Partners

The Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI) is a joint initiative led by the Government of Canada, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), The Giustra Foundation, the Open Society Foundations, The Shapiro Foundation, the University of Ottawa Refugee Hub, Porticus and Robert Bosch Stiftung.

“I am proud of the ongoing work of the GRSI to support the development and implementation of community sponsorship programs around the globe, and the progress we have achieved collectively in helping those in need. I also want to thank Canadians for their enthusiasm in sponsoring refugees. While there is much more to be done, together, we are leading with compassion and doing our part to build a better tomorrow.” — Hon. Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

“The community sponsorship programs that are at the core of GRSI’s activities are one way of helping to grow resettlement to the levels it needs to reach. Together with communities around the world who are extending the hand of welcome to refugees, we can help sponsorship make a real contribution to more and better solutions for refugees in desperate need.” — Gillian Triggs, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection

“This initiative aims to share Canada’s experience and support the adoption of similar models in other countries. The ultimate goal is to increase refugee protection by mobilizing the compassion that exists in communities around the world.” — Jennifer Bond, Chair of the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative and Founder and Managing Director of the University of Ottawa Refugee Hub

“There’s a tremendous desire from people around the world to respond to this crisis. The Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative creates opportunities for citizens to engage with and participate in a humanitarian effort—for the benefit of refugees and for the benefit of the communities that they live in.” — Gregory A. Maniatis, Director, International Migration Initiative, Open Society Foundations

“The refugee crisis can be addressed if we act as global citizens, in collaboration with governments, the private sector and the philanthropic community.” — Frank Giustra, Founder and President of the Giustra Foundation

The GRSI works within a growing ecosystem of organizations and individuals supporting the growth of community sponsorship programs around the world. These organizations include universities, businesses, advocacy groups, settlement agencies, foundations, national governments, local authorities, and many other entities.