There is no legal or policy framework specifically designed for youth organisations. 

Just like other non-governmental voluntary organisations, youth organisations may apply to become enrolled with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations. Once enrolled such youth organisations become subject to the observance of applicable provisions and regulations of the Voluntary Organisations Act and enjoy its privileges. These include grants, sponsorships or other financial aid from the Government, any entity controlled by the Government or the Voluntary Organisations Fund; being the beneficiary of any policies supporting voluntary action; benefit from exemptions, privileges or other entitlements in terms of any law; and be a party to contracts and other engagements, whether against remuneration or not, for the carrying out of services for the achievement of its social purpose at the request of the Government or any entity controlled by the Government. As of 2018, with the amendments to the Voluntary Organisations Act, the permissible registration age with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations was lowered from 18 to 16, making it possible for young people at the age of 16 years to form, manage and run youth organisations that qualify for all the benefits and regulations found in the Voluntary Organisations Act.  

The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector issues the Small Initiatives Support Scheme that supports small initiatives by Voluntary Organisations. Funding is awarded to initiatives particularly related to encouraging projects in areas such as training courses for volunteers or the public, events such as exhibitions, festivals, websites, publications and other initiatives related to the voluntary sector. 

The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector issues the Civil Society Fund (CSF) and provides financial assistance for the purpose of facilitating affiliation with and participation in European groupings, associations, federations, confederation networks, and training related to EU Policy/Programmes. The objectives of the Civil Society Fund (CSF) are to assist CSOs in keeping abreast with the developments occurring at an EU level; to enable CSOs to better educate their members on EU matters related to their respective fields of competence; and to enable CSOs to participate effectively in the decision-making process at a European level. Interested youth organisations may apply so as to first, receive assistance with the affiliation of their organisation to European umbrella organisations, grouping, federations, confederations or networks. Secondly, to facilitate their attendance at conferences, seminars and meetings abroad in relation to affiliations in European umbrella organisations, groupings, federations, confederations or networks and participation in Training Abroad related to EU Policy or Programmes. 

The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector issues the Training Initiatives Scheme (TIS). The main objectives of this scheme are to offer support for individual volunteers who form part of a Voluntary Organisation in one’s training which will be beneficial both to oneself, one’s Voluntary Organisation, to other Voluntary Organisations and to the community at large. The scheme also supports Voluntary Organisations in the organisation of training initiatives that are beneficial both to the same organisation, to other Voluntary Organisations and to the community at large. 

The Achievers Scheme issued by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms, Citizenship and Simplification of Administrative Processes has been developed with the aim of engaging young people to design and implement community-based interventions and initiatives to prevent or delay the onset of substance misuse. 

Arts Council Malta issues the Creative Communities programme that enables voluntary organisations to carry out projects related to culture and the arts in local communities. The funding can include informal training and development programmes; research or events, productions and/or exhibitions. 

The President’s Award for Creativity is a fund support to organisations, especially those working with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, to engage these groups in creativity and arts-driven projects and thereby increase their level of integration and engagement in society. 

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion issues the Official Development Assistance fund for voluntary organisations offering humanitarian and development assistance to developing countries with the aim of supporting economic and social progress based on the notion of ‘eradicating poverty through development’, in the light of the 2030 Agenda. 

The Ministry for Gozo and Planning issues the Gozo NGO Scheme designed to provide support and facilitate the realisation of small projects, activities and initiatives on the Island of Gozo by Voluntary Organisations. The objectives of this scheme are to enhance the social, cultural, economic and ecological fabric of the Gozitan society; promote and encourage a culture of volunteering and the participation in volunteer activities amongst the Gozitan society; stimulate co-operation and networking between Voluntary Organisations; foster co-operation between Voluntary Organisations and the Ministry for Gozo through collaborative initiatives. 

The Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development, and Climate Change issues the Sustainable Development Fund support scheme for Voluntary Organisations is aimed to support non-Government, non-profit voluntary organisations to undertake tangible sustainable development projects and initiatives that have the potential to cover activities and initiatives in line with the Sustainable Development Goals