Calls for proposals for the European Integration Fund (EIF) 2010 are now open.

Approximately £5.33 million is available for new EIF projects in 2010 in the 3 areas below.

In each area, the minimum amount that can be applied for is £100,000 per year per project; there is no maximum amount.

1) £4.4m for Priority 1 projects that:

- address capacity issues in respect of language learning;
- develop process and programmes that help new migrants to become full and active members of UK society;
- enable newly arrived third-country nationals to fulfil the criteria for citizenship; or
- develop programmes that provide opportunities for third-country nationals and members of the receiving community to interact with each other.

A particular focus is the provision of these activities to domestic workers currently in the UK.

2) £465,000 for Priority 3 projects that develop actions which enhance the knowledge and skills of national and local government officials in developing policy concerned with integration and building intercultural competence. These projects may involve, for example, written guidance and training programmes.

3) £465,000 for Priority 4 projects that will evaluate existing initiatives which support the involvement of legal migrants in volunteering and identify what works best. The information could be used to develop good practice guidance for use by future projects in the UK, but could also be shared with other European Union member states seeking to introduce similar initiatives.

Information for applicants

Eligible applicants for the ERF 2010 and the EIF 2010 include non-governmental organisations, charities, academic institutions, local government, inter-governmental organisations, limited companies and any partnership made up of these organisations.

Under EU funding rules, the amount applied for must be matched with funds from other non-European Union sources (either 25 per cent or 50 per cent, depending on whether specific priorities are met, as described in the application pack).

Projects can last for up to 3 years.

The deadline for completed EIF 2010 applications is 16:00 on Thursday 7 April 2011.

The application pack is available via the Home Office's Emptoris e-procurement site. To register, please email Emptoris at EUFunding@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.

To assist bidders in preparing their applications, a 1-day workshop will be held in March 2011. Limited spaces will be available on a first come, first served basis. Further details will be provided after you register on Emptoris.

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