Key information about the programme
- The programme is operated by: The Funds and Programmes Division (FDP) within the Ministry for European Affairs and Equality in Malta
- The programme's objective is: Strengthened social and economic cohesion
- The programme funding (excluding co-financing) amounts to €6 million and is funded through the EEA Grants (€3 million) and Norway Grants (€3 million).
Why is the programme needed?
Inequalities in disposable income are evident and increasing in Malta. In fact, over the years Malta has experienced an increase in the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion, reaching an estimated 99,020 persons in 2013 (24.0% of the total population, up from 22.9% in 2012). Albeit lower than the EU-27 rate (24.8% in 2012), the rate in Malta has increased at a faster pace than that registered at EU level.
The programme will address challenges in the social and health sectors and will stimulate the potential of local development, cultural assets and combating poverty in order to contribute to strengthening the sustainability of Malta’s economy.
The target groups that raise particular concerns when it comes to poverty and social exclusion matters in Malta are children, youth, the elderly, women, people with disability, low-paid workers with incomes below the poverty line and the unemployed. Through this Programme, support will go to a number of key areas that target these groups and thus contribute to the further socio-economic development in Malta. The programme will primarily address issues with special emphasis on newborn babies, infants and children with special needs.
What will the programme achieve and who are the beneficiaries?
The programme will improve the access to health services in Malta for 800 children and youth, also creating 14 new jobs.
The programme will improve the well-being of 500 vulnerable children and youth providing services in a safe house. An additional number of employees will train the youth which received the services provided at the safe house.
The quality of life of deprived communities in urban localities will be improved for 1000 individuals reached by a Small Grants Scheme. Moreover, cultural heritage management in Malta will be enhanced by upgrading the Maritime Museum and increasing the number of annual visitors to over 25 000 people and 21 000 unique digital visitors, as well as creating 22 new jobs at the Museum.
How will the programme strengthen bilateral relations?
The programme will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between Malta and the Donor States under each of the four programme outcomes and pre-defined projects. Donor partnerships in projects will be encouraged in the Small Grant Scheme and pre-defined projects under the programme. These partnerships aim to result in mutually beneficial activities and long-lasting cooperation between involved partners.
Availability of funding through open calls
Funding will be made available through open call for proposals, small grant scheme, and a restricted call. Calls will be launched on an annual basis between 2018-2019 in all three components of the programme.
Calls for proposals are planned for:
- Small Grant Scheme “Improving quality of life of deprived communities in urban localities”, end of July 2019.
Download the full programme agreement for more detailed information about the programme.
More information can also be found on the Programme Operator’s website.