23 February 2017

Mr David Stanton, TD., Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration & Integration, has announced that applications can now be made to the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration, under a new funding scheme: "National Funding to Promote the Integration of Immigrants".

The target audience for potential proposals consists of Irish nationals, including persons of migrant origin, EEA nationals and non-EEA nationals with permission to remain in the State.

The Minister’s intention is that this funding stream would complement the Communities Integration Fund which he launched along with the Migrant Integration Strategy on 7 February.

The Minister stated:“Subject to the availability of funds in my Department’s Vote it is expected that approximately €600,000 will be committed per year in this call over a maximum of three years.”

The minimum annual grant amount that can be applied for is €5,000 per year and grants may range up to €100,000+.

This call will be open to applicants operating at regional and national level whereas the Communities Integration Fund is aimed at activities to be carried out by local community based groups.

Applications for Funding will be granted for the following activities:

Increasing mutual understanding between the host community and immigrants

combating racism and xenophobia; undertaking research on interculturalism and / or integration

facilitating language acquisition aimed at enabling immigrants to access employment and/or to integrate into their local communities

promoting the integration into Irish society of vulnerable or socially excluded immigrants introducing immigrants to the political system and encouraging them to vote

providing training to public and private sector organisations on equality and integration

providing information and support for immigrants in regard to access to services

providing information and support for immigrants in regard to immigration and citizenship

promoting integration in schools; promoting integration in the youth sector; promoting integration in the workplace

promoting the involvement of immigrants in sport, volunteering and cultural activities.

Application forms and other information can now be downloaded from www.integration.ie

Applications must be made on the Funding Application Form which should be emailed to integrationfunds@justice.ie before 12 noon on 22 March 2017.

ENDS