Communities Integration Fund announced to support migrant integration in local communities

The Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration at the Department of Justice and Equality, Mr. David Stanton T.D., today launched the Communities Integration Fund 2018 at The Ark Children’s Cultural Centre in Dublin today (Wednesday 21 March 2018).   €500,000 is available from the Office for Promotion of Migrant Integration in 2018 to support community organisations to promote migrant integration, raise intercultural awareness and combat racism in their local communities.  

Launching the fund Minister Stanton stated:  CIF2018 Launch - Minister Stanton addressing the audience

“Successful integration of migrants is, in part, about successful interactions. It’s about communities that offer a generous welcome. It’s about the willingness and, sometimes, bravery, to accept that welcome. It’s people with different cultures and backgrounds coming together.
The Communities Integration Fund brings people together, particularly people who perhaps wouldn’t ordinarily have the opportunity to interact or to get to know one another. I firmly believe that to build truly integrated communities, we need to interact with one another, to build new connections, develop mutual understanding and enjoy shared experiences. Interaction is a vital part of the integration process….
….Community is at the heart of Irish life.  It is in the daily interactions, in workplaces, schools, social gatherings, and places of worship, that migrants will determine their sense of belonging here. Diversity is a reality. To realise its benefits, integration is an imperative. I call on communities throughout the country to play their part in making Ireland a place where migrants find the welcoming environment where they can live fruitfully and happily.”

This is the second year of the Communities Integration Fund. In 2017, every county in Ireland received support from the Fund for locally run projects to support integration.

Click here for a full list of projects awarded funding in 2017.  

At today’s event, the Minister also launched a report on the Communities Integration Fund 2017 and the new look website of the Office for Promotion of Migrant Integration at www.integration.ie . Also speaking at the launch were representatives of three projects that received funding in 2017 - Ballaghadereen Community Games, Failte Isteach Tyrrelstown and Sligo Global Kitchen.  Entertainment on the day was provided by another group funded through CIF2017 - Musicantia.     

Information for Applicants

The Communities Integration Fund is administered by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration at the Department of Justice and Equality. Funding of up to €5,000 is available to community organisations for eligible activities to promote migrant integration in their local community. Allocation is via an open competitive process.  Download an application form and guide for applicants using  the links below.  (To download right click the links and choose 'Save target as' from the options listed)

Communities Integration Fund 2018 - Grant Application Form [PDF] 

Communities Integration Fund 2018 - Guide for Applicants [PDF]