National Council of Social Service (NCSS)

📢 Our FY2025 Annual Report is now live. FY2025 (April 2025 to March 2026) marked an important as NCSS advanced its strengthened mandate as sector developer, working with SSAs and partners to strengthen social service delivery, deepen sector capabilities, and build a stronger social service ecosystem of community partnerships, philanthropy and volunteerism. Working alongside social service agencies, partners, volunteers, donors and communities, we achieved meaningful progress: 🔹 Close to $100 million disbursed to support social services 🔹 More than $29 million committed to capability-building projects across 73 social service agencies 🔹 114 programmes across 70+ agencies are now using the Sector Evaluation Framework to strengthen outcomes measurement and service improvement These milestones reflect the collective effort required to strengthen sector capabilities, improve service outcomes, and better support individuals, families and communities. As NCSS continues to advance its strengthened mandate, we remain focused on building a effective, efficient, and sustainable social service sector that can create greater impact and improve lives. 📖 Read the NCSS FY2025 Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/gg65CJdg #NCSS #AnnualReportFY2025 #SocialServiceSG #SectorDeveloper #BetterStartsWithUs

🤝 Strengthening social-health integration through cross-sector collaboration.   The Social Service Institute (SSI), the training arm of NCSS, partnered with Singapore Community of Practice in Social Prescribing (SCOMP) to convene healthcare and social service professionals for the latest edition of Capability Circles. The session explored the role of community-based support in connecting individuals to resources and support networks, while highlighting how stronger coordination between healthcare, social care and community partners can contribute to more holistic, person-centred care. 💙 At NCSS, we are committed to building capabilities and fostering partnerships that strengthen service delivery across the social service ecosystem. Through platforms such as Capability Circles, professionals from different sectors can learn from one another, exchange practice insights and collectively advance integrated approaches to supporting individuals and communities. 🌱 By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, these conversations help strengthen social-health integration and contribute to a more connected ecosystem of care. #NCSS #SocialServiceSG #CapabilityCircles #SocialImpact

What matters most to the people we serve? 💙 At a recent sector learning conversation led by NCSS at Allkin Singapore Learning Day, social service professionals came together to reflect on the shared goals that unite our sector. 💬 Using Quality of Life (QOL) as a lens, participants explored how we often view the people we serve through programme or service categories, and how adopting a more person-centred perspective can help us look beyond these categories to better understand what matters most in individuals' lives, their overall well-being, and the outcomes that are meaningful to them. 🤝 Despite serving different groups and delivering different programmes, organisations across the social service sector share a common goal of improving lives. This shared purpose creates opportunities for greater alignment, learning and collaboration across agencies. 📊 The session also featured the Sector Evaluation Framework (SEF), which highlights the value of shared outcomes and common measurement approaches across programmes with similar objectives. By providing a shared language for outcomes measurement, SEF supports agencies in learning from one another and strengthening the sector's collective impact. 🌱 NCSS is committed to equipping the sector with the insights, tools, and capabilities to better understand the needs of the people we serve, while strengthening our collective ability to improve lives. Learn more about NCSS research and evaluation resources: https://lnkd.in/gf5xmVus #NCSS #SocialServiceSG #ResearchEvaluation #SectorLearning #BetterStartsWithUs

How can organisations measure and report social impact more meaningfully? On 15 September 2026, NCSS partnered with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for the ASEAN Reporters’ Webinar, “Measuring Change, Reporting Impact: Advancing the ‘S’ in ESG”, bringing together over 300 sustainability and reporting professionals from across the region. The session explored how the GRI Standards and NCSS’s guidelines complement each other to support organisations in strengthening how they measure and report social impact. During the session, we introduced the Sustainable Philanthropy Framework and the Guidelines for Social Impact Metrics in Corporate Sustainability Reporting. Together, these resources help organisations take a more structured and evidence-informed approach to planning, measuring, and reporting social impact. The practical application was further explored in a panel discussion moderated by NCSS with Community Chest longstanding partner Laetitia Lienart from DBS Bank and Chia Boon Chong from Singtel, who shared how they are taking a more strategic and sustained approach to community investment. Their experiences highlighted the importance of aligning philanthropic efforts with societal needs and organisational capabilities, measuring outcomes to inform decisions, and embedding impact measurements into long-term sustainability strategies. This is where NCSS and Community Chest play an important role in helping organisations better understand and communicate their social impact so resources can be directed to where they can make the greatest difference in the community. Learn more about the NCSS Guidelines for Social Impact Metrics in Corporate Sustainability Reporting: https://lnkd.in/gd7FBw2K #NCSS #comchestsg #GRIASEAN #SustainablePhilanthropy #ESG

