Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. Use the search bar or click on the dropdown to view by topics.

  • Red Box
  • Volunteer
  • Community Service
  • YEP
  • YCLP (Project)
  • Programme X

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Red Box

For all booking requests, kindly write to us via our Enquiry Form with the details of your event and we'll get back to you.

For all filming related requests, kindly write to us via our Enquiries Form with the details of your filming and we'll get back to you.

The Red Box is open from 10:00am to 10:00pm, Mondays to Sundays.

Bookings at The Red Box are only eligible for youth-led/youth-run events and/or events targeted at youth.

Those between 15 and 35 years old are considered youth by the National Youth Council. Youths will have to register themselves as a Youth Corps Member here before they are able to sign up for Youth Corps Singapore programmes. As a Youth Corps Member, youths will be able to discover and apply for the various programmes at The Red Box.

Volunteer

Feel free to contact us if you want

Community Service

There is no selection process for regular volunteering programmes but there is an orientation session for new members. Regular volunteering opportunities are open to all Members who are interested, and able to commit for that particular period.

Ad hoc volunteering programmes are short-term opportunities for youths who are keen to try out volunteering and/or explore various causes. Regular volunteering programmes are meant to provide an avenue for youths who are looking for more regular interaction with a client group. In addition, through sector-specific trainings and interaction with clients, youth volunteers will be able to attain in-depth knowledge and skills about the sector that they are volunteering in.

For meaningful engagement with the clients, there is a minimum of 6 months commitment. Members who sign up for the regular programmes are expected to commit to the sessions within the 6-month period. Members who wish to continue volunteering after the 6 months may do so by informing us.

Those between 15 and 35 years old are considered youth by the National Youth Council. Youths will have to register themselves as a Youth Corps Member here before they are able to sign up for Youth Corps Singapore community service events. As a Youth Corps Member, youths will be able to discover and apply for the various community service events.

YEP

Applications and grants for physical YEP trips will not be accepted or approved by National Youth Council (NYC) as of now, due to the current COVID-19 situation and travel advisories issued by Ministry of Health. You can check the most recent update on the YEP Page.

All templates, including the Endorsement Form, Proposal and Budget template, and Team Name List can be downloaded here.

No, YEP-GO is an alternative programme for youths to continue volunteering with the overseas community virtually. When travel restrictions are lifted and travel resumes, youths can choose to embark on YEP trips or YEP-GO, as the latter will continue as an alternative form of overseas volunteering.

You can apply for the grant from 20 Jul 2020. Please submit your application via https://oursggrants.gov.sg/ at least two (2) months before the commencement of the proposed Online Project. NYC reserves the right to reject late or incomplete applications. 

No, team members can choose to take turns conducting the different sessions of the Online Project.

Teams may work with overseas faith-based partners, provided the service benefits the entire community and not just a particular faith or religious group. The group is not allowed to engage in proselytizing and any other work with religious connotations.

You can submit the revised Team Name List at the Project Closure phase, as part of the Project Closure Documents. Please submit the necessary documents within 1 month of the end of your Online Project.

You would need to submit a new YEP-GO application via https://go.gov.sg/yepgoapplication

You can find information on the YEP page and the YEP-GO Funding and Publicity Guidelines. To apply for YEP-GO, send in your application via https://go.gov.sg/yepgoapplication. For further enquiry and assistance in project scoping, you may email us at yep_enquiries@nyc.gov.sg

The purpose of stipulating a team member size between 4 to 12, is to maximise the service and learning opportunity for each participant and ensure that the team size is not too big – especially on a virtual platform. However, if the project scope necessitates a bigger team and the overseas host community has indicated their agreement to host the big team, team leaders can fill in the relevant section in the YEP-GO Proposal to justify and seek approval during application. Approval will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, funding for YEP-GO is mutually exclusive from YEP.

No, participants of YEP-GO will still be eligible for funding to go on YEP trips when travel resumes.

