A new fund was launched in Malta to provide assistance to struggling Voluntary Organisations. The COVID-19 Voluntary Organisation Emergency Fund (COVID-VOEF) is aimed at assisting Voluntary Organisations faced with emergency situations arising as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund is starting off with an allocation of €125,000 for this purpose. The amount may increase, depending on support from third parties.
This was announced by the Maltese Finance Minister together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sports and Voluntary Organisations have presented
Who is eligible?
Any registered and compliant Voluntary Organisation (VO) is eligible for this fund, provided that such VO works in the voluntary sector, and has been directly hit by the pandemic, by providing the financial support needed in cases of predicament. Allocation of the funds will be on a first come, first served basis, with a capping of Euro 5,000 per request. Essentially, the fund aims at targeting three main scenarios which may arise:
- VOs whose operation is essential for the COVID-19 pandemic;
- VOs which, due to the current pandemic, are suffering irreparable damage to their organisation, which may lead them to close their doors; or
- VOs which may face difficulties to retain and restart their operations, at post pandemic stage.
The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, that manages the fund, shall be appointing an evaluation and adjudication board in order to ascertain the fair distribution of the funds. After submission of the necessary documentation, the board will score accordingly and 100% of the funds are distributed upon signature of the approval contract.
