Applications for the Malta Social Impact Awards have just opened, giving individuals, non-profit organisations, social entrepreneurs and innovators the opportunity to win both financial and non-financial support to develop a sustainable initiative that has a positive social impact on Malta.
Applications are open until the 5th of April, and anyone with an innovative idea is encouraged to apply to participate in this exciting initiative. Examples of social areas the initiatives can target include the relief of poverty and suffering, the advancement of health, education or culture, the empowerment of marginalised communities and minorities, or the protection of the environment and animals, to name a few. Applications can be downloaded directly from www.siamalta.org/apply-now and anyone interested is welcome to join an information session which will be held at the Centre for Entrepreneurship & Business Incubation at the University of Malta, on 6 February at 17:30.
Launched by the Gasan Foundation and Inspirasia Foundation in 2016, the Malta Social Impact Awards aims to create opportunities for local changemakers, people that wish to make a positive change to society and Malta. By bringing businesses and philanthropists together, MSIA supports local projects that have a positive social impact and helps social purpose organisations grow into stronger entities.
"It is important to start realising that to create real social change we need to connect businesses and executives to changemakers. The Malta Social Impact Awards brings the two groups together to give and give well while acknowledging the changemakers that are making a difference and creating an impact" – Louisa Attard, CEO of Inspirasia Foundation.
All shortlisted applicants will be mentored to improve their projects’ sustainability, feasibility and potential impact in preparation for the semi-finals and the final event which will be held in November. The winners will be awarded a grant and further non-financial support in the form of mentoring and advisory services to develop their initiatives.
“With many passionate voices giving input, the Malta Social Impact Awards provided a platform where we could learn, grow and be inspired, focus our ideas to give them structure, and aid us in ensuring that the project will succeed” – Step Up for Parkinson’s, one of the Malta Social Impact Awards 2018 winners.
Over its past three editions, MSIA together with the support of local businesses and individuals has awarded over €250,000 in grants to 10 local projects, plus much more in non-financial support. These projects have gone on to impact the lives of thousands of individuals in Malta, including children, the elderly, migrants, disadvantaged groups and people suffering from mental or physical health issues.
The Awards are supported by the organisers – The Gasan Foundation and Inspirasia Foundation, as well as a number of other local businesses and individuals, including the Academy of Givers, an inspiring and exciting initiative launched at the Malta Social Impact Awards in 2018, which brings together the giving community.
For more information on the Malta Social Impact Awards, send an email, visit the MSIA website, or follow the MSIA Facebook page for regular updates.