Small Initiatives Support Scheme renewed with €180,000 budget for 2026 projects

The Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), a key funding mechanism for voluntary organisations, has been renewed for another year. This scheme, administered by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), aims to support applicants seeking funding for small-scale projects that have the potential to make a meaningful impact. The scheme is designed to foster collaboration among voluntary organisations, encourage volunteering—particularly among youth—and support voluntary organisations as an important part of civil society.

Who may apply

For the current year, the scheme is allocated a budget of €180,000, with eligible organisations able to apply for grants ranging from €2,000 to €5,000 per project. Projects are expected to align with one or more of the scheme’s priority areas, which include volunteering; poverty and social inclusion (with special emphasis on the inclusion of migrants, disabled young people, and other marginalised minorities); education; arts and culture; sports; and research in the aforementioned areas, enabling voluntary organisations to become more effective and relevant to the needs of society.

Applicants must be enrolled voluntary organisations and compliant with the Office of the Commissioner for the Voluntary Sector.

Projects must be completed within a 12-month period, starting from 1st March 2026 to the 28th February 2027. Proposals should be new and must not be a continuation, repetition, or extension of previous projects. Only one application per organisation is permitted. The applying voluntary organisation must have an annual turnover below €250,000 and no pending projects with MCVS.

Application process

Applications are subject to a structured evaluation process, including an eligibility check and scoring by independent evaluators. Projects must score at least 65% to be considered for funding. An Evaluation Committee decides on the projects to be granted funding based on their ranking and the available budget. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal the decision within five working days. An Appeals Board is appointed to decide appeals, and their decisions are final and may not be contested.

Funding

Eligible costs include direct project expenses and limited amounts for staffing, hospitality, marketing, infrastructure, and indirect (administrative) costs, all subject to specific caps. The funding is disbursed in three stages:

• an initial 60% within 30 days of the signing the grant agreement;
• 20% following the submission of a satisfactory interim report; and
• the final 20% upon project completion and submission of satisfactory final report.

Co-financing and in-kind contributions are allowed, but double funding from other governmental or EU sources is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, the project must not be purely a fundraising event nor intended for profit-making purposes. Applicants must demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to cover expenses until reimbursement is made, which occurs after the evaluation of the interim or final report and supporting documentation. They must also provide evidence of sufficient personnel, skills, and expertise to successfully carry out the proposed project.

Funded projects may be audited for up to two years from the date of signing of the grant agreement, and in cases of non-compliance or underutilisation of funds, MCVS reserves the right to recover the grant.

Submission of applications

Applications will be accepted between Wednesday, 28 May and Wednesday, 9 July (12:00 PM), via vofunding.org.mt. Information sessions will be held to assist and provide guidance to applicants.