NGO Development Programme: Involving Newcomers, People from Different Cultural Backgrounds, and Returning Estonians in Community Activities (2025–2029)

Background of the Programme
The “Community Activities Promoting Integration” project, launched by Estonia’s Ministry of Culture and co-financed by the European Social Fund+ (€5.2 million total budget), aims to increase the participation of newly arrived immigrants, returnees, and people with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds in community life.
The project runs from 2024 to 2029 and supports Estonia’s long-term integration policy goals under the Cohesive Estonia Development Plan 2021–2030.
Key Implementers
- Ministry of Culture – coordinates overall activities.
- Integration Foundation Estonian Language House in Ida-Viru County – focuses on Ida-Viru County.
- Estonian Folk Culture Centre – works across Estonia and mentors NGOs.
- NFCS (National Foundation of Civil Society) – builds NGO capacity through a 4-stage development program.
KÜSK’s Development Program (2025–2029)
This is a training and support programme for NGOs in Estonia.
The goal is to help NGOs:
- Learn how to involve people with a migrant background,
- Become more open and inclusive,
- Grow and develop as an organisation.
This is not a funding programme.
Who can join?
Your NGO can take part if:
- You want to develop and improve,
- You are interested in working with people from different backgrounds,
- You are ready to learn and make changes.
What do you get?
In the programme, your NGO will:
- Get trainings and mentoring from experts,
- Work on your organisation’s development,
- Learn to plan inclusive and welcoming activities,
- Meet and learn from other NGOs.
This is a learning journey, not a grant.
Why is it important?
Including people from different cultures takes time and effort. This programme helps your NGO become more open, diverse and strong.
When?
- Mapping (Q1 2025): Understanding NGOs’ current capacity.
- Design & Testing (Q2 2025): Developing and piloting capacity-building tools.
- Implementation (2025–2028): Delivering training and support activities to NGOs.
- Impact Evaluation (2029): Measuring effectiveness and results.
If you need any additional info, please contact to our project managers:


Kerstin Rei
Kerstin.Rei(at)kysk.ee
+372 5854 5754
Katre Tamm
Katre.Tamm(at)kysk.ee
+372 5190 9194
