Ireland has opened a major new funding stream aimed at helping migrants build stronger connections in their communities. The Integration Fund for 2026, announced on gov.ie by Minister of State Colm Brophy, makes €4.5 million available to non-profit, community and voluntary organisations working on inclusion projects across the country.
Issued by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, the new funding round is designed to support the integration of people from migrant backgrounds, including dedicated support for projects that assist people applying for international protection. The announcement reflects a wider cross-government focus on inclusion, community cohesion and public service access in Ireland.
Integration Fund 2026 opens for applications on gov.ie
The 2026 Integration Fund combines the State’s exchequer-funded integration grant calls into one programme. According to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, the goal is to help local, regional and national organisations deliver practical projects that make communities more welcoming and inclusive.
Minister Brophy said integration happens in everyday shared spaces such as schools, sports clubs and local communities. He also highlighted that the addition of multiannual funding under one stream should give successful organisations more certainty and improve long-term outcomes.
This latest move will be of interest to organisations that regularly monitor gov.ie, the Department of the Taoiseach, Social Protection, Health, Education and Children/Disability/Equality updates for public funding and community support opportunities.
How much funding is available?
- Scheme 1: €100,000 to €300,000 for large-scale projects lasting up to three years
- Scheme 2: €15,000 to €100,000 for large-scale projects lasting up to one year
- Scheme 3: €1,000 to €10,000 for local community integration projects
All applications for the Integration Fund must be submitted electronically, and the deadline is 12 noon on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
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Who should apply for the Integration Fund?
The Integration Fund is open to non-governmental and community organisations that can show a clear plan for improving inclusion. Projects may operate at national, regional or local level, depending on the funding stream.
Eligible proposals are expected to support people who have moved to Ireland as migrants and help them participate more fully in community life. This could include initiatives linked to education, local engagement, wellbeing, access to information, volunteering, sport, family support or social inclusion.
The fund sits alongside the work of wider public bodies and departments, including the Health Service Executive (HSE), Tusla, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), Local Government and Heritage, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and agencies that shape public life and service delivery in Ireland.
How applications will be assessed
For Schemes 1 and 2, applications will be judged on:
- Organisational capacity
- Strength of the proposal
- Strategic fit
- Financial management and value for money
For Scheme 3, assessors will focus on:
- Strength of the proposal
- How well planned outcomes match the goals of the fund
- Financial management and value for money
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Why the 2026 Integration Fund matters
The increased allocation signals a stronger State commitment to long-term integration. In the 2025 round, 117 projects across Ireland shared €3.6 million. The 2026 Integration Fund raises that figure to €4.5 million and adds the possibility of multi-year support for larger projects.
For charities, local groups and community-led organisations, that creates a meaningful opportunity to scale services and build more sustainable programmes. For migrants and applicants for international protection, it could mean better support networks and more effective pathways into community life.
Conclusion
The 2026 Integration Fund is one of the most important new inclusion funding opportunities currently listed on gov.ie. With €4.5 million on offer and a new multi-year option, the fund gives community organisations a stronger platform to support migrants across Ireland. Any eligible group considering an application should review the official guidance and submit well before the September 2 deadline.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
