Apply for funding for the integration of refugees through sport

With the „Sport and Refugees“ program, the State of Hessen supports Hessian municipalities in the integration of refugees locally through sports activities.

Facilitating the integration of refugees into society through sports and physical activity offers—with this goal, the nationwide unique state program „Sport and Refugees“ was launched in Hesse in 2016 in cooperation with the Sportjugend Hessen. Since then, around 300 sports coaches—mostly working on a voluntary basis—have been active every year. As networkers, they pool the interests of all local stakeholders (including the municipality, sports clubs, asylum support,

refugee initiatives, refugees). For quality assurance, they participate in a training session once a year.

Hessian municipalities can use the funding independently and tailored to local needs for allowances for sports coaches and instructors, for material resources for sports and exercise programs with refugees, and for intercultural training measures. There are separate funding opportunities for initial reception facilities.

In 2019, the funding program was expanded to include the second funding pillar, „Qualification and Participation.“ Through targeted qualification measures, refugees as well as migrants are to be recruited for honorary posts or other voluntary work in sports clubs. In addition, funding was newly created for sports coach tandems—consisting of a sports coach with and without a personal migration background. Participants thus acquire qualifications that facilitate integration while simultaneously becoming role models. On the other hand, clubs and sports coaches gain easier access to the target group.

In late 2018, the European Union honored the funding program with the #BeInclusiv Sport Award, thereby recognizing its valuable and important work in promoting inclusion.

Application

• Hessian municipalities can submit funding applications via an online portal. The access credentials for this will be sent to you. Alternatively, a paper application is available, which will be sent upon request.
• The Hessian Ministry for Family, Seniors, Sports, Health and Care will review your application formally and substantively and, if necessary, request missing documents.
• If the decision is positive, you will receive a grant notification.
• In the event of a negative decision, you will receive a notice of rejection.

Payout:

• The payment of the granted state subsidy will be made in full as a single payment or in installments in accordance with the provisions of the grant notification.
• Following a waiver of appeal (declaration regarding the grant notification), the disbursement is made immediately in full or as the first installment.
• Verification of use:
• To verify the use of funds, a simple proof of use must be submitted by March 31 of the following year.
• If objections arise from this, it can lead to the reclamation of granted state subsidies, even if these have already been spent. This may be considered, among other things, if the funds were not used for their intended purpose.

The funding procedure can be conducted in writing or online.

• Application for standard funding must be submitted by: anytime until April 30 of a given year
• Application for training and qualification measures for tandems as well as training measures at any time until September 30 of a given year
• Supplemental Request: Increase the number of refugees by 30 % at any time until September 30 of any given year
• Additional application for additional needs in initial reception facility: possible at any time
• Proof of use including narrative report: by March 31 of the following year

There are no fees.

An action against the decisions issued within the scope of the funding procedure may be brought before the competent administrative court within one month of notification.

To avoid unnecessary costs, it is suggested to contact the granting authority before filing a lawsuit, as in many cases any discrepancies can be resolved in a legally secure manner beforehand. Please note, however, that such an out-of-court attempt at settlement does not extend the deadline for filing a lawsuit.