Tech For Refugees is a charitable initiative that funds humanitarian programs that use technology to support refugees. Founded by Julia and Yuri Milner in 2022, the non-profit initially sought to make a difference in the lives of Ukrainian refugees. Tech For Refugees now supports programs around the world, including in Turkey and Pakistan.
Here are five non-profit organizations that have partnered with Tech For Refugees:
1. Airbnb.org
Airbnb.org facilitates temporary stays for people in times of crisis. Operating independently from Airbnb, Inc., the organization leverages the company’s services, technology, and other resources.
In 2022, Tech For Refugees supported Airbnb.org’s mission to offer free, short-term housing to up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. Airbnb.org accomplished its goal later that year, with more than 33,000 Airbnb Hosts taking part.
2. Flexport.org
Flexport.org is the impact branch of Flexport, a supply chain logistics platform. The organization streamlines logistics to maximize social and environmental impact. It works with trusted aid agencies to deliver relief supplies and helps organizations achieve their sustainability goals more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Tech For Refugees has awarded Flexport.org several grants since their partnership began in April 2022. Since then, these grants have funded over 440 shipments, helping over seven million people in 20 countries.
3. Welcome.US
Welcome.US unites, inspires, and empowers U.S. citizens to support newcomers who require sponsorship to their country. The organization initially focused on helping Afghan refugees who relocated to the U.S. after the fall of Kabul in 2021.
Support from Tech For Refugees and other partners helped Welcome.US develop and launch Welcome Connect. The platform allows U.S. citizens to match and chat with potential sponsorship beneficiaries. Tech For Refugees recently announced a new grant to help scale Welcome Connect further.
4. The International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people survive, recover, and rebuild their lives following conflict and disaster. Working in more than 40 countries, the IRC brings vital aid at the onset of crisis and helps refugees integrate into their new communities.
Tech For Refugees has supported the IRC’s work since early 2023. So far, funding from Tech For Refugees has:
- Enabled the IRC to expand Signpost, an award-winning, community-driven information platform.
- Helped the IRC develop aprendIA, an artificial intelligence-powered educational chatbot.
- Allowed the IRC to access Uber credits to address the transport needs of its staff and clients.
5. UNICEF USA
UNICEF USA supports the United Nations Children’s Fund, working to provide the world’s children with the essential supplies and assistance they need. UNICEF has helped save and significantly improve the lives of more children than any other humanitarian organization.
Tech For Refugees partnered with UNICEF USA in June 2023 to support education for Ukrainian students. UNICEF collaborates with local authorities and communities across the country to make learning safe and accessible for all children.
About Julia and Yuri Milner
Julia and Yuri Milner created Tech For Refugees after seeing the suffering of families displaced from Ukraine due to the Russian invasion. Committed to philanthropy, the couple has signed Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Melinda French Gates’ Giving Pledge.
The Milners co-founded the Breakthrough Foundation, which supports Tech For Refugees and other key initiatives, such as:
- The Breakthrough Prize. Co-founded by the Milners, Mark Zuckerberg, Priscilla Chan, Anne Wojcicki, and Sergey Brin, the Breakthrough Prize is the world’s most lucrative science award. Prizes of $3 million go to researchers for breakthroughs in physics, math, and life sciences.
- The Breakthrough Junior Challenge. This annual, global competition invites high school students to create and submit videos that illuminate complicated concepts in math and science. Winners receive a post-secondary scholarship, a cash prize for their teacher, and a new science lab for their school.
- The Breakthrough Initiatives. These space science programs are advancing the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and our understanding of the Universe.
Yuri Milner is also the author of Eureka Manifesto: The Mission for Our Civilization. This short book explores humanity’s future and our place in the cosmos.
