Integration Foundation

The Integration Foundation was established on 31 March 1998 by the Estonian government with the aim of initiating, supporting and coordinating projects designed to promote integration in Estonian society. These projects are funded from the state budget as well as from external sources.

The foundation carries out integration strategy activities with the aim of ensuring that the people who live in Estonia share the same values and form an active part of civic society, and that national minorities have the chance to preserve their languages and cultures.

The foundation is guided by development plans in the fulfilment of its objectives as set out in its articles of association.
The basis for the foundation’s activities between 2000 and 2007 was the national programme “Integration in Estonian society 2000-2007” (NP 2000-2007). The foundation was responsible for the sub-programmes of the NP along with the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior.

Since 2008 the basis for the foundation’s activities has been the development plan "Estonian Integration Plan 2008-2013" (DP 2008-2013).

The goals of DP 2008-2013, similar to those of NP 2000-2007, are divided in three:

1. Educational and cultural integration
2. Social and economic integration
3. Legal and political integration

DP 2008-2013 has been drafted and the foundation’s role in it designated as a performer of specific operations including forecasts of the cost of operations, financing and performance indicators. To do so the departments of the foundation, in association with the ministries, have developed the measures of the DP Implementation Plan 2008-2010; the foundation has also increased knowledge of the needs of and opportunities for integration and successful solutions, and involved associated groups in the drafting process of DP 2008-2013.

The foundation initiates and supports projects and activities aimed at integration in Estonian society and coordinates the efficient use of various resources in this field.

The foundation is a partner to the ministries responsible for the measures of DP 2008-2013. The foundation is funded from the state budget resources through the budgets of ministries and foreign resources, including those from EU programmes.

The contribution that the foundation makes involves the following:

• The foundation is the leader in the development of activities in the field of integration and a promoter of innovation in the field.
• The foundation takes an active role in the development and implementation of strategies associated with social integration and introducing DP principles to the public.
• The employees of the foundation have comprehensive knowledge of integration-related topics.
• The foundation is a successful organiser and implementer of projects.