The Integration Foundation gives out annual Integration Awards. The aim of the awards is to value the development and sustainability of the field of integration in society as a whole, including an innovative and diverse approach to involving people of different nationalities in cooperation activities.
The Integration Awards are awarded in four categories:
- Cornerstone of Integration (Lõimumise raudvara): awareness of Estonia's cultural diversity and long-term targeted activities promoting integration;
- Bridgebuilder of the Year (Aasta sillalooja): implementation of cooperation projects aimed at Estonian residents with a mother tongue other than Estonian;
- Messenger of the Year (Aasta sõnumikandja): shaping attitudes supporting integration through the media;
- Spark of the Year (Aasta säde): outstanding work of a person or organization in the field of integration.
A public competition is announced every year to identify the award candidates. The prize fund is €5,000 – €1,000 is awarded to each recipient of the awards, while the recipient of the Lõimumise raudvara award receives €2,000.The competition is funded by the Ministry of Culture.
The Integration Foundation has been awarding integration awards since 1999.