You must submit the following within one (1) month from the end of your Online Project via https://go.gov.sg/yepgoclosure:
  • YEP-GO Team Report
  • YEP Host Feedback Form
  • YEP-GO Feedback Form (to be completed by all YEP leaders and members)
  • Endorsed Statement of Accounts & Declarations
  • All original receipts of the project expenses to be kept for 6 months and submitted to NYC for audit upon request
  • A detailed plan of the Online Project (if there are changes to the plans submitted as at application)
  • A revised list of participants (if there are changes to the list submitted as at application)
  • An online link for download of at least 5 photographs with caption/story (minimum of 1 per engagement session)

  • There will only be one (1) grant disbursement at the end of the project, after submission of the closure report and Statement of Accounts. The grant amount will be disbursed upon verification that the project was implemented in accordance with the original proposal and of the project expenses incurred. In the event of any failure to achieve the project deliverables or fulfil the grant conditions, NYC reserves the right to withhold or adjust the grant amount at its sole discretion.

    Yes, teams may run fund-raising campaigns, seek sponsorships, and/or include personal contributions to cover the cost of their YEP-GO. Should your team decide to raise funds publicly, please ensure that your team adheres to the guidelines and obtain the necessary permits. More information can be found at https://charities.gov.sg (under Fund-Raising).

    The amount is determined by NYC based on the rates we have derived from the overseas community partners.

    No, these are non-qualifying expenses. Should your project require these, we would highly encourage your team to raise the necessary funds to purchase these items or source for second hand ones.

    All expenses should be substantiated by a receipt. For vendors who are unable to issue receipts, please get a written receipt signed off by the vendor and the endorsing organisation. Do get them to scan or fax them over. For invoices, please also attach the original payment receipt, or make sure the invoice is signed, paid and/or signed and stamped by the Vendor. All receipts/invoices should be properly numbered, dated and translated to English (if it contains foreign language) for easy reference to the Statement of Accounts. All original receipts/invoices of the project expenses are to be kept for 6 months and submitted to NYC for audit upon request.

    YEP-GO does not fund contingency funds.

    We would require at least 5 photographs with caption/story (minimum of 1 per engagement session) as proof of the online engagement sessions. This could include screenshots of the virtual activities, participants and the team together in the sessions.

    YCLP (Project)

    Aspirants are expected to attend all core trainings and an additional elective of their choice as it is essential for your development as a youth volunteer leader. Aspirants who do not meet the required attendance for trainings may not be conferred as Youth Corps Leaders.

    It is a community leadership programme designed for volunteer leader-in-training (also known as an Aspirant) to conceptualise and implement a service-learning project to address real needs on the ground with a National Agency and/or Community Partner, while rallying other youths to join your cause. There will also be trainings, mentorship and funding support through your journey.
    Over a period of 9 to 12 months, Aspirants will achieve the following:
  • Develop community leadership skills through trainings, mentoring and implementation of a sustainable service-learning project
  • Gain insight into national issues and challenges, and the individual’s role in shaping Singapore
  • Be empowered to lead, advocate and take action on community issues that you are passionate about
  • Learn to assess community needs and manage stakeholders
  • Lead self and build high performing teams
  • This is a leadership development programme where we hope Aspirants learn to lead other youth volunteers to participate in community service activities. Serving in a Youth Corps curated community service activity will help Aspirants to understand and learn from the approach that we take in organising an impactful community service activity, as well as our volunteer management philosophy and practices.

    This programme is open and suitable for any youths aged 17 – 25 years old, who have exhibited leadership qualities and are actively involved in community service.

    There will be an open recruitment process. Applicants will have to go through a selection exercise which consists of activities and an interview with Youth Corps Singapore staff before being accepted for the programme.

    Aspirants are required to complete all of the following milestones as part of the Youth Corps Leaders Programme:
  • 4D3N Induction Camp
  • 1-day Volunteer Management Training
  • 1-day additional Core/Elective training module depending on your project
  • Project Pitching & Sharing
  • Midpoint Check-in + Social Event
  • Serve in a Youth Corps curated community service activity
  • Attend a Red Box programme
  • Design, implement and handover a service-learning project*

  • *Estimated project commitment per week >= 6 hours/week, which includes project meeting and project execution, subjected to your team’s schedule. Please note that commitment and contribution to your respective projects will affect your conferment from the programme.

