Animal sanctuaries, disability NGOs to get discount on water and electricity
Large associations can benefit up to a maximum of €2,500 per year
Animal sanctuaries and voluntary disability organisations will benefit from a government fund of €100,000 to reimburse water and electricity costs.
The measure was announced by the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia, together with the Chief Executive of the MCVS, Mauro Pace Parascandolo, during a visit to the animal sanctuary run by the Malta Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (MSPCA) in Floriana.
In light of the financial pressures voluntary organisations face, a credit scheme for electricity and water bills will be introduced for eligible organisations.
Associations involved in services related to disability and animal protection will be able to apply for reimbursement of the amounts paid on electricity and water bills, up to a maximum of €1,500 per year for small and medium organisations (registered under Categories 1 and 2) and up to a maximum of €2,500 per year for large organisations (Category 3).
A total of €100,000 has been allocated for this measure, which was announced in the 2026 Budget.
The scheme will apply to electricity and water supplied to properties registered to and used by organisations eligible under this scheme.
Organisations applying for the funds must be registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.
Organisations are encouraged to retain and prepare the necessary documentation, including electricity and water bills.
Full guidelines regarding eligibility and applications will be published by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector.
On her end, Farrugia said voluntary organisations working in the field of disability and animal protection are there to fill the gaps where the need is greatest.
"This measure is not just financial assistance but also an affirmation of our commitment to a more just and more sensitive society," she said.
MCVS Chief Executive Mauro Pace Parascandolo said that the incentive is designed to directly reduce operational costs for voluntary organisations, thereby increasing their capacity to invest their resources in services, programmes and activities.