Intergenerational Voluntary Organisations Scheme
Intergenerational engagement is increasingly recognised as a key driver of social cohesion, active ageing, and youth empowerment. In Malta, demographic trends show an ageing population alongside evolving social dynamics among younger generations. However, opportunities for meaningful interaction between age groups remain limited. This initiative seeks to bridge that gap by supporting projects that connect younger and older generations through shared activities, knowledge exchange, and community participation.
Intergenerational Voluntary Organisations Scheme (IVOS)
General Information About the Scheme
Intergenerational engagement is increasingly recognised as a key driver of social cohesion, active ageing, and youth empowerment. In Malta, demographic trends show an ageing population alongside evolving social dynamics among younger generations. However, opportunities for meaningful interaction between age groups remain limited.
This initiative seeks to bridge that gap by supporting projects that connect younger and older generations through shared activities, knowledge exchange, and community participation.
The Intergenerational Voluntary Organisations Scheme (IVOS) shall be managed and administered by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). The IVOS shall have an allocated budget of €1,000,000.00. The amount of €900,000 shall be directly allocated to support the project-based initiatives.
The Grant request for each initiative by a beneficiary voluntary organisation shall be set at a maximum of €30,000 and a minimum of €10,000. The budget supported by the Scheme shall amount to 20% of the initiative budget. Enrolled Voluntary Organisations only are eligible to apply under this Scheme.
This Scheme aims to address challenges by both the Malta Vision 2050 and the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026 (IVY 2026).
The Malta Vision 2050 sets out a long-term framework for a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable society, addressing demographic change, economic transformation, and social wellbeing. A key challenge identified within this vision is Malta’s ageing population, coupled with the need to empower younger generations to actively contribute to society. Intergenerational initiatives directly respond to this challenge by fostering solidarity, knowledge exchange, and shared responsibility across age groups.
The International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026 (IVY 2026) is a global initiative that highlights the role of volunteering in achieving sustainable development, with a strong focus on Inclusion, Community resilience, Civic participation, and Sustainable impact.
Aligning the Scheme with IVY 2026 shall provide international visibility and relevance, and opportunities for EU and global partnerships.
The Aim of the Scheme is to strengthen social cohesion and mutual understanding between generations by supporting voluntary organisations in implementing impactful intergenerational projects.
The main objectives of the Scheme are to:
* Promote active ageing and reduce social isolation among older persons
* Encourage youth participation and civic engagement
* Facilitate knowledge and skills transfer between generations
* Strengthen community bonds and inclusion
* Preserve and promote cultural heritage and collective memory
Guidelines
