Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The NGO Co-Financing Fund (NCF) in Malta provides financial support to Voluntary Organisations (VOs) to meet co-financing obligations for EU-funded and international projects. With a total allocation of €300,000 in 2026, VOs can apply for €2,000–€20,000 per project, ensuring they can participate fully without financial strain.
What is the NGO Co-Financing Fund?
The NGO Co-Financing Fund (NCF) provides additional funding to Voluntary Organisations (VOs) to meet co-financing requirements when receiving grants from:
- EU Institutions
- EEA Grants
- Norway Grants
- Bilateral Agreements, including the Swiss Maltese Cooperation Programme
- Council of Europe Programmes
The fund ensures that VOs are not overburdened by financial obligations, allowing them to implement projects successfully while complementing existing funding sources.
The NCF is managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) with support from the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV).
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a registered Voluntary Organisation (VO) enrolled and compliant with the Office of the Commissioner for the Voluntary Organisations (OCVO)
- Must have secured funding or be a partner in a project funded by EU institutions, EEA Grants, Norway Grants, bilateral agreements, or the Council of Europe
- Must provide supporting documentation:
- Project Approval Letter
- Draft or endorsed Grant Agreement
- All necessary supporting documents
- One application per project is allowed, with additional applications in Q4 if funds remain available
Key Notes: The NCF is designed to complement existing funding and support VOs that may lack sufficient financial capacity to cover co-financing obligations.
Funding Details
- Total allocation for 2026: €300,000
- Individual VO application range: €2,000 – €20,000 per project, per year
- Once the maximum per VO is reached, subsequent applications are disregarded to ensure fair distribution
- Funds can be used exclusively to cover co-financing obligations and not to replace awarded grants
Why It Matters
- Ensures VOs can fully participate in EU-funded and international projects
- Prevents financial strain from co-financing obligations
- Supports successful project implementation across Malta’s voluntary sector
- Encourages capacity building and sustainable participation in international funding programmes
- Promotes equitable access to project funding for smaller or resource-constrained organisations
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm VO registration and compliance with OCVO requirements.
- Prepare Documentation: Include Project Approval Letter, Grant Agreement, and all necessary supporting documents.
- Submit Application: Complete one application per project through the official NCF process.
- Track Funding Limits: Ensure requested funding does not exceed €20,000 per project.
- Optional Additional Applications: If funds remain, additional applications may be submitted in the fourth quarter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without proper OCVO registration or compliance
- Submitting incomplete documentation or missing the Grant Agreement
- Exceeding the maximum funding per project (€20,000)
- Attempting to use funds to replace existing project funding instead of covering co-financing obligations
- Submitting multiple applications for the same project outside the one-application rule
FAQ
1. Who can apply for the NCF?
Registered Voluntary Organisations (VOs) in Malta enrolled and compliant with the OCVO that have secured funding from EU or international sources.
2. What is the funding range per project?
Each VO can apply for a minimum of €2,000 and a maximum of €20,000 per project, per year.
3. What projects are eligible for funding?
Projects funded by EU institutions, EEA Grants, Norway Grants, bilateral agreements, or the Council of Europe, where the VO has co-financing obligations.
4. Can a VO submit multiple applications?
Only one application per project is allowed, with additional applications considered in Q4 if funds remain available.
5. What documents are required?
Project Approval Letter, draft or endorsed Grant Agreement, and all necessary supporting documentation.
6. Does NCF replace existing funding?
No, it complements existing funding and ensures co-financing obligations can be met.
7. What is the total budget for 2026?
€300,000 is allocated to support eligible Voluntary Organisations.
Conclusion
The NGO Co-Financing Fund provides essential financial support to Maltese Voluntary Organisations, ensuring they can participate fully in EU-funded and other international projects without being hindered by co-financing obligations. By covering co-financing requirements, the NCF strengthens the capacity of VOs and promotes successful project delivery across Malta’s voluntary sector.
For more information, visit MCVS.
