Funding &
Schemes

With an investment of €50,000, the 2022 call for the Sustainable Development Fund Support Scheme for Voluntary Organisations was launched on 26 September and closed on 28 October 2022. The call received 18 applications, from which five projects were selected for funding based on the quality and impact of their proposals.

These projects, supported with funding covering 80% of their costs, ranged from infrastructure improvements and sustainable lighting upgrades to the production of a television programme, a campaign on traffic trauma services, and initiatives promoting re-use, repurposing, and thrifting within a safe community space.

Each project was designed to bring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) closer to the community, fostering environmental awareness, social responsibility, and sustainable practices at the local level.

Through these initiatives, the Fund has enabled voluntary organisations to implement practical solutions, strengthen community engagement, and create lasting positive impact by encouraging safer, more sustainable, and inclusive communities.

The project aimed to upgrade the club’s outdated lighting system by replacing it with modern, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly lighting solutions. The previous system consumed excessive energy, was unreliable, and often malfunctioned, resulting in poorly lit areas within and around the premises. Through this initiative, the organisation improved its infrastructure by installing lighting that consumes less electricity, provides better illumination, and reduces long-term energy costs. Solar-powered lights were installed outside the premises to brighten areas that were previously inadequately lit, enhancing accessibility and safety, particularly for vulnerable individuals and community members passing by at night. The project strengthened the organisation’s sustainability, reduced operational expenses, and enabled more effective use of its facilities by participants and local organisations.

 The project transformed the club into a greener and more sustainable community hub by integrating environmental, social, and educational initiatives into its operations. It improved infrastructure through the installation of energy-saving lighting, the provision of first aid equipment including a defibrillator, and the upgrading of indoor spaces to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for members, particularly the elderly and youths. The initiative also established an indigenous biodiverse green enclave within the club’s yard to promote environmental awareness and serve as a setting for educational activities. Other actions included waste separation facilities, the use of recycled paper, and a series of talks and activities on sustainability, health, energy saving, and social issues. The project strengthened the organisation’s capacity to act in the field of sustainable development, fostered community wellbeing, and encouraged collaboration and volunteer engagement in sustainability efforts.

 Through this project, the St Jeanne Antide Foundation refurbished its Tarxien-based Charity Shop to address occupational health and safety requirements and create a safer environment for volunteers and visitors. Donated items were temporarily relocated with the support of corporate volunteers as part of CSR initiatives, promoting the principles of re-use, re-purposing, and thrifting. The refurbishment enabled improved organisation and presentation of the shop, enhancing its appeal and sustainability. The project also strengthened community engagement, encouraged volunteering and donations, supported vulnerable individuals through affordable goods, and promoted awareness on cost-saving and environmentally friendly practices such as green cleaning, energy and water conservation, and home food growing.

‘PITIRROSS’ was a children’s television programme designed to educate 8 to12-year-olds about all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a mix of educational content and entertainment. A total of 34 five-minute episodes were produced, with two programmes dedicated to each SDG, using interviews, special features, animation, and graphics to present the topics in an engaging way. The series was broadcast free of charge on ONE as part of its autumn 2023 schedule and was later made available on YouTube, supported by 104 promotional spots to maximise outreach and awareness.

 The TATS project combined a national road safety awareness campaign with the provision of specialised trauma support services. It implemented a social media campaign to highlight the rising number of traffic accidents and fatalities in Malta and to promote safer driving practices as a preventive measure. At the same time, the project offered postvention support through individual and family therapy, psychiatric sessions, and the assistance of a Trauma Liaison Officer to help stabilise and guide those affected by traffic accidents. The initiative addressed both prevention and recovery, filling a gap in specialised emotional support services for traffic accident survivors in Malta.