$24.25M Philanthropic Initiative Aims to Transform Global Refugee Support Through Community-Led Solutions

A groundbreaking funding initiative has mobilized over $24 million to support five pioneering organizations working to create lasting change in refugee communities worldwide. The campaign, managed by Lever for Change in partnership with ICONIQ Impact, represents a significant escalation from the original $12 million target, with philanthropists Chris Larsen and Lyna Lam spearheading the effort alongside numerous donors from the ICONIQ network.

The largest single grant—$10 million—has been directed to the Resourcing Refugee Leadership Initiative, a coalition of five refugee-led organizations (RLOs) operating across Lebanon, Colombia, Indonesia, Egypt, and Uganda. This coalition, convened by Asylum Access, is establishing an innovative RLO-to-RLO fund designed to redistribute philanthropic capital directly into the hands of refugee leaders who understand their communities’ most pressing needs.

“The $10 million donation will put philanthropic ownership directly with refugees and create a pathway for donors to overcome structural barriers in funding RLOs,” explained Mohamed Ahmed, Programs Director of St. Andrew’s Refugee Services (StARS). The coalition projects that this funding will catalyze an additional $40 million over the next five years, reaching at least 45 refugee-led organizations and serving over one million displaced persons.

Additional Awards Amplify Impact Across Multiple Fronts

Beyond the primary $10 million allocation, the funding initiative has distributed resources strategically:

DREAMS for Refugees, a project led by Village Enterprise in collaboration with Mercy Corps and IDinsight, received $10 million combined—$2 million from the Sea Grape Foundation and an $8 million grant from an anonymous ICONIQ network donor. The program equips refugees in Uganda and Ethiopia with entrepreneurial skills, business support, and employment connections to build sustainable livelihoods.

Three additional finalist organizations each secured $1 million grants: Southern New Hampshire University’s Global Education Movement (providing university degree access to refugees across six countries), New American Cities (a Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service initiative), and Unlocking Skilled Migration Solutions for Refugees (connecting displaced workers with international employers). An additional $1.25 million from Tumblr founder David Karp and Samantha McManus will be distributed equally among all five finalist organizations.

Reshaping Refugee Support Through Local Leadership and Sustainable Solutions

The overarching vision extends beyond immediate financial relief. By positioning refugee-led organizations at the center of solution design, the initiative challenges conventional philanthropic models that often overlook the expertise of affected communities themselves. This approach aligns with broader efforts to address global challenges—from climate change impacts on vulnerable populations to long-term economic development—by empowering local actors to lead transformational change.

Diana Essex-Lettieri, Vice President and COO of Asylum Access, emphasized the significance: “RLOs are designing comprehensive solutions that secure rights and well-being within their communities. This funding enables scaling of these models and increases refugee representation in shaping solutions at every level—local, regional, and global.”

Operational Excellence and Continued Support

All award recipients will receive customized operational support from Rippleworks Foundation, co-founded by Chris Larsen, which connects social ventures with experienced executives to address critical challenges and strengthen organizational capacity.

Michael Anders, founding partner of ICONIQ Capital, reflected on the campaign’s success: “Two years ago, we envisioned bringing our network together to fund innovative solutions to pressing social problems. Exceeding our $12 million initial target demonstrates what becomes possible when passionate individuals align around shared purpose—and we’re committed to doing more.”

Lever for Change continues to invite additional philanthropists to join the effort, ensuring all five finalist organizations receive full funding to maximize their transformational potential. Interested donors are encouraged to connect with the organization to explore participation opportunities.