Minister Arias-Vasquez Invites Third Round Of COVID Fund Applications
The Government has opened a third round of applications for funding from the COVID-19 Fund, which supports projects benefiting Gibraltar’s health and care services. Around £845,000 was allocated across the first two rounds, supporting initiatives including hospital accessibility improvements, clinical equipment, community health projects and workforce training.
A statement from the Government follows below:
The Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, has today announced the opening of the third round of applications for funding from the COVID-19 Fund.
The Fund was established from donations made by members of the public and commercial entities during the COVID-19 pandemic to support Gibraltar’s health and care services. Following the first round of allocations in January 2025, approximately £585,000 was committed to projects including hospital accessibility improvements, new clinical equipment, community health initiatives and specialist workforce training.
A second round of applications was subsequently launched in September 2025, with 37 applications received. Following detailed consideration by the independent COVID-19 Fund Referral Panel, approximately £260,000 was allocated to a number of additional initiatives.
For round three, the Fund will again be open to proposals from individuals, organisations, charities, and community groups. The COVID-19 Fund Referral Panel, comprised of three healthcare professionals and two lay members, will review all submissions against the established criteria.
Funding will only be recommended for projects where the money:
• Supports initiatives that improve and promote the health of the community – including both physical and mental health
• Is invested in equipment that improves the patient/public experience in the service being received
• Promotes sustainable solutions which have a lasting positive impact on health and care services
• Develops the workforce of the future through investment in learning and training
Funding will not be awarded to:
• A single charity or individual
• Create new roles or jobs that would increase recurrent expenditure and organisational cost pressures
• Fund projects that are already ongoing and have identified funding through alternative routes
The COVID-19 Fund is intended to support projects where the funding provided can deliver a lasting benefit without creating a requirement for ongoing financial support from the Fund or from Government.
Applicants are therefore encouraged to consider carefully how any proposed project will be sustained once the initial funding has been used.
The Panel will consider proposals carefully against these criteria, with funding intended to support initiatives that provide a tangible and lasting benefit to Gibraltar’s health and care services and the wider community.
Submissions can be made by emailing the Ministry for Health, Care and Business at: covidfund@gibraltar.gov.gi
The deadline for submissions is 4.30pm on Friday 20th November 2026.
Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: “The COVID-19 Fund belongs to the people of Gibraltar, and I am pleased that we are now able to open a third round of applications. The first two rounds have enabled this generosity to be directed towards a wide range of projects supporting our health and care services, our workforce and the wellbeing of our community.
“This third round provides another opportunity to invest the remaining funds in projects that can deliver meaningful and lasting benefits. I encourage individuals, organisations, charities and community groups with proposals that meet the established criteria to come forward and submit their ideas for consideration.”
