Financial Support - Awards

Since January 1, 2020, the nationwide awards of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) have been honoring outstanding achievements in the fields of research & innovation, science, media, culture, and sports. The program is aimed at educational institutions, private individuals, interest groups, and associations that dedicate themselves to social cohesion through scientific work, media contributions, or sports integration projects. The awards promote interdisciplinary approaches and provide a framework for exchange between different sectors. Designed as financial grants, the initiative aims to intensify the engagement of the broad Austrian public with integration issues and to make exemplary solutions more visible. By recognizing best-practice examples, the ÖIF supports a diverse and inclusive coexistence.

Applications can be submitted at any time, as there is no deadline restriction. Required are the upload or submission of scientific papers, journalistic contributions, or detailed project descriptions that demonstrate the criteria of outstanding integration performance. The budgetary coverage of the respective awards is a prerequisite, while no legal entitlement to the funding exists and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. The Integration Section of the responsible Federal Ministry continuously reviews the documents and supports projects individually. Postal fees may apply for submissions by mail, with processing carried out upon receipt verification. As direct funding, the budget volume depends on the project and is not fixed as a lump sum. This permanent award system enables researchers, journalists, and sports organizations to participate flexibly and strengthens the quality of integrative initiatives through comprehensive transparency.