Tech For Refugees is helping revolutionise refugee sponsorship in the U.S. through its partnership with the non-profit Welcome.US. Grants from the initiative have supported the launch and expansion of Welcome Connect, a unique platform that matches U.S. sponsors with beneficiaries.

Founded by billionaire Yuri Milner, Tech For Refugees first teamed up with Welcome.US in 2022. Two years later, the initiative announced a new grant to fund Welcome Connect’s ongoing development. The platform has already helped welcome over half a million refugees to the U.S.

Welcome.US: Reach and Impact

Welcome.US is a nationwide initiative that inspires, mobilises, and empowers U.S. citizens to welcome and support refugees. Launched in 2021, the initiative has four former presidents and first ladies supporting its efforts, including Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.

Since its inception, Welcome.US has had a remarkable impact, with:

● 500,000 refugee newcomers welcomed by sponsors in all 50 states.

● $200 million in private sector contributions of goods, services, and funds made to support resettlement efforts.

● $18.8 million in goods and services provided through Welcome Exchange, along with 10,000 home setups through the Last Mile programme with Amazon.

● 68,000 jobs offered to refugees on the Employment Exchange.

Welcome.US CEO Nazanin Ash says U.S. citizens from “every corner and every sector of the country” have stepped forward to support the initiative.

Welcome Connect: Streamlining the Sponsorship Process

Under new government programmes in the U.S., citizens can extend a lifeline to individuals and families seeking refuge from various countries, including Ukraine, Cuba, and Haiti.

Welcome Connect inspires communities to take part in these programmes and facilitates direct connections with newcomers. The user-friendly platform makes the sponsorship process straightforward and secure, allowing both parties to mutually decide if they want to pursue sponsorship.

Fintech giants Goldman Sachs, ServiceNow, and Infosys helped Welcome.US develop Welcome Connect over two years ago with support from Tech For Refugees.

The platform’s initial goal was to recruit U.S. citizens to sponsor 100,000 Ukrainians. Since 2022, Welcome Connect has matched thousands of refugees from eligible countries with dedicated sponsors across the U.S.

Looking ahead, a new grant from Tech For Refugees will help transform Welcome Connect into an all-inclusive hub for sponsors and beneficiaries.

The platform currently allows users to securely register, connect, and chat. Soon, Welcome Connect will offer easy access to a broader array of support and resources. Integrations with other platforms, including EdApp, are also in development.

Using Technology to Accelerate Humanitarian Aid

Technology can drastically improve the lives of refugees by providing essential connectivity. The United Nations Refugee Agency highlights that having access to electricity, reliable internet, smartphones, and affordable data plans is essential for refugees during their resettlement journey.

On top of this, technology aids in:

● Fundraising, with digital platforms allowing for the efficient collection of donations from governments, non-profits, businesses, and individuals.

● Logistics, as leaders in this area can streamline the delivery of medical and humanitarian aid to refugees worldwide. Tech For Refugees partner Flexport.org works with trusted international aid agencies and non-profits to deliver relief supplies wherever they’re needed.

● Education, with internet connectivity helping students access educational resources and facilitating distance learning. In 2023, Tech For Refugees partnered with UNICEF USA to bring vital education assistance through in-person and online learning to Ukrainian children.

About Yuri Milner

Yuri Milner, a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, established Tech For Refugees in 2022. He is renowned for his impactful contributions across technology, science, and humanitarian endeavours.

As a signatory of the Giving Pledge, Milner has promised to dedicate the majority of his wealth to philanthropy during his lifetime. His Breakthrough Foundation sponsors initiatives that promote scientific research, support scientists, and encourage young people to think about science and maths. These initiatives include the Breakthrough Prize and the Breakthrough Junior Challenge.

Milner released a short book, Eureka Manifesto: The Mission for Our Civilisation, in 2021. The manifesto calls for increased investment in fundamental research to address global challenges and drive human progress.