore
        Together SG Cares
        Celebrating Volunteers
        Social Service Institute
        Community Chest
        National Council of Social Service

        © 2024 Government of Singapore

        Last Updated 01 December 2023