Fund Operator

ACF in Malta is established under the specific Programme Area for Civil Society as part of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2014–2021, a financial contribution from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway to 15 EU countries. ACF Malta has been allocated €700,000 for the period 2019–2024.

The programme fosters an enabling environment for civil society, strengthens capacity, supports human rights and inclusion, and increases citizen participation.

The overall objective is: ‘Civil society and active citizenship strengthened, and vulnerable groups empowered’ . The four areas of support include:

• Democracy, active citizenship, good governance and transparency
• Human rights and equal treatment by combating discrimination
• Social justice and inclusion of vulnerable groups
• Environment and climate change

ACF Malta also contributes to reducing economic and social disparities and strengthens bilateral relations with donor states.

The programme includes five outcomes:

• Outcome 1 – Increased support for human rights and social inclusion
• Outcome 2 – Increased citizen participation in civic activities
• Outcome 3 – Enhanced capacity and sustainability of civil society
• Outcome 4 – Enhanced collaboration with donor state entities
• Outcome 5 – Strengthened regional cooperation in civil society sector

The programme includes one open call for NGOs and one pre-defined project. All projects are expected to contribute to Outputs 1 and 2.

Outcome 3 includes an Online Capacity Building Course and a predefined project named “Active Citizens Lab” to develop civic skills, awareness, and citizen journalism.

This project includes offline and online tools, training, and a web-based Citizen Alert system to empower advocacy and civic engagement. An advisory board supports the initiative.

Outcome 4 encourages collaboration between Maltese CSOs and those in donor states. Regional cooperation is promoted through project-based and standalone events.

Funded under the EEA Grants, this programme supported civil society development in Malta with a focus on justice, democracy, and sustainability.

• Promote democratic values and human rights
• Build NGO coalitions and partnerships
• Strengthen civil society contribution to sustainability
• Increase NGO sector capacity and an enabling environment

Axis 1

Develop and consolidate NGO networks and platforms for advocacy and representation. Duration: 12–36 months. Funding: €20,000–€50,000

Axis 2

Thematic calls in areas such as human rights, anti-discrimination, gender equality, poverty, youth, disability, domestic violence, environment, and climate change. Funding: €10,000–€25,000

Only NGOs established in Malta and registered with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations are eligible. Religious and political organisations are excluded.

• EEA Norway Grants
• NGO Partnership Portal
• Norwegian Helsinki Committee
• Council of Europe