The Ministry for Inclusion and Volunteering has announced the launch of the 2026 edition of the More Inclusive Communities scheme. This is an initiative that continues to strengthen the Government’s commitment to promoting volunteering at the local level and at the same time concretely embraces the principles of social inclusion.
For this year, this scheme, which has now entered its third year, is being supported by a total budget of a quarter of a million euros.This announcement was made by the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia, at the Madonna tal-Ġilju Musical Society in Mqabba.Under the More Inclusive Communities scheme of the last two years, this organisation has carried out accessibility projects through the installation of automatic doors and levelling of the pavement outside the venue, as well as the installation of an air conditioning system in the band archive and an ecological lighting system. This project is one of 50 new projects that have been carried out over the three years that this scheme has been open to voluntary organisations. Through this scheme, several organisations have benefited from financial assistance from the Ministry, all with the aim of removing physical barriers and strengthening the principles of accessibility.
The scheme is designed to support innovative projects led by registered voluntary organisations, with the aim of creating more open, participatory and accessible communities for all, including people with disabilities, children, youth, adults and the elderly.
The More Inclusive Communities Scheme 2026 is directly aligned with two key national strategic frameworks, namely the National Strategy 2021–2030 on the Rights of Persons with Disability and the National Strategy for Volunteering 2025–2030. Accordingly, each proposal must clearly address at least one objective of these strategies, while projects covering more than one objective will be given added value in the evaluation process.
Minister Julia Farrugia explained how “With this scheme we are investing directly in our communities and in the power of volunteering as a driver of social change. We believe that inclusion is not a nice slogan, but a fundamental right that should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their condition, age or social background. Therefore, we are allocating concrete resources to continue removing barriers, strengthening accessibility and creating spaces where every person can participate with dignity and equality. When we give voluntary organisations the tools to carry out innovative projects, we are building more resilient and united communities.”
Eligible projects can fall under three main categories: awareness initiatives, participatory projects or educational and learning activities. These must be new and innovative projects, and not a repetition or direct continuation of initiatives that have already been financed by other national or European funds.
Each voluntary organisation may submit only one application, and each project may be awarded funding of up to a maximum of €10,000 (including VAT). The implementation period of projects may last up to twelve months, between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027.
Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the website www.vofunding.org.mt , and must include a detailed budget accompanied by at least three quotations for any cost exceeding €100. The last date for submission of applications is Friday 17th April 2026 at noon, and applications received after this date will not be considered.
For further information or questions related to this scheme, an email can be sent to skemi.miv@gov.mt .
All voluntary organisations applying must be registered and compliant with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.
Photo (MIV)
