I'm delighted to see that €500,000 will be made available to local community-based projects nationwide to support the integration of migrants.
Grants of up to €5,000 will be allocated to successful organisations to support integration initiatives.
The Communities Integration Fund celebrates the rich cultural diversity within local communities and enables local community-based organisations across Ireland to play a greater role in supporting the integration of migrants. Successful organisations stand to receive grant funding of €1,000 – €5,000 to support local integration initiatives.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Hackett said:
“I am delighted that my Green Party colleague Minister Joe O'Brien has announced the launch of the Communities Integration Fund 2024"
"Communities in Laois and Offaly have been enriched by increased cultural diversity and we must ensure that migrants continue to be supported to actively participate in society while maintaining their own cultural identity"
"This funding will assist with the great work already being done by communities in Laois and Offaly to welcome new cultures.”
The Communities Integration Fund arises from Action 51 of the Migrant Integration Strategy, which calls for funding to be made available to local communities throughout Ireland to promote the integration of migrants and refugees. Since its inception in 2017, the Communities Integration Fund has supported over 820 projects with grant funding totalling €3.82m.
Purpose of projects/activities
This call is open to local community-based groups and will focus on 10 key themes to support migrant integration:
• Intercultural Awareness;
• Combating Racism and Xenophobia;
• Sport & Community Games;
• Arts;
• Food/Cuisine;
• Community Events;
• Capacity Building;
• Employment;
• School Aged Projects;
• Migrant Women.
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 maximum grant amount that can be applied for is €5,000 and the minimum grant is €1,000.
How to apply
The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 pm on 8 May 2024.