    We organise talks, dialogues and other engagement sessions at the Red Box to help members and leaders to increase their awareness of different social issues and network with like-minded youths. We hope to introduce the Red Box programmes to Aspirants as these will facilitate their continued development with Youth Corps Singapore even after they have completed the programme.

    You can look forward to core trainings on volunteer management, project management, stakeholder management, active citizenry, and, among others. These workshops will enable you to learn how to generate creative yet practical solutions to a community issue, manage multiple stakeholders, and successfully implement a sustainable service-learning project. In the course of the programme, elective trainings to support functional roles such as fundraising, and evaluation will be available for you.

    Youth Corps will provide project funding up to S$10,000 or 80% of the total allowable expenditure of the project, whichever is lower. All Aspirant teams will be required to pitch or share their project proposals to Youth Corps Singapore. Upon project approval, the teams will be informed of the final approved Youth Corps Aspirant Project (YCAP) grant amount. You and your team members will have to fundraise 20% of the final total allowable expenditure of the project.

    Projects will span across various causes related to social inclusion, such as Children and Family, Seniors, People with Special Needs, Youth, etc. These projects could fall in either of these categories –
  • Sustain – Sustain an existing project
  • Scale – Scale an existing project into a new site
  • Start – Start a new project

  • In any of these projects, teams will have to work on their project sustainability and handover their projects to a new group of youths. A list of the projects with more details will be made available to all applicants at a later date.

    Aspirants will get to indicate their top 5 choices. Thereafter, Youth Corps Singapore will match Aspirants to a project based on their preference and suitability.

    Volunteers and EXCO members of existing Regular Programmes are welcomed to join the programme as an Aspirant. You would also be given the option to continue serving at the current Regular Programme, or choose another project from our list to serve.

    Each team will comprise six to eight Aspirants. Each Aspirant team will be guided by an experienced mentor and supported by an account manager from Youth Corps Singapore.

    A Youth Corps Aspirant Project duration, inclusive of project handover is between 9 to 12 months. When teams have been formed, Aspirants and mentors will discuss the most suitable time frame needed after conducting the community needs analysis and assessing the resources available for the project.

    As the community partner has set aside valuable time and resources for the project, you are required to remain in your original team throughout the 9 to 12 months, unless otherwise informed by Youth Corps Singapore. You are strongly encouraged to highlight any challenges to your mentor so he/she could help you to address them. However, if you would still like to change team after speaking with your mentor, your mentor will consult Youth Corps Singapore for a decision.

    You will be attached to the same mentor throughout the programme, unless otherwise informed by Youth Corps Singapore. Nevertheless, if you encounter any problems with your mentor, you may contact your team’s account manager from Youth Corps Singapore, who will then make an assessment and inform you of Youth Corps Singapore’s decision. You will be introduced to your team’s account manager at the start of the programme.

    Teams are required to adhere to their projects. It is important for teams to follow through their respective projects for purposes of accountability, learning and development.

    Upon completion of Youth Corps Leaders Programme, Aspirants are conferred as Youth Corps Leaders and will receive a testimonial. They will be provided with multiple development pathways to sustain their engagement and volunteerism with Youth Corps Singapore. These include:
  • Projects: Initiate new community projects with our Pay-it-Forward Award (PIFA)
  • Overseas Exposure: Gain global perspectives and learn from international best practices
  • Internship: Intern with Youth Corps Singapore, our Community Partners or CSR Team in companies
  • Volunteer: Take up leadership roles and serve at Youth Corps Singapore community service events or regular volunteering programmes
  • Mentor: Guide and mentor Youth Corps Aspirant teams
  • Interest-based Cluster: Participate in interest-based cluster based on areas of interests
  • Leaders Circle: Network with other YCS Leaders
  • 1. Log in/Sign up at https://volunteer.gov.sg
  • 2. Follow Youth Corps Singapore page
  • 3. Find ‘Youth Corps Leaders Programme – Project Track’ under the opportunities listed with Youth Corps Singapore
  • 4. Apply for a Selection Exercise date that you are available. The steps to complete your application form will be shared with you via email thereafter.
  • Do keep your eyes peeled on our Instagram page for news on our next intake. Meanwhile, you may like to consider other available opportunities that we have listed on https://volunteer.gov.sg.

