Welcoming America

What Welcoming America does

Welcoming America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee, now headquartered in Decatur, Georgia, that operates a national network of local governments and nonprofit organizations working to build inclusive communities for immigrants and refugees. The organization runs a portfolio of integrated programs anchored by the Welcoming Network (approximately 256-300 member organizations), with flagship offerings including Certified Welcoming (a city/county designation program now covering 44 communities and 18.1 million residents), Building Towards Belonging (leadership training), Gateways for Growth (research and technical assistance in partnership with the American Immigration Council, supporting 76+ localities across 37 states since 2016), the Rural Welcoming Initiative, the Welcoming Economies Program (with Global Detroit), Welcoming International (650+ localities globally), and Welcoming Week (an annual celebration generating 2,000+ events across 8 countries).

The organization's technology footprint is non-existent by design — its core technology field is explicitly "Not applicable" — and its value is delivered through frameworks (the Welcoming Standard), training curricula, coaching, peer-learning convenings, and the biennial Welcoming Interactive conference (which drew nearly 900 attendees in 2025). The underlying "platform" is essentially the curated member network and the standards-based certification process rather than a software product.

The business model is a multi-stream nonprofit funding structure: individual and corporate donations, tiered annual membership dues ($500-$5,000/year scaled to member budget or population), foundation grants (including Ad Council partnership support), conference sponsorship and registration revenue from the biennial event, and merchandise sales. Go-to-market is community-led and network-driven, with adoption propagating through peer recruitment, member testimonials, and regional engagement. The organization serves local governments (cities, counties, states) and nonprofits as primary customer segments, with secondary segments in rural communities and refugee service organizations.

Name

Welcoming America

Legal name

Welcoming America

Website

https://welcomingamerica.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Welcoming America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates the Welcoming Network of approximately 256-300 local governments and nonprofits, delivering frameworks, training, and the Certified Welcoming designation program to advance immigrant inclusion and community belonging across the U.S. and internationally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Inclusion and Immigrant Integration Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (8134), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Refugee & Humanitarian Newcomer Orientation (Resettlement Support) (EDAAADAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Inclusive Education (Disability, Gender Equity, Marginalized Learners) (BPADAKAI)

Keywords

• Immigrant integration programs
• Community inclusion services
• Membership network services
• Nonprofit capacity building
• Diversity training programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Decatur

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual and corporate donations form the primary revenue source. Welcoming America accepts online donations, gifts by mail, and stock gifts.
2. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues from nonprofit organizations and local government members based on budget size or population.
3. Conference and Event Revenue: Sponsorship fees and registration revenue from the biennial Welcoming Interactive conference and related events.
4. Merchandise Sales: Revenue from the online store selling Welcoming America branded merchandise and swag.
5. Foundation Grants: Grants from foundations and institutional donors, including partnerships with organizations like the Ad Council for specific campaigns.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Welcoming America operates a membership network of approximately 300 nonprofit organizations and local governments, providing coaching, training, toolkits, and peer learning to help communities build inclusive environments for immigrants and all residents. It also offers the Certified Welcoming designation program, the Welcoming Standard framework, specialized initiatives for rural communities and refugees, the Welcoming Economies program, the annual Welcoming Week celebration, and the biennial Welcoming Interactive conference. Revenue is generated through tiered membership dues, donations, foundation grants, conference sponsorships and registrations, and merchandise sales.

