The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), through the Ministry for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer's Rights, announced the Civil Society Fund (CSF) 2023, which is financial assistance with the aim of facilitating European and international participation amongst voluntary organisations.

This includes collaborations with foreign associations, including membership in associations, networks and confederations, attending conferences and meetings, as well as training related to European programmes.

The budget for this year's funds is €125,000, where in eight years, since it began, more than €1 million has been allocated to the fund. Every application submitted can be given up to a maximum of €6,000, up to a maximum of 80% of the eligible expenses. Voluntary associations can apply by visiting the website www.vofunding.org.mt. The applications will be available from Monday 17th July to noon on Thursday 7th September 2023.

During the activity MCVS also announced a digital platform where all the projects approved and funded by the Council will be able to be monitored in a more structured, transparent, and even simplified manner for associations. Until now the digital platform has been used for submitting applications, but it will be extended for the entire duration of the project, including the reporting and documentation phase necessary to successfully close each project.

Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer's Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli emphasised how the Government is investing more in strengthening the skills of the human resources in Maltese and Gozitan voluntary associations. Minister Farrugia Portelli emphasised that it is crucial that voluntary associations commit themselves and actively collaborate with other organisations, not only at a local level but also on a European level. This commitment assures that these associations will have a voice in European discussions which belong within their areas of competence, the statement read.

Gertrude Buttigieg, Chairperson of the Council, said: "This is a popular scheme with the voluntary associations, where for many of them the European level is a means of thriving and also being at the forefront in international forums with colleagues and peers from different countries. This also helps them strengthen the skills of their respective organisations and create new opportunities, including European funds."

Mauro Pace Parascandalo, Chief Executive of the Council, stated: "Apart from these funds, we are also announcing an extension of the digital platform, which is a result of the continual work of the council to have an ever simplified and transparent system for the associations which successfully apply and are then able to manage the funds they are given. In the coming weeks, we will be communicating with them to explain how the system will work in detail."

The Civil Society Fund is an initiative led by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector within the Ministry for Inclusion, Voluntary Associations and Consumer's Rights. More information can be found on www.vofunding.org.mt.