    Programme X

    Programme X is a new programme launched in 2019 by Youth Corps Singapore (YCS) in partnership with the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to promote youth volunteerism and develop the next generation of youth community service leaders.
    The ‘X’ stands for Multiplier, and the mission is to raise up youth Multipliers to rally and lead their peers in their charge to create a positive impact on the community. This is in response to changing and unmet social needs, which requires volunteers to step up to play an active role in coming alongside Social Service Agencies (SSAs) to tackle these issues and needs.
    Youth Corps Singapore acknowledges the good work that many of the IHL students are doing to serve the community. Programme X intends to uplift the experience and keep up the momentum of community involvement across the various institutions. The programme develops new and potential youth leaders in Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) with the skills and knowledge to not just serve the community, but to also create positive volunteering experiences for their peers, which is an integral part to sustaining the volunteerism efforts in the IHL and beyond their school days.
    Through Programme X, Multipliers will be able to:
  • Expand their knowledge of community issues;
  • Acquire skill sets and knowledge to be an effective team leader;
  • Identify and execute volunteer management strategies; and
  • Curate impactful community service initiatives
  • Programme X is open to youth leaders currently enrolled in Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) i.e. Institute of Technical Education (ITE), polytechnics and universities.
    Students interested to be part of Programme X should be assuming leadership positions in the coming term, either in their co-curricular activities (CCAs), schools, faculties or residential halls so that they can immediately put what they have learnt into practice. These leadership positions can be at the Executive Committee level or Sub-committee level. Participants are expected to be involved in existing community service initiatives or have the intention to lead one in the coming term.
    Examples of such leadership positions may include:
  • President/Vice-President of Community Service Club;
  • President/Vice-President of Cultural Society;
  • Basketball Captain;
  • Community Service Director for the School of Business; and
  • Residential Leader of a hall/college.

  • Youth leaders in IHLs serving in the committee of SSAs are also eligible to join their respective IHL run.

    Programme X comprises two phases:
  • An online community service leadership programme called Mission X (in view of not being able to hold a residential training camp due to Covid-19);
  • Post-camp engagement by Youth Corps Singapore to support these youth leaders on their journey in enhancing existing community service initiatives, or piloting new ones.
  • Mission X is an online community service leadership programme that brings together youth leaders from different IHLs. Participants will participate in the following:
  • (i) Workshops on planning impactful community service projects and effective volunteer management;
  • (ii) World Café sessions to directly learn from social service practitioners;
  • (iii) Networking opportunities with fellow youth leaders to learn and share best practices
  • Youth Corps Singapore will continue to engage student leaders after Mission X to support them in their journey in enhancing existing community service initiatives, or piloting new ones.
  • Project Consultation
    Youth Corps offers project consultation for student leaders to review and enhance their community service initiatives to increase the number of youth volunteers mobilised and the extent of their impact on the communities they serve.
  • Project Funding
    Youth Corps also offers funding of up to 80% of project costs capped at $3,000 per project. In support of the larger SG Cares movement, Youth Corps Singapore encourages student leaders to consider addressing community needs within the vicinity of their schools.
  • Volunteering & Developmental Opportunities
    In addition, as Youth Corps members, they would gain access to the various volunteering and developmental opportunities available through the larger Youth Corps’ volunteering ecosystem.
  • Participants may continue with community service projects that they are already involved in as part of their CCA, school, faculty or residential hall. Youth Corps Singapore extends support to such participants as per point 7 below. Youth Corps Singapore also extends support to participants starting new projects as per point 8 below.

