Doris Cusens Fund – Growing Independence

The Doris Cusens Fund builds on the work which Mrs. Doris Cusens, as a Volunteer started back in the 1970s, helping the most vulnerable in our communities. Doris supported the most vulnerable communities through different kinds of donations, employment, psychological support, and any assistance required by the people and families who contacted her.

Through the Doris Cusens Fund, YMCA Malta continues the philanthropic work which Doris, so passionately, started years ago. The fund which has been operating since 2021, has already supported 84 individuals. It aims to support individuals and families living in the Maltese Islands, referred by NGOs and Government Agencies, for financial assistance for daily and urgent needs such as school supplies, education, transportation, clothing, baby items, medicinals, fees for personal documents, and so forth.

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About the project

Doris is known as the 'Woman of Many Firsts', and her life motto is "Nothing is impossible, just dream it, plan it, believe in it, and go for it." In fact, she was part of the first female football team in Malta - when it was considered taboo for females to participate in such a sport. Doris was also the first woman to introduce keep-fit classes in Malta. The aim of these classes was not to promote weight loss, but the ultimate goal was to empower women and to show society that women are capable of being more than simply a housewife if they wish to. She instilled the idea that women can be independent and be active citizens and take care of themselves as much as they take care of their households and their families. Throughout her career, Doris has supported numerous NGOs through fundraising activities such as the YMCA, Dar Merhba Bik, and YWCA.  Doris' invaluable work was recognized numerous times. In 2004, she was awarded the Baileys Woman of the Year for her philanthropic work. In 2008 she was awarded the "Medalja ghall- Qadi tar-Repubblika" for her work in the sector of sports and fitness. Her career as a tourist guide culminated in 2012 when she was awarded the Star Award for being the top tourist guide. The Doris Cusens Fund is a financial assistance fund for YMCA Malta service users and other families and individuals referred to YMCA Malta by other recognized services, NGOs, and organizations.  The purpose of this fund is to support families and individuals and to serve as a stepping stone towards life improvement and successful life decisions. This fund will support applicants (but not limited to) in the purchasing of educational material, payment of rent, purchase of items necessary for employment (such as interview clothes, printing of CVs, and so forth), and transportation amongst others.  The Doris Cusens Fund is only short-term and/or one-time grant emergency assistance.

Project Deliverables

Limited Funds and YOUR SUPPORT YMCA has been operating this fund since 2021 and already supported 84 individuals with a total of €33,310 donated by the donors.  20 individuals have been supported on medications, 4 individuals were supported with required maintenance in their households, 6 individuals were supported with the Tal-Linja application, 3 families were supported with transportation of donated furniture to their new homes, 3 individuals were supported with their work permits fees, 5 mothers were supported with their baby needs, 4 individuals were supported with their food requirements, 3 individuals were supported with new clothes required for their job interviews, 6 individuals were supported with their mobile top-up cards, 1 individual was supported with housing necessities and 29 individuals were supported with educational books, materials, courses feed and other items required for education. Your support is required to top up Doris Cusens Fund with an additional €10,000 so YMCA can continue to support these individuals and families as a stepping stone towards life improvement and successful life decisions. Review of Request  The applications are to be sent to the YMCA Malta at info@ymcamalta.org - once the application is received, it will be reviewed and the social worker referring the service user will be contacted within five (5) working days. This process might take longer in case YMCA Malta requires additional information in order to be able to make an informed decision.  Amount of the Assistance  Depending on the emergency funds available, YMCA Malta will be taking into consideration the funds available, the amount requested, and whether the service user was already granted support through the Doris Cusens Fund during the same calendar year.  The maximum amount of money an individual and/or family can request will be decided on a case-by-case basis.  The application is accepted - now what?  Once the application for the Doris Cusens Fund is accepted, the social worker referring the service user will be informed accordingly and YMCA Malta will then issue a cheque payment to the social worker. In cases whereby the items cannot be purchased before YMCA will pay directly the supplier. 

Project Beneficiaries

Individuals currently experiencing financial difficulties, can be assisted by their social worker to fill in the Doris Cusens Fund application, which can be downloaded from here and sent to YMCA which is then assisted through the Doris Cusens Fund so that everyone can reach their full potential. Eligibility Criteria  For a service user to be eligible to benefit from this Emergency Fund, they need to fulfill the following criteria: 
  • The service user needs to be living in the Maltese Islands; 
  • Referral;
  • Be a YMCA Malta service-user, and/or; 
  • Be referred by a social worker working for a registered voluntary organization in the Maltese Islands, and/or; 
  • Be referred by a social worker working for a Government Agency.
  • The receipt needs to be attached to the initial application. 
  • The application form is to be filled in by a social worker working with a registered NGO and/or a governmental agency; 
  • The request for the fund should be for items for personal use, such as:
  • Education: books, stationery, educational equipment such as laptops, tablets, and uniforms; 
  • Employment: clothing for an employment interview 
  • Transport: tal-Linja Card Application
  • Housing: rent assistance, water, and electricity bill assistance, purchasing of essential appliances. 
  • One successful application per service-user, per calendar year;

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