Apply for Small Initiatives Support Scheme 2027 (Malta)

Deadline: 07-Oct-26

The Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) is inviting applications from enrolled voluntary organisations in Malta for innovative, small-scale projects that create positive and tangible impacts in local communities. Managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, the scheme aims to empower voluntary organisations to develop innovative initiatives, strengthen cooperation and networking, and encourage volunteering and community participation. Grants range from €2,000 to €5,000 per project, with a total scheme budget of €180,000 for 2027. Eligible projects must be completed within 12 consecutive months between 1 March 2027 and 29 February 2028.

About the Small Initiatives Support Scheme

The Small Initiatives Support Scheme supports voluntary organisations in Malta to implement innovative projects that address community needs and generate tangible local benefits. The scheme recognises voluntary organisations as an important part of civil society and encourages them to develop initiatives that strengthen community participation and cooperation. It also promotes a culture of volunteering, with particular attention to encouraging participation among children and young people. What Are the Priorities of the SIS Scheme? The scheme supports projects addressing a range of social, educational, cultural, and community priorities.

Priority areas include:

- Volunteering. - Poverty and social inclusion. - Education, particularly initiatives supporting marginalised groups. - Arts, culture, and sports. - Research that complements the priority areas. - Inclusion of migrants. - Inclusion of disabled young people. - Support for other marginalised minorities. - Awareness of Malta’s artistic, cultural, and sports heritage. Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed project and one or more of these priority areas. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The SIS Scheme is intended for innovative, small-scale projects that can create meaningful benefits within local communities.

Projects should:

- Be innovative. - Create tangible community impact. - Be sustainable for at least three years. - Complement the priorities of the scheme. - Not repeat or continue previously funded initiatives. The scheme particularly encourages projects that promote inclusion, volunteering, participation, cultural awareness, and community cooperation. Innovation and Sustainability Requirement Projects must demonstrate innovation and should not simply reproduce an initiative that has already received funding. A key requirement is that supported projects should be sustainable for at least three years. Applicants should therefore explain how the project can continue generating benefits beyond the funded implementation period. Encouraging Volunteering and Participation The SIS Scheme promotes a culture of volunteering and active participation within Maltese communities. Projects that encourage people to become involved in voluntary activities can help strengthen civil society and create stronger community networks. The scheme places particular emphasis on encouraging participation among children and youths. Social Inclusion and Marginalised Communities Social inclusion is a major priority of the scheme. Projects can focus on improving participation and opportunities for: - Migrants. - Disabled young people. - Marginalised minorities. - Other groups experiencing social exclusion. Applicants should demonstrate how their projects will contribute to more inclusive communities and meaningful participation. Arts, Culture and Sports The scheme also supports initiatives connected with arts, culture, and sports. Projects can contribute to greater awareness and appreciation of Malta’s artistic, cultural, and sporting heritage. Applicants working in these areas should explain how their initiatives will engage communities and create lasting awareness or participation. How Much Funding Is Available? The SIS Scheme provides grants ranging from €2,000 to €5,000 per project. The total budget available under the scheme for 2027 is €180,000. The grant can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, subject to the scheme’s specific funding conditions and expenditure limits. What Costs Can the Grant Cover? Eligible funding can cover project-related expenses, including: - Activity costs. - Dissemination expenses. - Administrative expenses. Specific caps apply to certain expenditure categories, including: - Staff costs. - Hospitality costs. - Marketing costs. - Infrastructural costs. Applicants should prepare their budgets carefully and ensure that proposed expenditure complies with the applicable limits. How Are Grant Payments Made? Funding is paid in three instalments.

The payment schedule is:

- 60% upon signing the agreement. - 20% after submission of the interim report. - 20% after submission of the final report. Organisations should take these payment stages into account when planning project cash flow. Who Can Apply? The SIS Scheme is open to eligible voluntary organisations enrolled with the Commissioner for the Voluntary Sector in Malta. Applicants must also comply with the relevant requirements of the Commissioner for the Voluntary Sector.

To be eligible, organisations must:

- Be enrolled with the Commissioner for the Voluntary Sector. - Be compliant with the Commissioner for the Voluntary Sector. - Fall within the first two financial brackets. - Have an annual turnover of less than €250,000. - Have no pending MCVS projects. - Submit only one application. Financial Eligibility Eligible organisations must fall within the first two financial brackets, with an annual turnover below €250,000. Organisations should ensure that their financial status meets this requirement before submitting an application. One Application Per Organisation Each eligible organisation may submit only one application under the SIS Scheme. Organisations