Around €1 Million Funding For Voluntary Organisations Through VOPS & SIS Schemes
Voluntary organisations will once again be able to apply for funding to support community projects through the Voluntary Organisations Projects Scheme (VOPS) and the Small Initiative Support Scheme (SIS), with almost €1 million being allocated for the two initiatives.
The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) announced that €800,000 will be available through VOPS, while a further €180,000 will be allocated through SIS. The schemes aim to provide financial support to voluntary organisations, helping them transform ideas into projects that create a direct benefit within communities.
The announcement was made by Minister for Inclusion and Voluntary Organisations Julia Farrugia during a visit to the Malta Sea Cadets, a voluntary organisation that has been active in Malta since the 1960s. The organisation works to promote discipline and develop an interest in maritime subjects among young people and adults.
The Malta Sea Cadets have been operating from the historic Gunpowder Magazine in Kalkara since 1995. Through funding received under the VOPS scheme, the organisation carried out electrical works on its simulator, which recreates a realistic scenario of a boat taking on water.
The simulator allows cadets to practise emergency procedures and learn how to respond in a safe, organised and effective manner during incidents at sea.
During the visit, Minister Farrugia also presented a certificate and badge to 12-year-old Shizann Agius Gaffarena after she advanced from the rank of Junior Cadet to New Entry Cadet.
The Minister said the achievement highlighted the important role played by voluntary organisations in supporting children and young people.
She also noted that around 1,000 projects have been implemented in communities across Malta and Gozo over the years through the VOPS and SIS schemes.
The schemes are open to projects covering a wide range of areas within the voluntary sector, including environmental sustainability, arts, music, sport, education, culture, civil rights and youth initiatives.
VOPS can support larger projects such as community initiatives, infrastructure works, research and projects aimed at strengthening inclusion in areas related to health and disability. SIS, meanwhile, provides support for smaller projects with funding of up to €5,000 per initiative.
Applications for SIS will open on Wednesday 9 September and close at noon on Wednesday 7 October, while VOPS applications will be accepted from Wednesday 23 September until noon on Wednesday 21 October.
The MCVS said that application details, guidelines and further information will be available through vofunding.org.mt, with information sessions also planned to assist organisations throughout the application process. Organisations applying must be registered and compliant with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.
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