Applications invited for a special grant for guidance and counselling services for immigrants

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will be accepting applications for EUR 4 million for guidance and counselling services for immigrants. The objective of this grant is to enhance the integration and employment of immigrants by developing guidance and counselling services and the related multi-sectoral cooperation. The application period will be open from 18 May to 18 June 2020.

The aim is to develop a nationwide network of guidance and counselling services consisting mainly of the central cities of the regions. The purpose of the network is also to respond to the needs of other municipalities in the regions through cooperation between municipalities and organisations and through a multichannel approach.

The grant will support the objectives of the Government Programme, according to which active integration of immigrants into Finnish society will be reinforced, enhanced and accelerated, and the quality, binding character and effectiveness of integration services will be improved.

The application period will end on 18 June 2020

The grant can be used to support the launch of a guidance and counselling service for immigrants or the securing and further development of a guidance and counselling service already in progress. The grant can be used from 1 September 2020 to 31 August 2021.

Funding may be applied for by the central cities of the regions and those joint municipal authorities which, by agreement, carry out the tasks of the municipalities in their area that relate to the promotion of integration. Central cities must agree to apply for the grant with the municipalities and other operators in the region. In densely populated areas or for other justifiable reasons, funding may also be granted to several urban areas.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will decide on the allocation of grants. The call for applications will start on Monday 18 May 2020 and end on Thursday 18 June 2020.

Funding will be applied for by filling in the application form and the required appendices. The applications will be submitted to the registry of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment by 18 June 2020 at 16.15, either in paper or electronic format. Information on funding decisions will be provided as soon as possible after the end of the application period, at the latest in August 2020.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment will organise an online information session on the call for applications on Wednesday 3 June at 9.30–11.30. The information session will provide answers to questions about the call for applications. Questions can be sent by email until 28 May 2020 to [email protected] and [email protected]. The subject line of the email should read ‘Kysymys maahanmuuttajien ohjaus- ja neuvontapalveluhausta VN/11375/2020’.

Inquiries:
Susanna Piepponen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 29 504 7990