Deadline: 29-Oct-2025
The Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) with support from the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV), is inviting applications for its 2026 funding round.
With a total budget of €800,000, the scheme is designed to help voluntary organisations in Malta deliver projects that bring tangible benefits to their local communities and strengthen the voluntary sector as a whole. The programme supports initiatives that promote cooperation, capacity building, social inclusion, volunteering, and collaboration between voluntary organisations and the government.
VOPS seeks to empower the voluntary sector through several core objectives, including fostering cooperation and networking, providing consultative platforms, enhancing capacity building, and encouraging youth engagement in volunteer activities. It also aims to promote volunteering as a means of personal and social development and to strengthen links between Maltese voluntary organisations and international bodies. The scheme highlights priority areas such as promoting volunteering, addressing poverty and social inclusion, improving health and well-being, and supporting education, especially for marginalised and disadvantaged groups.
The funding is available under four distinct actions. Action 1 supports project-based initiatives, Action 2 funds infrastructural projects, Action 3 supports research projects, and Action 4 is dedicated to inclusion, health, and disability initiatives. Each action comes with its own budget allocation, and organisations can apply for grants ranging from €4,000 to €20,000 depending on the action. Funded projects are expected to begin on 1 March 2026 and must be completed by 28 February 2027, within a 12-month implementation period.
To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled and fully compliant voluntary organisations registered with the Office of the Commissioner for the Voluntary Sector. They must have no outstanding projects from previous years and must be able to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to meet the co-financing requirements. Importantly, proposals must be innovative and not repeat previously approved projects from the same organisation.
Through VOPS, MCVS aims to drive community-focused innovation, empower local voluntary organisations, and enhance the social fabric of Malta by fostering collaboration and supporting initiatives that create lasting positive impact.
For more information, visit MCVS.