PRESS RELEASE: Minister of State O’Brien invites applications to the National Integration Fund 2023

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Minister of State O’Brien invites applications to the National Integration Fund 2023

  • Approx. €750,000 will be made available per year to national and regional projects supporting the integration of migrants.
  • Grants of up to €200,000 will be allocated to successful organisations to support integration initiatives.

 02 October 2023

 The Minister of State for Integration, Joe O’Brien T.D., today approved €750,000 per year in funding under the National Integration Fund 2023.

Now in its seventh year, the National Integration Fund celebrates the rich cultural diversity in Ireland and enables non-profit organisations across Ireland to play a greater role in supporting the integration of migrants. Successful organisations stand to receive grant funding of up to €200,000, paid over a maximum of three years, to support national and regional integration initiatives.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State O’Brien said:

“This will be one of the most important National Integration Funds ever considering the challenges that the last 18 months have posed for new arrivals and communities across the country. But it’s clear that communities are rising in a positive way to this challenge and this fund will support such efforts. In particular, it will support national efforts by organisations to help people build new lives in Ireland whilst also supporting communities to make the integration process as successful as possible. Successful integration benefits everybody by building vibrant & diverse communities and I’m delighted the NIF announced today will help to further support that work.”

How to apply:

Applicants can access a detailed guidance document and complete an online application form here.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 pm on Wednesday 1st November 2023.

ENDS

Note for Editors: 

The NIF was established by the Department of Justice in 2017 in response to Action 6 of The Migrant Integration Strategy – A Blueprint for the Future, which calls for funding to be made available to promote positive action initiatives to address areas where migrants find it difficult to avail of opportunities on an equal basis with other members of Irish society.

The NIF is now in its seventh year and since its inception, the NIF has supported 33 projects with grant funding totalling €4.19 million.

 Purpose of projects/activities

This funding call centres around 12 key themes to support migrant integration:

  • Increasing mutual understanding between the host community and migrants;
  • Combating racism and xenophobia;
  • Undertaking research on interculturalism and / or integration;
  • Facilitating language acquisition aimed at enabling migrants to access employment and / or to integrate into their local communities;
  • Promoting the integration into Irish society of vulnerable or socially-excluded immigrants;
  • Introducing migrants 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 migrants in regard to access to services;
  • Providing information and support for migrants 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 migrants in sport, volunteering and cultural activities.

As this Fund is intended to support the integration of migrant and host communities, all applications must demonstrate the ability to involve both migrant and host communities in the activities proposed.

The funding can be used for both once-off initiatives and projects rolled out over a maximum of three years. The maximum grant amount that can be applied for is €200,000 and the minimum grant is €25,000.