Call for Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme in Malta

The Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPS) is a Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) funding initiative designed to support voluntary organisations with projects that benefit local communities. The VOPS call for the 2026 cycle has a total allocation of €800,000 and closes on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 12:00:00 PM. It is aimed at strengthening innovative and sustainable initiatives, including volunteering-focused, social inclusion, health/disability, and education-related work. The VOPS is designed to assist applicants seeking funding for projects that “can make a real difference” to local communities in Malta. It also aims to stimulate and financially support voluntary organisations to continue developing innovative and sustainable initiatives. The VOPS approach includes both general objectives and a set of action lines and priorities intended to strengthen the voluntary sector’s role in civil society, including capacity building and cross-sector collaboration. The source states that the VOPS call for 2026 has a total allocation of €800,000. It also notes that the VOPS guidelines form an integral part of the call for proposal; applicants should rely on the official guidelines for details such as budgets, eligible costs, and any award limits (Not specified in the source). Based on the source text, the opportunity is designed to assist Voluntary Organisations that are: Other eligibility conditions are not specified in the source and are expected to be detailed in the official VOPS guidelines referenced on the MCVS website and the VO Funding Portal. The VOPS 2026 call includes four specific Actions: The source also lists general priorities that project proposals are intended to address: VOPS supports projects that help voluntary organisations contribute to civil society through targeted action lines and clearly articulated priority areas. The scheme also emphasises capacity building, networking, and the development of co-operation between voluntary organisations and government, as well as encouraging a culture of volunteering—particularly among children and youth (as described in the source). Application deadline: Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 12:00:00 PM. Exact submission instructions and required documents: Not specified in the source. Applicants should follow the step-by-step guide and the official guidelines referenced on the VO Funding Portal page.

1) What is the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPS)?

VOPS is a funding initiative managed and administered by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) to support voluntary organisations with projects benefiting local communities.

2) How much funding is available in the VOPS 2026 call?

The source states that the VOPS call for 2026 has a total allocation of €800,000 (per the portal text). Individual award amounts are not specified in the source.

3) What is the VOPS application deadline?

The closing date shown is Wednesday, 21 October 2026, with a closing time of 12:00:00 PM.

4) Who can apply under VOPS?

The source states that VOPS is designed to assist Voluntary Organisations enrolled and compliant with the Commissioner for VOs.

5) What kinds of projects are supported?

The VOPS 2026 call lists four actions: Project Based Initiatives, Infrastructural Projects, Research Projects, and Inclusion – Health and Disability.

6) What priority areas should proposals address?

The source lists priorities including Volunteering, Poverty and Social Inclusion, Good Health and Wellbeing, and Education, each with described focus areas.

7) Where can I find the application instructions and guidelines?

The source indicates that guidelines are published on MCVS and on the VO Funding Portal, and that there are “FAQs & Application Step by Step Guide” resources available on the portal. Specific document links and required materials are not provided in the source text. If you are a voluntary organisation in Malta, review the official VOPS guidelines and the portal’s application guidance for the relevant call cycle before preparing your submission. Use the action and priority descriptions (Actions 1–4 and priority themes) to structure your project proposal and ensure your organisation meets the stated eligibility requirement regarding Commissioner for VOs enrolment and compliance.