President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca yesterday announced the establishment of a €900,000 fund which can be tapped by voluntary organisations to finance social and infrastructural projects.

Addressing representatives from various NGOs, Ms Coleiro Preca said the Voluntary Organisations Fund would help their mission.

The first part of the fund, worth €700,000, will focus on social projects. The call for applications opened yesterday. The second part, worth €200,000, will be allocated to infrastructural projects, and organisations can apply for the funds in July.

Transparency is imperative because this money came from the people and we want to make sure that each cent is given its full worth

Ms Coleiro Preca said an evaluation board set up last year had established a clear set of criteria for social projects that would be eligible.

The evaluation board, headed by university professor Carm Borg, was organised to ensure full transparency and accountability for the use of the funds donated by the public during the annual fundraiserl-Istrina. An appeals board was also set up.

“Transparency is imperative because this money came from the people and we want to make sure that each cent is given its full worth,” the President said.

Prof. Borg explained that, for this year, funds would be available to organisations and associations that were not registered with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations.

The criteria also include that only local organisations can apply for funding.

Individuals who perform voluntary work in the community are not eligible.

In an attempt to promote teamwork, organisations which work together to receive funds for one joint project are eligible to receive a maximum of €45,000, while organisations that apply alone are eligible for a maximum of €20,000.

Also, the organisations have to explain clealy how the funds are to be utilised and must present a thorough financial plan.