Grants for Self-Organizations of Migrants

This funding program targets migrant self-organizations in North Rhine-Westphalia that actively promote the integration and improved participation of people with a migration background. The goal is to support these organizations in their development and to enable projects that foster social participation and networking. Activities must primarily focus on the situation in Germany.

The program supports various projects by migrant self-organizations aimed at the integration and participation of people with a migration background. This includes promoting the establishment of organizations, specific projects to improve social participation, and partner projects for the qualification and networking of migrant self-organizations. Both material and personnel expenses are funded, but not purely one-day events or measures already covered by regular structures.

Funding is provided as a grant within the framework of project funding. The amount of the grant varies depending on the funding area: For initial funding, full financing up to a maximum of 6,000 Euros per fiscal year is provided, while individual and partner projects are supported as co-financing with a funding rate of up to 80 percent of the eligible expenses. Projects can last for up to two consecutive fiscal years, with the possibility of an extension for another two years for projects with identical content.

Specific legal and organizational requirements must be met for application and project implementation. Migrant self-organizations must, among other things, be non-profit and registered in the association register. Projects must be oriented towards the situation in Germany. Special experience also serves as proof for different funding areas.

The application for funding primarily takes place via a web-based expert system, but must also be submitted in writing. The approving authority is the Arnsberg District Government, which decides on applications based on its discretionary power and available budget funds. The disbursement of the grant occurs on fixed dates or as a one-time payment, depending on the funding area. Proof of fund utilization is provided through a factual report and numerical evidence.

The funding is based on the Guideline on the Granting of Subsidies for Self-Organizations of Migrants from November 25, 2022. This guideline specifies the requirements of the Participation and Integration Act and the State Budget Ordinance. Official texts of the guidelines and annexes are accessible via the Ministerialblatt NRW and the website of the responsible ministry.