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Frequently Asked Questions

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Who can get involved?

Community Sponsorship Ireland is open to any group of
people who want to make a real difference in the lives of
refugee families. Your group could be formed by neighbours,
friends, members of a hobby or sports club, a faith community,
or an existing social or business group. Participation is
voluntary. Each group needs at least five members, including a
primary and secondary sponsor, and all members must be over
18 and legally living in Ireland.

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1800 753 343

info@communitysponsorship.ie

How long is the sponsorship commitment?

Sponsoring a family means helping them through the critical
first stages of their resettlement in Ireland, an 18-month
commitment.

During this time, groups will ensure the family receives all the
support they need to settle in the country and successfully
integrate into the community. Additionally, groups must
secure housing for at least two years.

Click to contact us

1800 753 343

info@communitysponsorship.ie

How do I get involved?
What is a Programme Refugee?

What to consider?

How can I set up a group?
How are families selected for Sponsorship?
What are the benefits of Community Sponsorship?
Can I choose a family to sponsor?
Can I join an existing Community Sponsorship Group?
What skills and competencies does a Community Sponsorship Group (CSG) need?
What are the responsibilities of a Community Sponsorship Group (CSG)?

Ready to register your interest?

Reach out to us with any questions, and we’ll be happy to assist. Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just
gathering information, we’re here to help. Our team can provide details on how the process works, the support
you’ll receive, and the meaningful impact you will make.

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Get involved today

We look forward to connecting with you!

Community Sponsorship Ireland is led by the Irish Red Cross and supported by the Irish Refugee Protection Programme in the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and funded by EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.

 

 

© 2025 Community Sponsorship Ireland

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How do I get involved?

If you want to learn more about Community Sponsorship Ireland and how you can sponsor a refugee family in your community, get in touch with us: 

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What is a Programme Refugee?

A Programme refugee is a person who has been invited to Ireland under a Government decision, in response to a humanitarian request.  Programme refugees are usually selected from a country of asylum and brought to a third country to permanently settle. 

Programme Refugees can avail of similar rights and entitlements to those of an Irish citizen. To date, Community Sponsorship Ireland has successfully welcomed Syrian and Afghan nationals.

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How can I set up a group?

The way to start is by reaching out to like-minded people in your own network. This could be neighbours, colleagues, alumni groups, industry contacts, or members of hobby groups, sports clubs, or faith communities. Invite them to join you on this meaningful journey.

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How are families selected for Sponsorship?

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) identifies suitable individuals/families and refers them to the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) for interview, selection and consent to resettle under the Community Sponsorship Ireland Programme.

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What are the benefits of Community Sponsorship?

Community Sponsorship Ireland benefits both refugee families and the communities where they settle.

Refugee families:

  • Directly move into a new home and welcoming community;
  • Receive wrap-around support from the Community Sponsorship Group members, including friendship, advice, introductions, and inclusion;
  • Receive immediate local knowledge;
  • Actively participate in society, learning cultural customs and traditions;
  • Immediately begin to learn the cost of living in Ireland;
  • Immediately begin to learn the English language.

 

Communities and Community Sponsorship Group Members:

  • Feel more connected within their community;
  • Satisfaction of sharing local knowledge;
  • Build new friendships and a sense of comradery in the community;
  • Cross-cultural learning – experiencing new foods, customs and religion;
  • Demonstrate humanitarianism to children and other generations;
  • Communities and the country benefit from educated and skilled professionals;
  • Added sense of purpose and fulfillment.
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Can I choose a family to sponsor?

Individuals and families invited to resettle in Ireland under the Community Sponsorship Programme will be identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and selected by the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP). Approved Community Sponsorship Groups will be matched to one of these individuals/families, taking into consideration the size of the accommodation sourced and amenities in the local area.

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Can I join an existing Community Sponsorship Group?

Groups can be created at any time and in any village or town in Ireland. If the timing and location work for you, we can help you join an existing group. However, we encourage you to start your own group if possible. The more Community Sponsorship Groups we create, the more families we can help bring to safety.

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What skills and competencies does a Community Sponsorship Group (CSG) need?

You don’t need any special skills to join a Community Sponsorship Group. If you live in Ireland, you already know how things work here and can share your knowledge of daily life and local customs. That’s enough to make a difference!

However, certain skills can help your group better support a refugee family as they settle in, such as:

  • Finance skills like budgeting or accounting
  • Knowledge of child safeguarding
  • Ability to act as, or access, interpreters (most often Arabic to English)
  • Teaching English
  • Experience in healthcare
  • Experience with local authorities or having helpful contacts
  • Ability to find employment or training opportunities for the refugee families
  • Knowledge of or connections to places of worship, cultural centers, and refugee support groups

Groups should also embrace the core values of the programme, which are:

  • Engagement
  • Enhancement
  • Protection
  • Partnership
  • Empowerment
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What are the responsibilities of a Community Sponsoship Group (CSG)?

Community Sponsorship Groups commit to supporting a refugee family for 18 months. From the first day, sponsors greet the family at the airport, bring them to their new home, and help them settle in. Sponsors will guide the family, offering their time and knowledge to make sure they adjust well to life in Ireland.

This includes helping them find jobs, training, access social services, enroll their children in school, and understand the local transport system and community resources.

In advance of the family’s arrival, Community Sponsorship Groups must:

  • Complete online training modules from the National Support Organisation and Tusla’s Children First certificate
  • Complete a Community Sponsorship Group Application Form and group constitution
  • Fundraise at least €10,000
  • Secure accommodation for at least two years
  • Complete a Settlement Plan & budget (detailing how you will support the family)
  • Complete a welcome pack for the family

The National Support Organisation suggests assigning clear roles to each group member to cover all areas of the family’s integration. Below is a list of recommended roles for the group:

  • Primary Sponsor
  • Secondary Sponsor
  • Housing Coordinator, and Property Manager
  • Accounts Coordinator
  • Communications Coordinator
  • Language Coordinator, and Interpreter
  • Fundraising Coordinator
  • Educations & Employment Coordinator
  • Health & Welfare Coordinator, Appointment Accompaniment, and Cultural/Social Coordinator

Throughout their journey, Community Sponsorship Groups will receive support, advice and training from the National Support Organisation (comprising of the Irish Red Cross, Irish Refugee Council, Doras and Nasc).

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