Brandenburg's integration projects: 1.6 million euros finally approved!

Brandenburg's integration projects: 1.6 million euros finally approved!

A positive ray of hope for integration work in Brandenburg: The Ministry of the Interior today released 1.6 million euros for over 200 integration projects. This measure comes after months of delays and gives volunteer initiatives a much-needed financial boost. Rainer Grieger, the head of Department 1 of the ministry, attributes the delay to legal issues affecting constitutional, administrative and organizational law. “We first had to overcome a few hurdles,” explains Grieger.

The new responsibility for promoting integration projects now officially lies with the Ministry of the Interior, after it was transferred from the Ministry of Social Affairs in October 2024. Diana Gonzalez Olivo, the integration officer, is now responsible for allocating the funding. But where is the quick help? So far, only five longer-term projects have been funded since the beginning of the year, which is frustrating for many initiatives. For example, the welcome team from the Groß Schönebeck/Schorfheide e.V. community association has been waiting for its funding for three months.

Urgent need for action

The inaction has meant that many projects, including an annual summer campaign, have had a delayed start in the second half of the year. “We had to finance the first half of the year solely from donations,” said a representative from the association. Typically, 2,100 euros in funding are provided for the second half of the year. Teaching had to be stopped on July 1st because the required materials could not be purchased.

The integration projects cover a wide spectrum: from democracy education to discrimination and racism to special offers for women and girls. “We absolutely have to ensure that integration succeeds,” explains Gonzalez Olivo and is planning adjustments in order to carry out projects in the second half of the year.

Funding opportunities for integration

The “Alliance for Brandenburg” is calling for applications for funding for integration projects. These funds are intended not only for non-profit organizations, but also for various legal entities under public and private law. The aim of this funding is to promote openness, acceptance and willingness to help among the Brandenburg population. The funded projects are intended to make an important contribution to the integration of refugees and facilitate social participation.

• Überregionale Modellprojekte zur Verbesserung des Zugangs zum Arbeitsmarkt
• Regionale Integrationsprojekte zur Förderung von Kultursensibilität
• Fachkonferenzen, Workshops und Informationsmaterialien

The applications for 2023 and 2024 are already available and must be used in the respective year; Projects lasting longer than one year are excluded. You can find out more on the [Alliance for Brandenburg] website (https://www.buendnis-fuer-brandenburg.de/foerderung-bfb/).

For further information on integration projects for young migrants, the BAMF is an important contact. Funding has been made available since 2016, primarily for immigrants with the prospect of staying permanently. Projects are funded with up to 50,000 euros annually to ensure successful integration.

What is certain is that rapid processing of applications for voluntary initiatives is now of utmost importance. The need for integration and strong coexistence is undisputed and everyone involved is called upon to make their contribution.