Ireland: International Protection Integration Fund 2023

Deadline: 24-May-2023

The Minister of State O’Brien is accepting applications for the International Protection Integration Fund to support communities across Ireland to play a greater role in promoting the integration of International Protection applicants (IPAs).

Themes & Special Priorities for 2023

• Projects under the following themes will be considered. Use the descriptions to help you select the most appropriate theme for your project at of the application form.
  • Employment – Initiatives aimed at bolstering the employability of International Protection applicants through the provision of employment activation workshops. For example:
    • The delivery of CV and interview preparation classes, culminating in mock interviews;
    • The provision of intensive ‘Business English’ lessons for the workplace.
  • Language – Initiatives aimed at supporting IP applicants’ acquisition of the English language. For example:
    • The provision of weekly English language lessons at beginner level (A1/A2) to adults in the International Protection system;
    • The delivery of informal or conversational English language classes to IP applicants in community settings.
  • Civic and Legal Supports – Initiatives aimed at augmenting IP applicants’ understanding of the asylum process and its procedures through the provision of legal information and support. For example:
    • The delivery of information clinics to IP applicants highlighting their legal rights and entitlements in Ireland.
  • Health and Wellbeing – Initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of IP applicants through structured physical activity, psychological supports or nutritional education/guidance. For example:
    • The establishment of trauma-informed support groups for victims of gendered violence in the International Protection system;
    • The delivery of structured health and wellness programmes focused on exercise, nutrition and physical wellbeing.
  • Intercultural Awareness – Initiatives aimed at fostering social connections between IP applicants and host communities through the organisation of intercultural events/festivals/community gatherings. For example:
    • The organisation of multicultural summer camps for children;
    • The organisation of food fairs enabling applicants to share their culinary heritages with host communities.
  • Children and Young People – Initiatives aimed at supporting the social inclusion of children and young people in the International Protection system by coordinating access to recreational activities. For example:
    • The organisation of weekly swimming classes for IP children and children from the locality.
    • The expansion of a local theatre group to include IP children and youth.
  • Mental Health: Initiatives aimed at bolstering the mental health and wellbeing of women in the International Protection system through the provision or psychological or psychosocial supports. For example:
    • The establishment of trauma-informed support groups for female victims of gender-based violence;
    • The delivery of culturally sensitive workshops on perinatal mental health.
  • Solidarity Through Sport: Initiatives aimed at promoting the integration of IP applicants into Irish communities through sport and physical activity. For example:
    • The expansion of a local soccer team/club to include male IP applicants;
    • The delivery of a beginner’s cricket programme to male IP applicants and men from the locality.
  • Inclusion: Initiatives aimed at promoting the integration and inclusion of people from the LGBTI+ community in the International Protection system through the provision of community supports. For example:
    • The establishment/expansion of social/peer support groups/networks;
    • Develop targeted initiatives that promote sport and physical activity to the LGBTI+ population;

Funding Information

• Grants may range from €5,000 up to a maximum of €20,000, depending on the size and nature of the project. All applicants must have an active bank account in the name of the organisation, and Tax Clearance Certificate, or a Charity Number at the time of application.

Eligibility Criteria

• Organisations eligible to apply include local community groups, charities, faith-based groups, formal and informal schools, cultural organisations. Applicant organisations must operate on a not-for-profit basis.

Assessment Criteria

• All applications will be screened to determine their completeness, the eligibility of the applicant organisation and the suitability of the proposed activities to the IPIF’s community integration objective.
• Applications deemed complete and eligible will then be fully assessed according to the following criteria:
  • Cogency and clarity of proposal
  • Ability to engage with IP Applicants
  • Strength of applicant organisation
  • Viability of proposed budget/value for money
• In determining the overall allocation of the IPIF 2023, the Department may have regard to the need to achieve a balanced geographical spread of activities

For more information, visit International Protection Integration Fund.