2.B Sponsors: From Mobilization to Engagement
B.7 What training and resources are available to sponsors prior to and after refugees’ arrival?
(iii) Who covers the costs of resources and training?
How Canada Does It
The Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP), one of the largest programs to provide training and resources on refugee sponsorship, is funded by Canada. Other organizations may be funded by provincial and municipal governments, community foundations, charity organizations, membership and training fees, donations from private businesses, and individuals. Some community groups provide training and information on a purely volunteer basis.
The RSTP, one of the largest programs to provide training and resources on refugee sponsorship, is funded by Canada. Canada also funds the Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) Association organization to facilitate communications between sponsoring groups on an ongoing basis, and supports an annual conference that allows for mutual exchanges of successes, challenges, and best practices between sponsors, and also with the Government. Canada also funds the Secretariat functions of the SAH Council, which acts as a representative body for the SAH community and meets on a monthly basis with government officials.
Other organizations, such as the Refugee Sponsorship Support Program and Refugee613 are funded to provincial government grants, community foundations, the United Way, and donations from private individuals and businesses.
Other organizations like the Canadian Council for Refugees may be funded through membership fees and donations.
Local community groups like Capital Rainbow Refugee and the Coalition in Ottawa for Refugees may provide training on a volunteer, no-cost basis.