A number of projects in Gozo have benefitted from funding schemes available for voluntary associations., with applications still open for new funding on projects for next year.

The Government has said that during last year and this year various Gozitan voluntary associations, including musical societies and others in the inclusion sector, benefitted from approximately €110,000 in funds through the Voluntary Organisations Projects Scheme (VOPS) funding schemes and Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS).

These funding schemes are managed by the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector.

Applications are currently being accepted under the VOPS scheme for the projects that will be carried out in 2024, with €800,000 allocated for funding

This was announced by Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli, during a visit she made to Gozo where she visited several voluntary organisations that have benefited from the two schemes.

Among the organisations visited by Minister Farrugia Portelli were the Santa Marija Philharmonic Society Zebbug, the Don Bosco Oratory, which benefited from a number of projects under the two schemes, and the Dreams of Horses Farm.

Minister Farrugia Portelli said, “we have always considered the field of volunteering as one of the pillars of Maltese and Gozitan society. Volunteering, which is spread throughout the country and you can say in every area of the communities, is a great pulse that shows you the way in which the various communities are reacting.”

The Minister noted with satisfaction that the VOPS scheme that is currently open is emphasising more on inclusion.

“The financial aid we give under these schemes we consider as an investment in projects that are not momentary but that continue to pay off over time,” concluded Minister Farrugia Portelli.

The Chief Executive of the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector Mauro Pace Parascandalo, explained that they are currently receiving applications for the projects that will be implemented next year and include different initiatives such as projects in the community, infrastructure or research.

“We encourage organisations to submit projects that benefit the local communities,” concluded Mr Pace Parascandalo.

Applications for this year’s VOPS scheme will continue to be received until noon on Friday, the 20th of October.

All voluntary organisations that are registered and compliant with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations are eligible for the funds.

More information can be found at maltacvs.org and vofunding.org.mt

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