During this year and last year, several Gozitan voluntary associations, including musical societies and others in the inclusion sector, benefited from approximately €110,000 in funds through the Voluntary Organizations 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 and the funds allocated are €800,000.
This was announced by the Minister for Inclusion, Volunteering and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli, during a visit she made to Gozo during which she visited several voluntary organizations that benefited from the two schemes. Among the organizations visited by Minister Farrugia Portelli were the Santa Marija Żebbuġ Philharmonic Society, the Don Bosco Oratory, which benefited from a number of projects under the two schemes, and the Dreams of Horses association.
“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. That is why we believe in him with all our might. That is why we have always been his shoulder and we will continue to be so. These two particular schemes are proof of our determination for this area,” stated Minister Farrugia Portelli.
The Minister noted with satisfaction that the VOPS scheme that is currently open is emphasizing more on inclusion so that as much as possible no person, whatever the difficulties they are facing, is not allowed to fall behind. “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, initiatives of ‘ infrastructure or research. “We encourage the organizations to willingly 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 20 October 2023. All voluntary organizations that are registered and compliant with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organizations are eligible for the funds.
More information can be found at maltacvs.org and vofunding.org.mt.
Photos: MIVC
