Grants Support Transparency and Civic Engagement Across Alicante Province
The Alicante Provincial Council has awarded more than €420,000 in grants to fund 84 projects focused on transparency, good governance, and citizen participation. The funding supports initiatives led by 60 local organizations and covers six proposals submitted by associations and small local groups, as well as efforts by 57 municipalities to align with the latest regulations.
Vice President and head of transparency initiatives Julia Parra noted that more than 83% of subsidies will reach municipalities with populations under 5,000. A number of these towns will receive up to three grants each, enabling a meaningful modernization of services and benefits as well as progress in a digitization program. She emphasized that small towns remain a priority for the second consecutive year, given their need for support from the City Council to advance transparency and citizen participation.
The transparency call received 130 requests. Of these, 33 are categorized under line 1 to promote citizen participation, while 51 are listed under line 2 for activities related to transparency and good governance. Three associations and thirty municipalities will benefit from €222,000 in the initial allocation. The L’Alcoià Union of Municipalities and Comtat funded a sustainable mobility project in the region with a €5,000 budget, which will be fully financed by the Transparency area of the Diputación. The Marina Alta Regional Cultural Circuit also receives €5,000 to design a participatory strategic plan. The La Vega Social Services Association is set to open a portal for citizen associations and groups.
The collaboration fund has implications for unity within Plan + Cerca at the Diputación and is shaping how funds flow to localities across the province. In the first group of towns, the Las Marinas hotline covers El Verger, Dénia, Ondara, Teulada, Benidorm, Vila Joiosa and Tàrbena. Alcoy will also receive funds from Agres, Alqueria d’Asnar, Bolulla, Planes and Tibi, L’Alcoià and El Comtat, and Vega Baja municipalities including Orihuela, Rafal, Albatera, Los Montesinos, Almoradí, Cox, Bigastro, Guardamar del Segura, Daya Nueva and Jacarilla. In the Vinalopó region, subsidies reach Elche, Santa Pola, Crevillent, Monóvar, Petrer, Sax and Sant Joan d’Alacant in L’Alacantí. These allocations target sustained citizen participation across varied communities.
A second subsidy line will distribute €200,700 among 48 municipalities and three projects developed by the La Vega and Xarpolar Social Services associations, plus the Jesús Pobre organization. Each of these groups will receive around €5,000, with €1,800 of funds coming from the Diputación to fully finance the development of their own transparency portals.
In the Marina districts, the provincial funds will benefit towns including Dénia, Sanet y Negrals, Parcent, Orba, Murla, Benidoleig, Beniarbeig, Benigembla, Pedreguer, Llíber, Benissa, Vall de Laguar, Sagra, Benidorm, Vila Joiosa, Castell de Guadalest, Tàrbena, Confrides and Sella. Support also targets Benilloba in Busot, the L’Alacantí area, Alcoy, Tibi, Planes, Beniarrés, Famorca, Quatretondeta and communities in the Alcoy and Comtat region.
Within the Vinalopó region, the second line of funding from the Transparency area will support Santa Pola, Crevillent, Sax, Aspe, Algueña and Hondón de los Frailes, with additional assistance in Vega Baja. Subsidies range from €1,600 to €10,000 for municipalities such as Cox, Daya Nueva, Redován, Los Montesinos, Catral, Almoradí and Rafal.
These investments illustrate the province’s ongoing effort to strengthen governance, enhance community participation, and accelerate digital transformation. Local authorities and civil society groups collaborate to translate regulatory reforms into practical improvements that residents can experience in everyday life. The funding decisions reflect a strategic focus on smaller municipalities and regional networks that connect citizens with transparent, accountable public service delivery. [Source: Diputación de Alicante, 2024]”