    Student leaders who have an existing community service initiative can look forward to the following support:
  • Project consultation to understand the objectives of your project, its current state, as well as your desired outcomes. It would also be useful for Youth Corps to understand how your project team functions, and the challenges faced by your team;
  • Observation session to visit the project during one of its sessions, to review current practices and make recommendations on how the project can be enhanced to increase its impact on volunteers and the community you are serving;
  • Evaluation session to assist the project team to chart out the path ahead for the sustainability of the project; and
  • Project funding where required, subject to management approval.
  • Student leaders who are embarking on a brand new community service initiative can look forward to the following support:
  • Project consultation to understand your team, the objectives of your project, your desired outcomes, current state of planning, and existing resources available to the team. Youth Corps Singapore will also guide the team as they start curating the project;
  • Observation session to visit the project during one of its sessions, to review current practices and make recommendations on how the project can be enhanced to increase its impact on volunteers and the community you are serving;
  • Evaluation session to assist the project team to chart out the path ahead for the sustainability of the project; and
  • Link up with suitable community partners whose needs may be well-served by this project
  • Project funding where required, subject to management approval
  • You may start a new community service initiative on your own, outside of your institution. However, in the spirit of rallying your peers to multiply the community impact, we encourage you to consider involving your schoolmates to volunteer with you.

    You may start a new community service initiative with fellow Mission X participants from different institutions. That is one of the perks of Mission X – allowing youth leaders who are passionate about community service to meet and network with like-minded peers!

    It would be ideal to implement the community service initiative within one (1) year of your participation in Mission X. However, in the event that you are unable to complete it within your term of leadership, your juniors may continue the initiative. However, the application for funding should be done in your name, within one (1) year of your participation in Mission X. Funding applications received beyond one (1) year of participation in Mission X will be subject to management approval.

    Project funding is limited to Mission X participants. We encourage you to join us for Mission X for its value lies in the skills and knowledge of the community and volunteer management that would benefit you as you lead your community service initiative.

    While the project funding supports one-off community service events, we encourage you to consider a regular programme as prolonged interaction is integral for relationship building with the community partner and members of the community, and helps with the sustainability of the community impact.

    Participation fees are waived for pilot runs of Mission X. However, in the event of absence without valid reason, there will be a penalty of $850 per absentee.

    Priority admission into Programme X goes to students who are currently holding or soon to be assuming leadership positions. However, we do take in a small number of students who may not fall within this profile.

    We do not restrict the number of student leaders from each CCA, school, faculty or residential hall. We encourage you to rally your leaders, both in the Executive Committee and Subcommittees to be part of Programme X so that you can learn and grow together.

    Apart from the main leadership body, if you are in-charge of a community service initiative or part of the organising committee, you are considered to be holding a leadership position.

    The cohort from each IHL per run may comprise up to 20% of Foreign Participants while the remaining 80% are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents.

    ITE, polytechnics and universities have their own unique edition of Mission X. Although all Mission X runs focus on building participants’ community service and leadership skills, as well as volunteer management capabilities, they differ in terms of duration, programme, format and activities to accommodate the learning needs of the students.

    Yes, you may attend another run of Mission X as you further your studies in the various IHLs.

    Programme X is reserved for current students. If you have recently graduated from ITE, you may consider joining the polytechnic run. If you have recently graduated from polytechnic, you may consider joining the university run.

    The Youth Corps Leaders Programme is offered as a top-tier programme for youths who wish to challenge themselves beyond serving within their IHL community service clubs. In comparison to Programme X, it has the added dimensions of:
  • Working with other youths from diverse backgrounds, ranging from students in Junior College, ITE, Polytechnics and Universities, as well as young working adults;
  • Customising a 9 – 12 months community leadership development programme to conceptualise and implement a service-learning project to address real needs on the ground with a National Agency and/or Community Partner, while rallying other youths to join your cause.
  • Conferment as a Youth Corps Leader upon completing the programme, and access to various exclusive Leaders Pathways

  • The Youth Corps Leaders Programme is the recommended next step for students who have attended Programme X to continue their volunteer leadership journey.

    Youth Corps Leaders may consider joining Programme X. If you are a student leader, we encourage you to rally your fellow Executive Committee and Subcommittee leaders to sign up as well for the opportunity to learn and grow together.

    Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents aged 17 to 25 may apply for YCLP. Interested applicants for YCLP may find out more information on the different tracks of the programme on the Leader's Programme page. Applicants are subjected to a selection process before admission into the programme.
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