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Calls for proposals for the European Integration Fund 2011/2012 are now open. The closing date for completed applications is 16:00 on Wednesday 16 May 2012.

Approximately £22 million is available in the European Integration Fund for new projects in 2011/2012 in the 3 areas listed below.

£3.2m for projects that prepare third-country nationals for their integration into the UK by supporting pre-travel measures which enable them to acquire basic knowledge about the UK's:

• language;
• history;
• institutions;
• cultural life; and
• the fundamental norms and values and other aspects of UK life
  as well as complement such existing programmes and activities

You can find more information in the EIF Priority 1a call for proposals (PDF 135 KB opens in a new window).

£17.4m for projects that will:

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

You can find more information in the EIF Priority 1b call for proposals (PDF 126 KB, opens in a new window).

£1.4m for projects that will:

• develop actions which enhance the knowledge and skills of national and local government officials in developing policy concerned with integration and building intercultural competence . For example, the development of written guidance and training programmes.

You can find more information in the EIF Priority 3 call for proposals (PDF 90 KB opens in a new window).

Applicants can apply for a minimum of £200,000 per project and there is no maximum amount. The closing date for completed applications is 16:00 on Wednesday 16 May 2012.

Information for applicants

Applications are welcomed from 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% or 50%, depending on whether specific priorities are met, as described in the application pack ). Projects may last for up to 22 months.

To assist bidders in preparing their applications, 1 day workshops will be held on Monday 2 April 2012 in Manchester and Wednesday 4 April 2012 in London. There will be limited spaces available on a first come, first served basis.

The application pack is available via the Home Office's Emptoris e-procurement site. You will be sent a password within 24 hours. On receipt of your password please send an e-mail to EUfunding@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk, reference EIF/2011-2012/1a, confirming that you have access to the request for information (RFI), and the full the name that your organisation has been registered. Enquiries made by e-mail or telephone will not be permitted.