New Framework for Social Funding Distribution in the Canary Islands

The Spanish government has formalized a new framework for distributing social funding through the IRPF tax allocation in the Canary Islands. Responding to a 2017 Constitutional Court ruling that criticized the previous centralized model, authorities now implement a hybrid system divided between the state and autonomous region competencies.

Key Changes

• This change grants the Canary Islands’ regional government the authority to award grants to non-profit entities for programs supporting vulnerable groups, with a budget of nearly €8.9 million for 2025.

Management and Implementation

• To streamline the complex process, the Social Welfare Department has designated the Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias (ITC), a fully public entity specialized in research and technological development, to handle the technical and administrative management.
• This move aims to speed up the grant approval process and improve efficiency, especially given existing resource constraints.

Data Protection and Oversight

• The bulletin emphasizes the importance of proper data protection measures and accountability, with strict confidentiality requirements and data handling rules aligned with European and national regulations.
• The ITC will manage personnel and technical resources to ensure successful execution, without subcontracting activities.
• The regional government supervises the process, with clear protocols for payments, reporting, and possible modifications.

Goals and Impact

• Residents and civil society organizations should note that these adjustments aim to make social funding more transparent, accessible, and effective, ultimately enhancing support for vulnerable populations across the islands.

The new framework ensures a more transparent and efficient allocation of social funds, fostering better support for those in need.