On 18 September 2026, leaders from more than 30 organisations came together for the opening workshop of the Sustainable Philanthropy Accelerator 2026 organised by NCSS, to explore how philanthropy can be more strategically integrated with business priorities while addressing evolving social needs. The workshop opened with welcome remarks by Community Chest Chairman Mr Danny Koh, who underscored the importance of partnerships that create sustainable impact for individuals, families and communities. The discussion was subsequently informed by insights from Chermaine Teo, Senior Manager, Philanthropy Group, Seema Dadlani-Ramchand, Director, Services Group, and Eric Hoo, Director, Translational Research and Centre for Evidence. They shared insights into how the Sustainable Philanthropy Framework empowers businesses to align their philanthropic activities with their strategic business priorities, critical and emerging social needs, and how the Sector Evaluation Framework can guide more effective philanthropic efforts. The conversation also explored how the Sustainable Philanthropy Framework supports organisations in taking a more strategic, long-term approach to philanthropy while creating shared value. Jack Lim, Group Director, Philanthropy Group, moderated a panel discussion featuring representatives from Jimmy ONG (王铭挥), MSc.MTSC, CCMP from Standard Chartered Singapore, Joyce Tan SP Group, and Hui Boon Tan SBS Transit Ltd. Drawing on their experience from the programme’s first cohort, the speakers shared candid perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of putting sustainable philanthropy into practice. A heartfelt thank you to our speakers, panellists and participants for contributing to a meaningful start to the programme. We look forward to partnering more organisations on their sustainable philanthropy journeys as we work together to build a more caring and inclusive Singapore. Learn more about the Sustainable Philanthropy Framework at: https://lnkd.in/gsB2H4SE #NCSS #comchestsg #SustainablePhilanthropy #ESG #SocialImpact

🤝 What if corporate volunteering could strengthen both your organisation and the communities around you? When embedded into an organisation's purpose, corporate volunteering delivers more than social good. It can strengthen workplace culture, deepen employee engagement, support talent attraction and retention, and create meaningful outcomes for the community. 💪 These were among the key discussions at the Project V 2026 Learning Circle, where leaders from corporates, public agencies, and social service agencies came together to exchange perspectives on building meaningful, long-term volunteering partnerships. 💡 One message stood out: when volunteerism is aligned with both organisational strengths and community needs, it creates shared value for all stakeholders.   Project V is a joint programme by NCSS and National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) that connects organisations with social service agencies seeking recurring or skills-based support, enabling partnerships that are both sustainable and impactful. If your organisation is interested in making volunteering a regular part of its culture and community engagement efforts, register your interest here: https://lnkd.in/gG4qQUw4 #NCSS #SocialServiceSG #WeFirst #ProjectV #SustainablePhilanthropy

🎉 Applications for the President’s Challenge Grant 2027 are now open! Have a programme that could uplift more lives in the community you serve? Whether you are piloting a new project, strengthening an existing project, or ready to scale what’s already working, the President’s Challenge Grant could help you take it further. 👈 Swipe to find out:  ✅ What the grant funds   ✅ Who is eligible   ✅ What we are looking for  📆 Application period: 21 September to 13 November 2026  Join our online briefing session on 29 September 2026 to learn about the grant objectives, eligibility, key requirements and more. 🔗 Learn more and apply via the link here: https://lnkd.in/g9_EqZTQ   Behind the President’s Challenge, the National Council of Social Service serves as its Secretariat, driving the operations and fundraising efforts, enabling social service agencies and partners to transform bold ideas into impactful, sustainable programmes. 🌟  #NCSS #PresidentsChallenge #PCGrantCall2027 #SocialImpact #SocialServiceSG

Once shy on stage, 11-year-old Putera Rafa’el has grown into a confident leader and determined athlete. Today, he leads his school in reciting the National Pledge, serves as a prefect, and has achieved medals at the Special Olympics and National School Games 🏅 Through Community Chest-supported programmes like those at MINDSG Ltd Woodlands Gardens School, Putera has had opportunities to build his confidence, develop his strengths and pursue his potential. Putera’s journey shows what can be possible when individuals are given the support and opportunities to thrive. By each playing our part, we can help build a more caring and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to realise their potential. 100% of your donations to Community Chest go towards supporting over 300 critical programmes and projects, transforming more than 94,000 lives. 🔗 Give today: https://lnkd.in/gZ3kn2gg #comchestsg #MINDS #BetterStartsWithUs #SocialServiceSG

🩵 Could a single opportunity help shape the next generation of social service professionals? 🎓 Naadhirah's journey is one example. Supported by the NCSS Social Service Scholarship, she benefited from learning opportunities, professional networks and experiences that helped prepare her for a career in the social service sector. Today, she serves as a speech and language therapist at AWWA School @ Napiri, supporting students with autism to develop communication skills that can positively impact their daily lives. For those who hope to make a lasting impact in the lives of others, the NCSS Social Service Scholarship offers opportunities to learn, grow and contribute to the social service sector, while nurturing future professionals who will support diverse communities and respond to Singapore's evolving social needs. 🔗 Learn more about the NCSS Social Service Scholarship and apply by 30 September: https://lnkd.in/gnBaCraq #SocialServiceTribe #ItTakesATribe #SocialServiceSG #SocialServiceScholarship #FutureChangemakers

Every career in the social service sector has a starting point. For Danish, Charmaine and Hui Qi, it was the NCSS Graduate Associates Programme, and today, all three are proud full-time NCSS staff. The programme is designed for fresh graduates who want to make a meaningful difference in the social service sector. As an associate, you'll get to: ✨ Rotate across different teams within NCSS to gain diverse experiences   📚 Go on an industry attachment with a Social Service Agency   🌟 Grow while shaping the future of social service Their attachment with MINDS, supporting persons with intellectual disabilities, was a defining chapter that shaped both their skills and their sense of purpose, and inspired them to build a career in the social service sector. The experience left them with a deeper understanding of the people behind the work, individuals with their own stories, strengths, and aspirations. If you are a fresh graduate looking for a career that goes beyond the ordinary, this could be your starting point too. 🔗 Read their journey: https://lnkd.in/gzKkeC-j 👉 Explore opportunities at NCSS: https://lnkd.in/dAJ7PeQi #NCSS #SocialServiceSG #MeaningfulCareer #CareerJourney