Request for Applications: Training Initiatives Scheme 2026 (Malta)

The Training Initiatives Scheme (TIS) 2026 supports voluntary organisations and volunteers in Malta and Gozo through structured training and capacity-building initiatives.

Administered by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, the scheme provides funding under two priorities: Individual Volunteers Training (€10,000 allocation) and Voluntary Organisations Training Programmes (€30,000 allocation). The goal is to strengthen professionalism, skills development, and social inclusion within the voluntary sector.

Overview of the Scheme

The Training Initiatives Scheme (TIS) is a national funding programme designed to enhance the effectiveness, professionalism, and sustainability of voluntary organisations in Malta and Gozo.

It supports structured training programmes that:

• Improve volunteer skills and competencies

• Strengthen organisational capacity

• Promote active citizenship

• Foster social inclusion and well-being

• Increase awareness of the voluntary sector

The scheme recognises that voluntary organisations must continuously adapt to societal change. Structured training ensures long-term sustainability and service quality.

Scheme Objectives

The Training Initiatives Scheme aims to:

1. Equip volunteers with ethical, practical, and professional skills

2. Establish minimum competencies in voluntary work

3. Support personal growth and lifelong learning

4. Enhance volunteers’ CVs and employability

5. Raise professionalism in voluntary services

6. Promote social inclusion and participation

7. Increase public awareness of voluntary organisations

Funding Structure and Priorities

The scheme operates under two distinct priorities.

Priority 1 – Individual Volunteers Training Programmes

Supports individual volunteers nominated by enrolled and compliant voluntary organisations.

Allocated budget: €10,000

Priority 2 – Voluntary Organisations Training Programmes

Supports organisations delivering structured training initiatives for their members, other organisations, or the wider community.

Allocated budget: €30,000

Priority 1 – Individual Volunteers Training

Who Can Apply?

• Enrolled and compliant Voluntary Organisations in Malta

• Organisations nominate active volunteers

Training Requirements

The selected training must:

• Be directly related to the organisation’s work or volunteering in general

• Be delivered by a qualified and recognised training provider

• Take place after the call opens

• Conclude by 31 March of the following year

• Have documentation submitted within four weeks of completion

Funding Coverage

Local Training

• 100% of participation fees

• Maximum €500 per volunteer

Overseas Training

• 100% of eligible expenses

• Maximum €1,500 per volunteer

• Includes per diem allowance covering:

  • Travel

  • Accommodation

  • Food

Nomination Rules

• Organisations may submit multiple nominations

• Only one volunteer per organisation will benefit unless additional funds remain available

Eligible Costs (Priority 1 and Priority 2)

Direct Costs

• Participation or registration fees

• Trainer fees

• Daily food allowance for trainers (€15 per day)

• Mobility and accommodation for foreign trainers

• Catering during training hours (max 10% of approved amount)

Indirect Costs

• Up to 5% of the total requested amount

• Covers administrative and promotional expenses

Ineligible or Restricted Costs

• Costs exceeding funding caps

• Training completed before the call opening

• Training concluding after 31 March deadline

• Documentation submitted late (beyond four weeks after completion)

Applicants must ensure strict compliance with deadlines and funding limits.

Why This Scheme Matters

The Training Initiatives Scheme plays a strategic role in strengthening Malta’s voluntary sector by:

• Enhancing service quality and accountability

• Building professional standards

• Supporting organisational resilience

• Encouraging civic participation

• Improving social inclusion outcomes

For volunteers, the scheme:

• Builds practical skills

• Improves employability

• Encourages lifelong learning

• Strengthens leadership capacity

For organisations, it:

• Increases operational efficiency

• Improves governance and service delivery

• Supports sustainable growth

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Organisational Compliance

Ensure your organisation is enrolled and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Step 2: Identify Training Needs

Define:

• Skills gaps

• Organisational development priorities

• Community impact goals

Step 3: Select Qualified Training Provider

Ensure the provider is recognised and appropriately accredited in the relevant field.

Step 4: Prepare Budget

Calculate:

• Participation fees

• Travel and accommodation (if applicable)

• Trainer costs

• Catering (within 10% cap)

• Indirect costs (within 5% cap)

Step 5: Submit Application

Include:

• Volunteer nomination (Priority 1) or training programme proposal (Priority 2)

• Budget breakdown

• Training details

• Provider credentials

Step 6: Complete Training & Submit Documentation

Submit all required documentation within four weeks after course completion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Nominating volunteers from non-compliant organisations

• Selecting unrecognised training providers

• Exceeding funding caps

• Including ineligible costs

• Missing the 31 March completion deadline

• Submitting documentation late

Careful planning and compliance are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who administers the Training Initiatives Scheme?

The scheme is administered by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector.

2. How much funding is available?

€10,000 for Priority 1 and €30,000 for Priority 2.

3. How much can one volunteer receive?

Up to €500 for local training and up to €1,500 for overseas training.

4. Are online courses eligible?

Yes, provided they meet the scheme’s criteria and are delivered by a recognised provider.

5. Can organisations nominate more than one volunteer?

Yes, but only one volunteer per organisation will benefit unless additional funds remain.

6. What are the indirect cost limits?

Up to 5% of the total requested amount.

7. When must training be completed?

By 31 March of the following year after the call opens.

Key Deadlines and Conditions

• Training must start after call opening

• Must conclude by 31 March (following year)

• Documentation due within 4 weeks of completion

Final Takeaway

The Training Initiatives Scheme 2026 is a structured capacity-building funding programme designed to professionalise and strengthen Malta’s voluntary sector.

By supporting both individual volunteer development and organisational training programmes, the scheme enhances skills, governance, and long-term sustainability.

Voluntary organisations that plan strategically, comply with funding limits, and align training with sector needs will be best positioned to benefit.