Minister McEntee launches National Integration Fund 2020 to promote integration of migrants into Irish society

The National Integration Fund 2020, announced today by the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, will see €749,600 per year over a maximum of three years being made available for projects that help migrants integrate into Irish society.

The National Integration Fund 2020 is open for applications from both public and private bodies.

Funding will be given for projects that:

• increase mutual understanding between local communities and immigrants
• combat racism and xenophobia
• undertake research on interculturalism or integration
• help immigrants improve their language skills so they can access employment or integrate into their local communities
• promote the integration into Irish society of vulnerable or socially-excluded immigrants
• introduce immigrants to the political system and encourage them to vote
• provide training to public and private sector organisations on equality and integration
• provide information and support for immigrants to help them access services
• provide information and support for immigrants in regard to immigration and citizenship
• promote integration in schools
• promote integration in the youth sector
• promote integration in the workplace
• promote the involvement of immigrants in sport, volunteering and cultural activities

Minister McEntee said:

"I am delighted to announce the launch of the National Integration Fund 2020. This funding will help to facilitate the effective integration of Migrants into communities all over Ireland, which benefits us all. The strength of this funding lies in its potential to empower new members of Irish society to play an active part in their communities and I encourage all interested organisations to apply."

The National Integration Fund 2020 is a key element of the Migrant Integration Strategy 2017-2020. The Strategy was developed to enable migrants, or persons of migrant origin, to participate on an equal basis with those of Irish heritage.

Its primary objective is to ensure that barriers to full participation in Irish society by migrants or their Irish-born children are identified and addressed.

How to apply
Applicants can access a detailed guidance document and complete an online application form at: ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/NIF2020.

The closing date for applications is 12pm, Thursday 10 September 2020.

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:
Approximately €750,000 will be committed per year over a maximum of three years.

Grants may be provided from a minimum of €10,000 up to €250,000+ depending on the size and nature of the project.

The previous National Integration Fund supported 15 projects which were delivered by public bodies and NGOs over the past three years in a number of locations across the country.