Italian to English Social Sciences Social Science, Sociology, Ethics, etc. financing projects

In a report about activities of an Italian government department

"Nell’aprile 2010 è stato pubblicato un primo avviso di fi nanziamento dei progetti dedicati all’addestramento di personale sanitario a livello nazionale".

Not sure whether this "avviso", of which there are several, covering different aspects in the same general field, is the same as a tender/call for tender, of whether a "notice of financing" or whatever this is called in English, is something different. In response to the 'avvisi', organizations submit projects and some are chosen and financed......

Any help much appreciated