Why Malta’s Charities Need Brave Volunteer Treasurers — And Why the Risks Are Lower Than You Think
- Stuart Gray
- Nov 18
- 2 min read
Malta has one of the highest numbers of active voluntary organisations per capita in Europe, yet one role remains consistently difficult to fill: the Volunteer Treasurer. The fear of legal responsibility or being “held financially accountable” often discourages people from stepping forward. But does this fear match the facts?
After exploring public VO records, Maltese news archives, and VO Commissioner documentation, the answer is clear:
There are virtually zero published cases of volunteer treasurers in Malta being prosecuted or ordered to pay money—unless they were knowingly involved in fraud.
With over 1,800 registered charities, the overwhelming majority operate without any issues. The VO Commissioner uses education, guidance, and warnings—not punishments—to support volunteers. Malta’s entire charitable sector is built on regular people offering their time and honesty, not on fear.
So why are people still afraid?
In many cases, it’s because accountants and lawyers tend to focus on risk, not community benefit. Their job is to prevent problems, so they often give advice that protects themselves and avoids liability. Some may believe that discouraging volunteer treasurers keeps charities reliant on paid consultants. Others are simply overly cautious.
But in practice, this caution leads to fewer charities, fewer youth programmes, and weaker support systems for vulnerable members of society.
The truth is simple:
Honest people who follow the basic reporting rules are extremely safe.
The real risk is not taking part—because communities lose out when good people avoid responsibility.
A Treasurer empowers an entire charity to operate, grow, and serve.
At Honey Badger Youth Club Charity and No Guilt Café, our mission is to open a vibrant, healthy community hub in San Pawl il-Baħar that provides free meals, youth activities, sports programmes, and a positive space for families. But to fully register, we need a Treasurer who believes in the greater good.
If you want to help shape a stronger community—and join a movement that truly matters—the role of Treasurer could be your chance to make a historic difference.
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