The Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) invites applications for the FY 2025 Welcome Corps and Welcome Corps on Campus programs. These initiatives aim to develop, implement, and manage the infrastructure for private sponsorship programs supporting refugee resettlement in the United States. The total estimated program funding and number of awards have not been disclosed, but individual awards will range from $1,000,000 to $15,000,000.

The Welcome Corps programs encourage private U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to directly engage in refugee sponsorship, fostering community involvement. The infrastructure for these programs will include six key operational components, as well as two specialized sub-programs: Welcome Corps at Work, focusing on employment arrangements, and Welcome Corps on Campus, supporting higher education opportunities for refugees. These efforts complement PRM’s existing Reception and Placement Program.

Eligible applicants include U.S. and international nonprofits, whether or not they have 501(c)(3) status, as well as international multilateral organizations like United Nations agencies. Multilateral organizations must contact the PRM NOFO Inquiries mailbox before submitting proposals. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for this opportunity.

Applications are due by December 20, 2024, and must be submitted via Grants.gov unless otherwise directed. Organizations interested in implementing the Welcome Corps program should prepare proposals addressing the infrastructure development and operational requirements outlined in the funding opportunity. Further information can be found on the State Department’s website or by contacting PRM-Admissions-NOFO-Inquiries@state.gov.

This initiative seeks to expand opportunities for community engagement in refugee resettlement, leveraging private sponsorship to enhance support systems for refugees entering the U.S.