The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, has launched three major funding programmes for 2026: BOOST, INVEST and Youth Music Training in Band Clubs – aimed at strengthening youth organisations and movements across Malta and Gozo. These schemes, run by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, are central pillars of support for the voluntary youth sector and reflect the Government’s commitment to building a participatory, inclusive and healthy society.
The Government is investing €868,000 in these schemes: €400,000 for the BOOST scheme, €90,000 for the music training programme, and €126,000 per year for three years (a total of €378,000) for the INVEST programme. These schemes not only offer funding, but also strengthen the capacity of organisations to expand their activities, create new avenues of participation and encourage young people to show their potential.
Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti emphasised that these schemes reflect the vision that places young people at the centre of public policy. “When we invest in these programmes, we are investing in the future of our country. Band clubs and organisations are the heart of the community – places where young people learn, grow and feel a sense of belonging. Through these schemes we are continuing to strengthen our confidence in their potential and increasing the opportunities for them to innovate and make a concrete difference,” reiterated the Parliamentary Secretary. He added that these initiatives are also part of the implementation of the National Youth Policy, which looks at how to expand and strengthen support for voluntary organisations.
While thanking the National Band Clubs Association for its continued collaboration, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ Chief Executive Officer, Miriam Teuma, said that these schemes offer a vital space where young people can materialise their ideas. “The BOOST and INVEST schemes, together with the musical training programme, are giving new life to communities across Malta and Gozo. The commitment of those who lead and operate these organisations is the greatest testament to the fact that when we put young people at the centre, we create a stronger country and more aware of its potential,” said Ms Teuma, while encouraging every organisation to continue to benefit from these opportunities.
Application details
BOOST is a €400,000 Youth Agency scheme for youth organisations, covering the purchase of resources that organisations need to improve the quality of their work with young people. Each organisation can apply for a maximum of €3,000. To benefit, organisations must be registered and compliant with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations, as well as registered as youth organisations with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ.
The Youth Music Training Scheme in Band Clubs is carried out in collaboration with the National Band Clubs Association and covers the purchase of instruments or fees related to musical tuition within the music schools in the respective clubs. Each club can apply for a maximum of €2,500. In order to benefit, clubs must be members of the National Band Clubs Association as well as registered and compliant with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.
Applications for these two schemes open on 12 January 2026, at noon, and will remain open until 19 January, or until the fund is exhausted, on a first come, first served basis on the vofunding.org.mt portal.
The INVEST scheme is an operational grant for youth organisations. Through this fund, the Youth Agency aims to invest in the quality of work with young people, by helping organisations cover costs related to the recruitment of staff.
The scheme operates over three years, with a total fund of €378,000, i.e. €126,000 per year. A youth organisation can apply for a maximum of €60,000 if it has 300 members or more, or €36,000 if it has fewer. This means that an organisation can benefit from a maximum of €20,000 or €12,000 per year, depending on the number of members.
Applications for this scheme are open until 19 November 2025. In order to benefit, organisations must be registered and compliant with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations and registered as youth organisations with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ.
More information is available on the website youth.gov.mt/schemes or on the social media pages of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ. For questions or assistance, one can contact the Agency on agenzija.zghazagh@gov.mt .
