The CRSA team is thrilled to announce an offer of $5,000 in ‘seed funding’ for groups looking to provide welcome, connection and community to an arriving refugee household through the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP). But it’s an offer that has an expiration date.
What does the $5K mean for groups?
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, 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. You can read more about the full list of requirements below.
Who is behind this offer?
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 a similar US scheme.
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 $5,000 per group to support refugee newcomers through CRISP.
If you have ever thought about getting involved in the CRISP, this is your moment. Step Up for $5,000 and offer your support to those who are seeking safety and a fresh start in the Australian community. To take advantage of this generous, time-limited offer, please complete our Seed Funding Expression of Interest form.
Should you have any questions, please contact info@refugeesponsorship.org.au or see our Step Up Frequently Asked Questions for further information on this offer. If you require more specific details about your application, register to attend one of our upcoming Q&A sessions.
Read our media release about the offer of funding here.