| USCIS Announces Significant Expansion of Citizenship and Integration Grant Program and the Opening of the Grant Application Period. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is announcing expanded funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program in keeping with its commitments under Executive Order 14012. Thanks to the support of Congress, USCIS will provide up to $20 million in grants for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country, which represents a doubling of the grant program. “This year, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program is more robust than ever,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. Congress provided an additional $10 million in grant money – totaling $20 million – for organizations helping immigrants become citizens and integrate into the United States. By adding additional funding opportunities, qualified organizations have the opportunity to fully engage with communities by ensuring they have access to the necessary tools and resources for citizenship education. “I’m pleased that this year’s program will support innovative initiatives and deepen regional and local collaboration to reach more geographic areas around the country.” USCIS is now accepting applications for four funding opportunities under the expanded program. In line with Executive Order 14012 and the Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization, USCIS is calling for new and innovative approaches and targeted outreach to remote, underserved, or isolated communities. Unlike in years past, applicants may apply under more than one funding opportunity, and applicants are encouraged to apply jointly to expand geographic reach and coverage. The four funding opportunities include: Citizenship Instruction and Naturalization Application Services. USCIS will fund public or nonprofit organizations that offer both citizenship instruction and naturalization application services to immigrants. USCIS expects to award 42 organizations up to $300,000 each, for a period of 2 years through this opportunity. Applications are due by Aug. 5, 2022. Community and Regional Integration Network Grant. USCIS will fund public or nonprofit organizations that provide individualized services to certain immigrants, including those who entered the United States under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, were granted asylum, or were admitted or entered the United States as a Cuban or Haitian entrant. This year, the program, which was formerly called the Refugee and Asylee Integration Services Grant, has expanded eligibility to include organizations that serve individuals admitted on a Special Immigrant visa; victims of human trafficking and criminal activity; and abused spouses, children, and parents under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). USCIS expects to award 3 to 6 organizations up to $300,000 each for a period of 2 years. Applications are due by Aug. 5, 2022. Regional Hub Program (NEW!): This new grant opportunity is designed to fund regional or statewide citizenship support networks that build capacity among their affiliates/members to provide direct citizenship education services to immigrants. Applicants are expected to serve as a hub for communication and information sharing on citizenship preparation among their affiliates/members and within the broader community. USCIS expects to award 5 to 10 grants of up to $1 million each, for a period of 2 years through this opportunity. Applications are due by Aug. 5, 2022. Innovations in Citizenship Education Program (NEW!): USCIS will fund public, nonprofit, or for-profit organizations that amplify innovation in citizenship education. USCIS will award innovations grants to organizations that foster creative approaches to preparing immigrants for naturalization, and encourage the civic, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants into their communities. USCIS expects to award up to 25 organizations up to $250,000 each for a period of 2 years through this opportunity. Applications are due by Aug. 5, 2022. In addition to the traditional programs which fund citizenship and English acquisition classes, the 2022 grants have been expanded to include opportunities for groups to apply together to reach more geographic areas as well as a funding opportunity for innovative ideas. USCIS encourages organizations across diverse communities and geographic locations to review the Notices of Funding Opportunity to learn about the fiscal year 2022 funding opportunities. For more information on the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program: – Review the eligibility requirements to find out if your organization is eligible to apply for the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program; – Contact the USCIS Office of Citizenship at citizenshipgrantprogram@uscis.dhs.gov or visit gov/grants for information on how to apply; and – Subscribe to the Public Engagement Division updates to receive information on our upcoming webinar to discuss the fiscal year 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov |
