Deadline: 10-Apr-2026
The Gulbenkian Integration Initiative funds civil society projects in Portugal that support the integration of immigrants and strengthen social cohesion with host communities. Eligible projects must have a total budget of €70,000–€100,000, run for 12–18 months, and the foundation covers 90% of eligible costs, while applicants contribute 10% in cash or in kind.
Overview
The Gulbenkian Integration Initiative supports projects that help immigrants integrate into Portuguese society while also promoting coexistence, participation, and collaboration with Portuguese host communities.
The initiative is designed to support inclusive, innovative, and participatory civil society projects that improve access to key services and opportunities for immigrants in Portugal.
This funding is especially relevant for projects focused on:
- Immigrant integration in Portugal
- Social cohesion and inclusion
- Community participation
- Migrant support services
- Access to education, healthcare, housing, employment, and language learning
Quick Facts
- Program Name: Gulbenkian Integration Initiative
- Country: Portugal
- Who Can Apply: Civil society organizations as lead applicants
- Project Budget: €70,000 to €100,000
- Funding Coverage: 90% of eligible costs
- Applicant Contribution: 10% (cash or in kind)
- Project Duration: 12 to 18 months
- Implementation Area: Mainland Portugal, Azores, and Madeira
- Project Start Period: Second half of 2026
- Selection Process: 2 phases
Purpose of the Initiative
The initiative aims to strengthen social cohesion by helping immigrants become active participants in social, economic, and civic life in Portugal.
It supports projects that reduce exclusion and create more cohesive, inclusive communities.
Key goals include:
- Improving language learning access
- Supporting employment integration
- Expanding access to housing
- Improving access to healthcare
- Supporting access to education
- Encouraging civic and community participation
- Promoting coexistence and collaboration between immigrants and Portuguese citizens
Why This Initiative Matters
The initiative recognizes that immigrant integration is essential for building inclusive societies.
When integration is weak, communities may face:
- Social exclusion
- Reduced social cohesion
- Barriers to participation
- Long-term inequality
- Community tension
By funding practical and participatory solutions, the program helps organizations create stronger local responses to integration challenges in Portugal.
What Types of Projects Are a Good Fit?
Strong proposals are likely to include projects that:
- Support immigrant inclusion in everyday community life
- Improve access to essential services
- Encourage host community engagement
- Build bridges between immigrants and Portuguese citizens
- Use innovative and participatory methods
- Address real integration barriers in a local context
Good Fit Areas
- Portuguese language learning and integration support
- Employment readiness or labor market inclusion
- Housing access support
- Health access and navigation
- Education support for immigrant families or youth
- Community dialogue and coexistence activities
- Civic participation and local inclusion initiatives
Who Is Eligible?
Only civil society organizations can apply as the lead applicant.
This means the main applicant must be a civil society entity submitting and managing the project.
Partner Organizations
Partners may include:
- Public institutions
- Private institutions
- For-profit organizations
- Non-profit organizations
All partners must operate in Portugal.
Geographic Eligibility
Projects must be implemented in:
- Mainland Portugal
- Azores
- Madeira
This means projects can cover both continental and autonomous regional territories, as long as activities take place within Portugal.
Funding Amount and Budget Rules
Eligible projects must have a total budget between €70,000 and €100,000.
Cost-Sharing Structure
- Foundation contribution: 90% of eligible costs
- Applicant contribution: 10% of eligible costs
The applicant’s 10% contribution can be provided as:
- Cash
- In-kind contributions
This is an important rule, so applicants should plan co-financing carefully from the start.
Project Duration and Timeline
Projects must run for:
- 12 to 18 months
Activities are expected to begin in:
- Second half of 2026
Applicants should make sure their timeline, staffing, and partnerships are realistic for this implementation window.
How the Selection Process Works
The application process has two phases.
Phase 1: Preliminary Submission
In the first phase, organizations submit a short summary of:
- The project idea
- The main problem being addressed
- The expected outcomes
This stage is used to screen initial concepts.
Phase 2: Detailed Proposal (Shortlisted Applicants Only)
Organizations selected in the first phase are invited to submit a full project plan.
This second-stage application must include:
- Objectives
- Methodology
- Activities
- Indicators
- Timeline
- Detailed budget
This means applicants should prepare both a strong concept note and a clear implementation strategy.
How to Apply
Step 1: Review the Official Regulations
Before applying, applicants must read the official regulations carefully.
This is essential because detailed rules, eligible costs, deadlines, and documentation requirements will be defined there.
Step 2: Confirm Lead Applicant Eligibility
Make sure your organization:
- Is a civil society organization
- Can act as the lead entity
- Will implement the project in Portugal
Step 3: Build the Right Partnership
If relevant, include partners that strengthen delivery, such as:
- Municipal actors
- Schools
- Health providers
- Employers
- Local NGOs
- Community groups
All partners must operate in Portugal.
Step 4: Design a Strong Integration Project
Your project should clearly address:
- A real immigrant integration challenge
- A participatory solution
- Collaboration with host communities
- Measurable social cohesion outcomes
Step 5: Prepare a Compliant Budget
Ensure:
- Total budget is €70,000–€100,000
- The foundation covers only 90%
- Your organization secures the 10% co-financing
Step 6: Plan for the Two-Stage Process
Prepare:
- A strong first-stage summary
- A more detailed second-stage plan in case you are shortlisted
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying as a lead applicant without being a civil society organization
- Ignoring the 10% co-financing requirement
- Proposing a budget outside €70,000–€100,000
- Focusing only on immigrants without showing host community collaboration
- Using vague outcomes without measurable indicators
- Failing to prepare for the two-phase application process
- Not checking the official regulations before submission
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the Gulbenkian Integration Initiative?
Only civil society organizations can apply as the lead applicant.
2. Can public or private institutions be involved?
Yes. They can participate as partner organizations, including for-profit or non-profit entities, as long as they operate in Portugal.
3. How much funding is available?
Projects must have a total budget of €70,000 to €100,000, with the foundation covering 90% of eligible costs.
4. How much must applicants contribute?
Applicants must provide 10% of eligible costs, either in cash or in kind.
5. Where must projects be implemented?
Projects must be carried out in mainland Portugal, Azores, or Madeira.
6. How long can projects last?
Projects should run for 12 to 18 months.
7. How does the selection process work?
The process has two phases: first a preliminary project summary, then a detailed proposal for shortlisted applicants.
Final Takeaway
The Gulbenkian Integration Initiative is a strong opportunity for civil society organizations in Portugal working on immigrant integration and social cohesion.
With projects ranging from €70,000 to €100,000, 90% funding coverage, and a clear focus on participatory, community-based solutions, this initiative is a good fit for organizations that can design practical projects improving access, inclusion, and collaboration between immigrants and host communities.
For more information, visit Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.