Voluntary efforts in the field of integration

These organisations offer various activities such as language training, networking opportunities, tutoring, and different kinds of qualification measures, among others.   

Municipalities and NGOs can enhance immigrants’ participation in their local community by offering common meeting places for integration and increasing the diversity of organizational memberships that better reflect the composition of the Norwegian population.

Nationwide NGOs are key partners for the Directorate of Integration and diversity (IMDi), helping to strengthen and expand local integration efforts. They also play a vital role in effectively disseminating and sharing knowledge and experiences, both to national authorities and to their members. IMDi has signed letters of intent with several national-level NGOs. The letters of intent are renewed approximately every three years. The goal is to strengthen cooperation and enhance NGOs as partners for IMDi and municipalities, particularly during periods of high immigration and significant pressure in the resettlement work in municipalities. The agreements provide IMDi with valuable insights into challenges, trends and needs. The organizations report that the letters of intent contribute to increased competence and knowledge about integration and diversity.

Grants

Each year, IMDi allocates grants to support efforts that promote the integration of immigrants and their children. IMDi also allocates funding to regional migrant organisations and national resource centers that work on integration issues. These grants aim to improve public knowledge on various issues related to integration, while also enhancing trust and increasing participation among migrants and their children in society.