Minister Stanton launches 2019 Communities Integration Fund

€526,000 available for local community projects in 2019

Additional funding included this year for art-based integration projects

29 March 2019

Mr David Stanton, TD., Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration & Integration, today announced funding of €526,000 for community integration projects to be carried out in 2019.

 

The Communities Integration Fund will provide grant funding for local community projects that support the integration of migrants. Applications can now be made online to the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration at the Department of Justice and Equality.

 

Attending the launch of the Cork City of Sanctuary Movement Strategic Plan of Action 2018-2020 in Millennium Hall, City Hall Cork, the Minister said:

 

What happens at the local level is critical to successful integration. The Communities Integration Fund is about bringing people together. We are looking to community groups to tap into the rich diversity of their local area and create opportunities for people to get to know one another.

 

This year’s fund includes a sum of €26,000 from the Office of Public Works for art-based integration projects.  This has been made possible by the "Per Cent for Art Scheme" under which 1% of capital works can be allocated to commissioning works of art.  This is a once off inclusion in the Communities Integration Fund.

 

The Minister added :

 

"Ireland’s National Migrant Integration Strategy recognises that culture and the arts can be a powerful means of promoting integration . I am particularly pleased that we are able to fund additional art-based integration projects this year with support from the Office of Public Works."

Applications must be submitted electronically using the “Communities Integration Fund 2019  Application” form so as to arrive before 21.00 on the 2nd of May, 2019. The online Application Form and other relevant documentation/information, including assessment criteria, can be accessed at Communities Integration Fund 2019 

ENDS

 

Notes for Editors:

 

This call is open to local community based groups carrying out the following projects/activities:

 

 

As this Fund is intended to support the integration of migrant and host communities, all applications must demonstrate how they will involve both migrant and host communities in the activities proposed. The maximum grant amount that can be applied for is €5,000 and the minimum grant is €1,000.