Date: 15 June 2021
Green Party TD, Steven Matthews was speaking following the announcement of the €500,000 fund by his party colleague, Minister Roderic O’Gorman. Community groups/ centres can apply for grants between €1,000 and €5,000 to assist them in organising projects that seek to promote the positive integration of our migrant communities. Discussing the announcement, Deputy Matthews said:
“I am delighted to support this round of funding coming from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth. Wicklow has always welcomed a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds and this new round of funding is about supporting integration while also highlighting and promoting the unique cultural identities in our county. This funding will bolster the great work being done by local communities to welcome new cultures.
“All applications must demonstrate the ability to involve both migrant and host communities in the activities proposed but the way in which this is approached is very flexible and encourages creative approaches by community groups. Some of the suggested themes include anti-racism initiatives, the promotion of food, arts and culture and community events that support integration, but the parameters are extremely flexible.
“Since its inception in 2017, the Communities Integration Fund has supported over 480 projects with grant funding totalling €2.26m. Some of the initiatives that have been funding in previous years included sports days, intercultural festivals and the establishment of community network groups but any community group that has an initiative that promotes the positive integration of migrants in our communities is eligible to apply.
“The closing date for receipt of applications is 6 pm on Friday 02 July 2021 and application forms are available on the Department’s website. I would encourage all community groups to consider applying and if they need any assistance with their application, I would be more than happy to help, concluded Deputy Matthews.
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