Thank you for your interest in supporting LGBTQ+ refugees through Rainbow Refugee’s Sponsorship Program via the Circles of Hope initiative. At present, more than 600 LGBTQ+ refugees are awaiting resettlement, seeking safety, dignity, and a place to rebuild their lives. By becoming a sponsor, you will play a critical role in ensuring their successful transition to Canada.

Sponsorship is a meaningful and transformative commitment. While the process can be complex, it is also deeply rewarding. As a sponsor, you will provide essential support, build lasting connections, and witness the resilience of individuals seeking safety.

Learn more about our history, work, and ways you can support our mission in the video below:

Understanding the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership (RRAP) and Its Impact

The Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership (RRAP) is a Canadian government initiative designed to increase support for LGBTQ+ refugees fleeing violence and persecution due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This partnership builds on the success of the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Pilot (2011–2019), which provided privately sponsored LGBTQ+ refugees with financial assistance and resettlement support.

About the RRAP and its impact:

• Expanding Sponsorship Opportunities:

  • Before RRAP, the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Pilot allowed only 15 privately sponsored LGBTQ+ refugees per year.
  • With RRAP’s launch in 2020, this number increased to 50 LGBTQ+ refugees per year.
  • This expansion enables more Canadians to sponsor refugees through private sponsorship groups such as Circles of Hope.

• Government Commitment to LGBTQ+ Refugees:

  • The Canadian government has committed $800,000 over five years to support RRAP.
  • This funding helps cover start-up costs and three months of income support for LGBTQ+ refugees.
  • Sponsorship groups, such as Circles of Hope, provide the remaining nine months of financial support and resettlement assistance.

• Historical Impact and Growth:

  • Between 2011 and April 2019, the pilot program resettled more than 80 LGBTQ+ refugees.
  • In 2018 alone, RRAP and the LGBTQ+ community sponsored 67 refugees.

Why RRAP Matters Today

The Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership has played a crucial role in expanding sponsorship opportunities for LGBTQ+ refugees. While RRAP remains a temporary initiative, it has now been extended until 2029, allowing even more refugees to find safety through privately sponsored groups like Circles of Hope. This partnership ensures that LGBTQ+ refugees who might otherwise face systemic barriers to resettlement have a pathway to Canada with the support of dedicated sponsors.

Please learn more about the process here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/sponsor-refugee/private-sponsorship-program/how-we-process-applications.html

Start a Circle of Hope

Eligibility to Sponsor an LGBTQ+ Refugee

Sponsorship is a group effort that requires a committed team of individuals. To be eligible to sponsor an LGBTQ+ refugee through RRAP and the Circle of Hope initiative, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Commit to supporting a refugee for 12 months after their arrival.
• Join an existing Circle of Hope or be willing to form a new one with other sponsors.
• Fundraise the amount required by the Government of Canada and contribute to the financial, emotional, and settlement support needed for sponsorship.

Roles Within a Circle of Hope

A Circle of Hope is a collaborative effort, and each member plays a crucial role in ensuring the sponsorship is successful. The key roles within a Circle include:

• Treasurer – Manages the finances of the Circle, ensuring that the required funds are raised and used appropriately for the refugee’s settlement.
• Circle Lead – Oversees the progress of the sponsorship, ensures the group is meeting its goals, and submits required reports.
• Circle Members – Provide additional support by contributing ideas, planning logistics, and assisting with both pre- and post-arrival needs of the refugee.

Each Circle of Hope is assigned a mentor—a Rainbow Refugee staff member or an experienced volunteer who has previously been part of a Circle. The mentor provides guidance, answers questions, and ensures that the sponsorship group is equipped with the resources needed to support the refugee effectively.

Financial and Settlement Responsibilities

The Government of Canada mandates that sponsorship groups fundraise a set amount to cover the refugee’s first year in Canada. These funds will be used to support the refugee’s resettlement and integration, including:

• Housing and essential living expenses
• Food and daily necessities
• Transportation and healthcare
• Language learning and employment support

Beyond financial contributions, sponsors provide emotional support, mentorship, and guidance. This includes assisting with daily tasks, helping navigate healthcare and employment, and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

Sponsorship as a Collective Effort

Sponsorship is a group commitment, requiring a minimum of five individuals to form a Circle of Hope. Together, sponsors will plan, fundraise, and provide critical support to a refugee before and after their arrival in Canada.

If additional friends or colleagues wish to be part of your Circle of Hope, they must also complete this application form.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for sponsorship, you can still contribute by volunteering in other capacities. To register as a general volunteer, please complete the General Volunteer Application Form: https://app.betterimpact.com/Application?OrganizationGuid=12117f7a-7665-4a2f-862d-d800c7141e95&ApplicationFormNumber=1

Circle of Hope Sponsorship Application Process

Rainbow Refugee manages volunteers, Circle Members, and Circle Groups through BetterImpact.com, a platform that:

• Centralizes communication and updates in one place.
• Provides training and resources that you can access at your convenience.
• Reduces email overload by ensuring all essential information is readily available.

LGBTQ+ Refugees Need Your Support – Are You Ready to Make a Difference?

Right now, LGBTQ+ refugees are waiting for a chance to rebuild their lives in safety. By joining a Circle of Hope, you can be part of that change.

Would you like to take the first step? Complete the application form below to get started.

How to Apply as a Circle Member

Please review and follow the instructions below to complete your application:

Application Guidelines

• All fields marked with (*) are required—your application will not be processed until all mandatory fields are completed.
• Click "Submit Application" once finished.
• A confirmation page will appear upon successful submission. If you remain on the same page, check for any missing required fields.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) uploaded in the designated section.
• A photo for identification purposes (mandatory).
• Passport or PR card (only for new circle members)

Commitment and Policy Acknowledgment

• In Section 11, you must review and acknowledge the Circle Members’ Policies and Procedures.
• Provide your legal name and electronic signature to complete the process.
• The process is fully digital—no printing is required.

Registering on MyImpactPage.com

Registering or Logging In to Better Impact (MyImpact) 📲💻

You can access the registration page from either your mobile phone browser or a computer—no app download is required.

Using Your Mobile Phone (Browser View):

1. Open your internet browser (e.g., Safari, Chrome).

2. Go to: https://bttr.im/vrq3i

3. Tap “Fill in an application” and search/select Rainbow Refugee as the organization.

4. Complete the application form and submit.

Using a Computer Browser:

1. Go to: https://bttr.im/nklel

2. Complete and submit the form.

• • Create a unique username (at least six characters).
    Tip: Using your email address as your username is recommended.

  • Enter and verify your email address.

  • Click "Save and Continue" to proceed.

A Meaningful and Impactful Journey

Sponsoring an LGBTQ+ refugee is a commitment, a challenge, and an opportunity to make a life-changing difference. You will witness firsthand the resilience of individuals forced to flee their homes and play a key role in their journey to rebuilding a life in Canada.

Sponsorship is more than just offering financial support—it is about creating community, inclusion, and solidarity, ensuring that no one has to navigate this transition alone.

If you are ready to take on this responsibility, we are here to guide you through the process.

For any questions or assistance regarding the application, please contact Lama at circles@rainbowrefugee.ca or trough our website https://www.rainbowrefugee.com/contact.