€1.1m in funding distributed to 52 community projects
Inclusion ministry announces grants for organisations not eligible for EU LEADER funds
Fifty-two community projects will receive around €1.1 million in funding through the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, the inclusion ministry said on Saturday.
The funds will go to 40 voluntary organisations, 12 local councils and regional councils under the Community Support Scheme.
The scheme was open to eligible organisations that do not currently qualify for EU LEADER programme funds.
The ministry said the projects include environmental initiatives, small-scale community projects intended to improve quality of life in localities, and restoration or conservation work on public spaces, historic structures and cultural features.
It did not provide a list of the funded projects, the amount allocated to each recipient, or details of which organisations and councils were awarded money.
The grants were presented by Inclusion and Volunteering Minister Julia Farrugia, MCVS chair Gertrude Buttigieg and MCVS chief executive Mauro Pace Parascandolo.
Farrugia said the allocation had been increased from an initial €800,000 to more than €1 million, saying the decision reflected the government’s commitment to the voluntary sector and community projects.
Parascandolo said the funds would go “directly” into communities, through projects implemented by voluntary organisations and councils.
The announcement comes amid growing debate about financial support for voluntary organisations.
Earlier this week, Momentum proposed allowing taxpayers to allocate 0.8% of their income tax to a voluntary organisation of their choice. It also called for utility bill support to be extended to voluntary organisations more broadly.
The government has already announced a €100,000 scheme to reimburse water and electricity costs for animal sanctuaries and voluntary organisations working in disability services, with larger organisations able to claim up to €2,500 per year.
The ministry said a second call for proposals under the Community Support Scheme will be issued in the coming months through the MCVS funding portal.
It said more than 900 voluntary organisations operating in 21 localities, together with those local councils and four regional councils, are eligible to apply for project funding.
Applicants must be registered and compliant with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.