Create a Circle of Belonging
Since 2021, sponsor circles have formed to welcome Afghans, Ukrainians, and others seeking safety. Now, many refugees who recently arrived in the U.S. need community support. We are currently accepting applications from sponsor circles to welcome Afghan allies and refugees who have already been lawfully resettled to the United States.
Sponsor Circles have access to resources like:
Information and application support, including an overview of the different processes for U.S. government and the Sponsor Circle Program
Sponsorship training
Resources for every step of your sponsor journey from arrival to transition
Ongoing guidance from resettlement experts
Ready to apply?
START HERE:
Did you apply to the Welcome Corps and was your application certified?
If you previously applied to the Welcome Corps and your application was certified before the program was suspended, you can apply today through the accelerated Sponsor Circle Program application.
Certified Welcome Corps applications would have been fully reviewed and approved before January 21, 2025. Your group coordinator would have received an email with the subject line: Congratulations! [Your Sponsor Group Name] is Certified.
If you are a Welcome Corps sponsor who is currently welcoming a refugee individual or family, you can sign up for sponsor support here.
If you are starting a new application or your group was not yet certified through the Welcome Corps, complete the next steps below to start welcoming. Applications open Monday, February 24.
Please note: sponsor circles are matched with newcomers who have already arrived and are in need of support. If you applied to sponsor someone you know through the Welcome Corps, you cannot apply to welcome them through the Sponsor Circle Program.
Prepare your application
-
1. Form a circle.
Find 4 friends in or near the welcoming community who are 18 years of age or older to join you in forming your circle.
All circle members must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (“Green Card holders”).
-
2. Complete background checks.
Every member of your sponsor circle must complete and pass a background check through Sterling Volunteers. Use the link below or the GOOD DEED code “cshub1r” to submit your background check to the Sponsor Circle Program.
-
3. Take the training.
At least one member of your sponsor circle must complete the required Sponsor Circle Program training. This half-day course is self-paced and prepares your group to welcome, introduces benefits and services available to refugees and newcomers, and helps you navigate topics like group dynamics, cultural orientation, and finding housing and employment.
-
4. Make a plan.
Research resources in your community to fill out Chapter 1 of the Welcome Plan and Journey Guide. You will upload this as part of your application. This plan will prepare you to sponsor and serve as a guide throughout your sponsorship journey.
-
5. Fundraise.
Sponsor circles raise a minimum $2,425 per newcomer to help with basic needs during the 90-day sponsorship period. Consider the family size your circle intends to welcome (minimum of 1 person up to 10 family members). At least 60% ($1,455 per newcomer) must be raised by the time you apply.
-
6. Apply!
Congratulations, your group is ready to apply! Gather the materials you’ve completed and prepare to answer a few key questions about your group. The application is completed online in a single session and typically takes 30 minutes.