Deadline: 31-Jul-2025
The Integration Fund aims to support communities across Ireland in promoting the integration of migrants, with a special focus on International Protection Applicants (IPAs). The 2025 fund will assist communities in playing a more active role in supporting both adult and child migrants.
Scheme A focuses specifically on IPAs. Projects under this scheme should help integrate people seeking international protection into Irish society. Scheme B supports the broader migrant population, allowing applicants to target any migrant group as the main beneficiaries.
Scheme A prioritizes several themes. Language development, particularly in English, is key for integration. At least 20% of Scheme A funding will go to English language projects. These could include beginner-level lessons, community-based conversational English classes, or literacy-focused events like writing workshops and integration festivals.
Employment projects under Scheme A may provide job-readiness training like CV writing and interview preparation, as well as workplace-focused English lessons. Educational awareness initiatives will raise understanding around culturally sensitive topics like gender-based violence through workshops or artistic expression.
Civic and legal support projects may offer legal guidance to IP applicants about their rights. Health and wellbeing projects can include physical fitness activities, nutritional education, and psychological support, especially for victims of trafficking and aged-out minors.
Intercultural awareness initiatives aim to connect IPAs with local communities through events such as food fairs or summer camps. Projects for children and youth might include sports activities or expanding local theatre groups to involve IPA children.
Transportation initiatives could tackle access issues faced by IPAs in rural areas, offering daily shuttle services or bicycles. There are also targeted projects for LGBTQI+ IP applicants, such as peer support groups or media campaigns. Applicants with disabilities may benefit from initiatives promoting their inclusion and access to community life.
Scheme B supports projects across a broad range of themes. These include intercultural events, efforts to combat racism, sports, arts, food-related cultural sharing, and community gatherings. Other eligible activities include capacity building, employment support, educational projects for school-aged migrants, and initiatives supporting migrant women.
Funding amounts differ between the schemes. Scheme A projects may receive between €10,000 and €100,000, while Scheme B projects can receive between €1,000 and €10,000. Applicants must hold a valid Tax Clearance Certificate and maintain an active organizational bank account.
For Scheme A, the main target group must be IPAs. Projects should also engage local host communities. The proposal must explain how the two groups will interact and should avoid focusing on one nationality or ethnic group exclusively.
Scheme B allows any migrant group to be the primary target. Applicants must specify which group their project serves. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations such as community groups, charities, faith-based groups, schools, and cultural organizations.
Applicants may apply for only one project per form but can submit up to three applications for distinct projects. The same organization will not be funded for more than one project. Consortia of local groups may apply together, with one group acting as lead to manage delivery and finances.
Funding is not available to local authorities, accommodation providers for IPAs or beneficiaries of temporary protection, or individuals applying alone. Additionally, applicants cannot use grant money to rent venues they own or operate. Instead, they are encouraged to use low-cost community spaces.
For more information, visit Gov.ie.
