Malta Opens €180,000 Fund for Small Community Projects in 2027.

Voluntary organisations across Malta now have the opportunity to secure funding for innovative, small scale projects that create tangible benefits in local communities. The Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) 2027 is now accepting applications, offering grants of between €2,000 and €5,000 per project. The scheme is managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, with a total budget of €180,000 available for the year.

The deadline for applications is 7 October 2026, giving organisations roughly a year to prepare their proposals. Successful projects must be completed within 12 consecutive months, running between 1 March 2027 and 29 February 2028.

What the Scheme Supports:

The SIS is designed for voluntary organisations that want to test and implement new ideas addressing community needs. Priority areas include volunteering, poverty and social inclusion, education with a focus on marginalised groups, arts, culture and sports, and research that complements these fields. The scheme places particular emphasis on the inclusion of migrants, disabled young people, and other marginalised minorities. It also encourages projects that promote participation among children and young people, helping to build a stronger culture of volunteering across the islands.

Projects must be genuinely innovative. The scheme does not support initiatives that simply continue or repeat work that has already received funding. Applicants must also demonstrate that their project can remain sustainable for at least three years after the funded period ends, showing how it will continue to generate benefits for the community over the long term.

Who Can Apply:

Eligibility is limited to voluntary organisations enrolled with the Commissioner for the Voluntary Sector in Malta. Applicants must be compliant with the Commissioner's requirements and fall within the first two financial brackets, with an annual turnover of less than €250,000. Organisations with pending MCVS projects are not eligible, and each organisation may submit only one application. This means applicants should carefully select and develop their strongest proposal before applying.

Funding and Payment Details:

The grant can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, subject to specific funding conditions and expenditure limits. Eligible expenses include activity costs, dissemination, and administrative expenses, though caps apply to certain categories such as staff costs, hospitality, marketing, and infrastructural costs. Applicants are advised to prepare their budgets carefully to ensure compliance with these limits.

Payments are made in three instalments: 60% upon signing the agreement, 20% after submission of the interim report, and the remaining 20% after the final report. Organisations should factor these stages into their cash flow planning.

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted online through the VO Funding portal and must include a detailed project budget and all required supporting documentation. A strong application should clearly explain the community issue being addressed, the project's objectives, why it is innovative, how it aligns with SIS priorities, and who will benefit. Applicants should also outline how the project will encourage participation, how it will be sustained for at least three years, and how it differs from previously funded initiatives.

The SIS represents a valuable opportunity for Malta's voluntary sector to strengthen communities, promote inclusion, and encourage active participation. Organisations are encouraged to start preparing their proposals early to meet the October 2026 deadline.