Government invites applications to the International Protection Integration Fund 2023

by | Apr 28, 2023 | Social Inclusion, Social Protection, Volunteers | 0 comments

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  • €500,000 will be made available to community based organisations to carry out integration projects at a national, provincial or local level to support the integration of International Protection Applicants.
  • Grants of up to €20,000 will be allocated to successful organisations to support integration initiatives.

The Minister of State for Integration, Joe O’Brien, approved €500,000 in funding under the International Protection Integration Fund 2023.

Now in its second year, the International Protection Integration Fund celebrates rich cultural diversity and enables community based organisations across Ireland to play a greater role in supporting the integration of International Protection Applicants. Successful organisations stand to receive grant funding of €5,000 – €20,000 to support integration initiatives.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State O’Brien said:

The International Protection Integration Fund comes at an important time as communities across Ireland welcome vulnerable people seeking refuge in Ireland. I have visited many of these projects and seen first-hand the fantastic initiatives underway locally, regionally and indeed nationally, to help strengthen and enhance ethnic diversity whilst supporting new arrivals during a particularly vulnerable time in their lives as they seek to make a new life in a new country. This fund will help communities access additional support to assist them in this invaluable work as local areas strengthen and develop into vibrant multi-cultural communities.

How to apply:

  • Applicants can access a detailed guidance document and complete an online application form here
  • The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 pm on 24 May 2023.

The IPIF supports chapter 5.2.2 of the commitments within A White Paper to End Direct Provision and Establish a New International Protection Support Service. In the white paper, the Government committed to developing a community integration fund for International Protection applicants. A total budget of €5 million was established with an annual allocation of €500,000 to be paid out over the course of the project.

Since its inception in 2022, the International Protection Integration Fund has supported 67 projects with grant funding totalling €1.62m.

Purpose of projects/activities

This call is open to community based organisations and centres around 6 key themes to support the integration of International Protection Applicants:

  • Employment
  • Language
  • Civic and Legal Supports
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Intercultural Awareness
  • Children and Young People

Projects supporting the following objectives will be given special priority this year and can attain additional marking during the selection process:

  • Mental Health
  • Solidarity Through Sport
  • Inclusion

As this Fund is intended to support the integration of International Protection Applicants, including both adults and children, IP applicants should therefore be the primary target group for all submissions.

While other individuals may benefit from the project, IP applicants must encompass the vast majority of participants in a project.

The table below outlines definitions of IP applicants, Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, and Programme Refugees:

 

International Protection ApplicantsInternational Protection applicants are persons who have sought asylum in Ireland and are awaiting a decision on their protection claim. There is a statutory obligation on the State to examine the claims of all persons seeking protection and to provide accommodation and supports in line with the Recast and Reception Conditions Directive (SI 230 of 2018)
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP)Under the terms of the EU Temporary Protection Directive (European Council Directive 2001/55/EC), those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine are eligible for temporary protection in Ireland and are thus entitled to access a range of State supports and services. This may include either Ukrainian nationals or people from other countries who were resident in Ukraine before the start of the conflict on 24 February 2022.
Programme RefugeesPersons who participate in the Irish Refugee Resettlement Programme are known as ‘Programme Refugees’. Under this Programme, persons who have continued fear of war or persecution are granted asylum abroad and are subsequently resettled in Ireland as permanent residents.