The Ministry for Inclusion and Voluntary Services, together with the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), announced a new measure to support voluntary organisations working in the fields of disability and animal welfare. This was one of the measures promised in the 2026 Budget.
The measure was announced by the Minister for Inclusion and Voluntary Services Julia Farrugia, together with the CEO of the MCVS, Mauro Pace Parascandolo, during a visit they made to an animal sanctuary run by the Malta Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (MSPCA) in Floriana.
In recognition of the vital contribution that voluntary organisations make to Maltese society, and their financial pressures, a credit scheme on electricity and water bills is being introduced for eligible organisations. Accordingly, those organisations involved in disability and animal welfare services will be able to apply to have their electricity and water bills refunded up to a maximum of €1,500 per year for small and medium-sized organisations (Categories registered as 1 and 2) and up to a maximum of €2,500 per year for large organisations (Category 2).
This measure, which has €100,000 allocated to it, will apply to electricity and water supplied to properties registered and used by organisations eligible for this scheme. The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector will be publishing full guidelines on eligibility and application procedures. Organisations are therefore encouraged to keep and prepare the necessary documentation, including utility bills.
Minister Julia Farrugia explained how “this measure is a clear testament to our vision of a country that leaves no one behind. The voluntary organisations that work in the field of disability and animal welfare are the ones that, every day, with dedication and with a big heart, fill the gap where it is needed most. Through this credit scheme on electricity and water bills, we are sending a clear political message: that we do not only thank volunteerism with words, but we support it with concrete actions. We are fulfilling what we promised in the 2026 Budget and are investing directly in the work of those who make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable people and in the protection of animals. This measure is not only financial aid but is also an affirmation of our commitment towards a fairer, more sensitive and more solidary society.”
MCVS Chief Executive Mauro Pace Parascandalo said that “this incentive is designed to directly reduce operational costs for voluntary organisations, thereby increasing their capacity to invest their resources in their services, programmes and activities.” Organisations applying for the funds must be registered and compliant with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.
Photo: MIV
