ORDER OF MALTA MOMENT

Based on a recommendation from the Long Range Planning Committee, the Association’s Board of Directors has established a new strategy for the most prudent and effective use of Annual Appeal dollars beginning in 2014.

The two biggest differences will be, 1.] The Annual Appeal, no matter the total amount raised, will be divided by the same percentages each year, and, 2.] The Association will make fewer, but significantly larger grants each year.

The largest percentage (40%) will be used to support the “Works of the Order” such as Malteser International – Americas, The Holy Family Hospital, the Lourdes Pilgrimage and the Association’s national Prison Ministry program. Ten percent will be reserved for one or two international programs, and 20% will be reserved for 2-3 domestic programs located in a Hospitaller Region. The balance of the Annual Appeal will be split between Disaster Relief and Board – designated allocations.

The international and domestic grants will be larger ($50,000) and will be renewable for a second year. The project sponsor and Regional Hospitaller will play a greater role in securing information, documentation, visits, PR material and follow-up given the size of the grant Grants Committee members may elect to visit projects prior to and after funding. Priority will be given to applications for major hands on projects with significant Member involvement or a region’s signature project. The project sponsor should contact the office to get the application and work with the organization in securing all materials.

Projects should provide a significant benefit to the sick and/or the poor with the capacity to be self- sustaining when grant funding has ceased. The Order of Malta should be given sufficient acknowledgement and branding as a major sponsor of the program. In an effort to spread these larger grants around the country, a Region that receives the large, two year grant will be asked to wait four-six years before applying for another grant. New programs in different regions will be given preference after the first cycle.

It has been five months since Typhoon Haiyan swept through the Phillipines and destroying everything in its path. There are still many living in tents but because of your help and support plus the help of Malteser International progress has been made. Click here to read more about how Malteser International has been helping. There is still much to be done and they need your help. Click here to donate.