We have a distinct approach. We develop innovative programs, demonstrate that they work, and then scale them. This is how we drive large-scale change.
First, we identify gaps in humanitarian response and then assess opportunities to build new programs to address them. We then create innovative programs in partnership with refugees that lead to lasting solutions for them. Next, we test and evaluate these programs to ensure they are effective. Finally, once we have confidence in our programs, we scale them to reach refugees around the world. We do this by training partners, building coalitions, and influencing policy and practice to drive systems change.
Elements of our approach include:
Focus on
long-term solutions
We take aim at the biggest challenge facing refugee response and one of the biggest questions of our time. It is not, “how can we feed and shelter more refugees longer?” but rather, “what are the long-term solutions that will enable refugees to lead healthy, dignified lives and become contributing members of society again?” In other words, we deal with the solutions side of refugee response rather than the burgeoning emergency assistance side.
Innovation
RefugePoint is an innovator in the refugee response field, continually identifying critical weaknesses and developing solutions to strengthen the systems that refugees’ lives depend on.
Private Funding
Our ability to see and act on the big picture is in direct proportion to the private funding we receive, which keeps us independent and able to expansively assess gaps in the field across traditional silos and contractual restrictions. It enables us to convene rather than compete with our partners and create a platform where others can join in a space of thought leadership and systems innovation.
Collaboration and
resource sharing
We believe that generosity and resource-sharing are necessary for addressing complex challenges. As a result, we actively work to connect refugee service providers and major philanthropic groups to build capacity and cross-sector approaches. Rather than increasing our “market share,” our goal is to increase the overall resources available to the refugee response field at large.
Civil society engagement
We are proud to be a champion of the NGO sector and to have established new precedents for ways in which NGOs can meaningfully engage with governments and the UN around refugee protection and assistance.
Insider/Outsider
We have staff working both inside and outside of “the system,” allowing us to improve the system from within while also giving us the critical distance to see where more improvement is needed. It has been said that we are “insider enough to get vital information and outsider enough to act on it.”