If you’re thinking of forming a Community Supporter Group to welcome a refugee family, there is $5000 in seed funding waiting for you – but be quick, the offer is limited to 55 groups across Australia, and you need to apply by the end of February.
Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia has announce the offer of $5000 in seed funding for local groups looking to provide welcome, connection and community to an arriving refugee household through the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP).
This money can be combined with other fundraising efforts to help cover the on-arrival needs of a refugee household, such as SIM cards, temporary accommodation and basic personal or household goods and furniture.
Any group of five or more people that can form a local community supporter group (CSG), meet the program’s basic screening, training, and planning criteria, and be ready to be matched with a refugee household by 31 March 2025, will be eligible for the grant, with funding available for up to 55 groups (first-come, first-serve). You can read more about the grant criteria below.
Former NSW Premier Nick Greiner AC first heard about the opportunity for local groups to sponsor refugee newcomers into local communities through the CRISP program some months ago. He decided he wanted to get involved in a personal capacity and use his resources to encourage others to do the same.
On the other side of the world, Ed Shapiro, a Boston-based investment manager turned philanthropist, felt this same motivation. His organisation, the Shapiro Foundation, has helped thousands of refugees to be welcomed to the US by private sponsor groups under similar US schemes.
After connecting with the CRSA team, the pair made the meaningful pledge to provide seed funding to up to 55 local groups across Australia, offering $5000 per group to support refugee newcomers through CRISP.
If you have ever thought about getting involved in the CRISP, this is your moment. To take advantage of this generous, time-limited offer, please complete the Seed Funding Expression of Interest form.
Should you have any questions or want to see the fine print, read CRSA’s Step Up Frequently Asked Questions or contact CRSA via email for further information.
