Basic Roles for Sponsorship Groups

Around the world, groups of individuals are taking leading roles in the welcoming of refugee newcomers into their community as part of sponsorship groups. While the requirements of sponsorship groups vary from program to program, sponsor groups play key roles supporting the settlement and integration of refugee newcomers throughout the designated sponsorship period.  

The responsibilities of sponsorship groups may include: 

• Settlement support: Sponsors support newcomers to find housing, access education, employment, healthcare, and language supports and access existing newcomer services and opportunities.   

• Financial support: While specific financial requirements are different in every country, sponsors may be responsible for providing housing, income support, and the basic needs of the refugee newcomers. 

• Informal social and emotional support: Sponsors help orient newcomers to everyday life in their new country by sharing information about the culture and community, and by building relationships  

Learn more about the specifics of sponsorship programs around the world in our interactive map.