Launch of the third call for applications for the Small Grants Scheme through Norwegian Funds

The third call for applications for the Small Grant Scheme from Norwegian Funds for local councils was launched this morning by Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli and by Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett. This scheme is addressed for local councils in urban localities, with its main objective being to aid these local councils in implementing projects that address environmental and socio-economic challenges within urban localities.

The sum of €215,000 has been allocated for this call and each individual project can benefit from a minimum of €25,000 and a maximum of €100,000. This scheme is funded from the EEA Norwegian Grants of €1,000,000 that the Government had allocated in 2017 specifically for urban local councils. This was done as the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development scheme was only available for rural councils, excluding the possibility for urban local councils to apply for funding.

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli remarked that this scheme helps local councils improve urban development through projects that address the physical environment as well as the social and educational challenges of residents. “I urge urban local councils to apply for this scheme, as these funds can improve our localities and the lives of residents,” concluded Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli.

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett stated that this scheme is funded from the European Economic Area and Norway Grants, and they are allocating these funds following Malta receiving €8 million in funding. These funds are being utilised to implement social projects beneficial to the Maltese citizens and to improve our localities.

A training session was also held for local council’s project leaders. This comprised of a Manual of Procedures for the implementation of projects, aimed at providing project leaders with the necessary administrative knowledge to carry out the selected projects satisfactorily.