Product overview

Welcoming America operates a multi-initiative nonprofit portfolio organized around the Welcoming Network as its core member platform. The network provides approximately 300 member organizations with coaching, training, and resources. Key programs include Certified Welcoming (a city/county designation program), Building Towards Belonging (leadership training), Gateways for Growth (technical assistance), Rural Welcoming Initiative, Welcoming Economies Program, Welcoming International (global coalition), Welcoming Refugees resources, and Welcoming Week (annual celebration). The organization also hosts the biennial Welcoming Interactive conference and maintains a News & Resources Library with toolkits, webinars, and case studies. The portfolio functions as an integrated ecosystem where members join the Welcoming Network, progress through Certified Welcoming designation, and access all specialized initiatives and resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Welcoming Network Membership network of approximately 300 nonprofit organizations and local governments working to build inclusive and welcoming communities in the United States. Members receive coaching, strategy sessions, exclusive resources, webinars, tailored programs, professional development, and access to the Certified Welcoming program; dues are tiered by organizational budget (nonprofits) or population size (local governments).
• Certified Welcoming Formal designation program for cities and counties that have created policies and programs reflecting their commitment to immigrant inclusion, with a multi-star rating (1–5 stars) and assessment across civic, social, and economic life areas. As of 2026, 44 cities and counties are Certified Welcoming, covering 18.1 million residents.
• Building Towards Belonging Leadership training program offering Belonging 101 training, learning labs, the Fostering Belonging series, the Cultivating Contact guide, and the Taste of Belonging cookbook to equip community leaders with belonging-building tools.
• Gateways for Growth Competitive opportunity program, run in partnership with the American Immigration Council, that provides customized quantitative research reports on immigration and economic development plus on-the-ground technical assistance to localities developing comprehensive immigrant integration strategies. Has supported more than 76 localities across 37 states since 2016.
• Rural Welcoming Initiative Program offering technical assistance, coaching, complimentary Welcoming Network membership, peer learning opportunities, rural gatherings, and travel support to rural communities committed to building inclusive environments aligned to the Welcoming Standard.
• Welcoming Economies Program Program providing skill-building resources, expert discussions, and tailored coaching for community leaders to advance local economic inclusion of immigrants and refugees, conducted in partnership with Global Detroit. Includes the Welcoming Economies webinar series.
• Welcoming Interactive Conference Biennial conference highlighting successful practices, programs, policies, and partnerships in immigrant inclusion, with sponsorships and paid registration; nearly 900 attendees participated in 2025 and the next event is scheduled for May 11–13, 2027 in Denver, Colorado.
• Welcoming International Coalition of initiatives advancing inclusion and belonging in localities worldwide, supporting civil society and government institutions working on local-level inclusion; the Welcoming International Alliance includes 650+ localities globally.
• Welcoming Week Annual September celebration bringing together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places, with 2,000+ events held in 8 countries. The 2026 celebration runs September 10–19.

Quantifiable outcome

• 44 cities and counties are Certified Welcoming, covering 18.1 million residents
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, secondary, supporting and minor.

• American Immigration CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016In partnership with the American Immigration Council (formerly New American Economy), Welcoming America administers the Gateways for Growth Challenge - a competitive opportunity for localities to receive research support and technical assistance. Since 2016, the program has supported more than 76 localities across 37 states. The partnership provides customized quantitative research reports on immigration and economic development, as well as on-the-ground technical assistance in developing comprehensive immigrant integration strategies.
• Global DetroitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with Global Detroit (over a decade) to support economic development opportunities for immigrants and refugees through the Welcoming Economies program. Together they provide skill-building resources, expert discussions, and tailored coaching for community leaders on local economic inclusion initiatives. Global Detroit's E-Pluribus program collaborates on webinar series for 2025 and 2026.
• Ad CouncilmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWelcoming America supports Belonging Begins With Us, a national campaign developed by the Ad Council and supported by a broad coalition of organizations. The campaign is dedicated to fostering a more welcoming nation where everyone can feel they belong regardless of background. Welcoming America and the American Immigration Council are key coalition partners.
• Lightbox CollectivesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Lightbox Collective to develop the Reframing Refugees messaging toolkit - a communications resource for individuals working in organizations that serve refugees. The toolkit provides tips and recommendations for delivering messages that encourage leaders to act in support of refugees in their communities.
• International Rescue Committee (IRC)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerWelcoming America collaborated with the International Rescue Committee and 12 key stakeholders - practitioners, policymakers, and funders - on a year-long dialogue about increasing equity within career pathway programs, resulting in Career Pathways & Equity: Policy Recommendations.
• Corporate PartnerssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partners and economic development agencies partner with Welcoming America to support welcoming communities. These partners include local financial institutions, Main Street entrepreneurs, and larger employers who contribute to building prosperous futures and stronger communities.
• Public Sector PartnerssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPublic sector partners including mayors, county executives, governors, police chiefs, school board members, and other local and state elected officials across the political spectrum work with Welcoming America to advance welcoming policies and practices.
• Faith-based PartnerssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerFaith-based partners from all faiths collaborate with Welcoming America on welcoming initiatives, contributing to the broad community support that builds prosperous futures and stronger communities.
• Rural AssemblysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Rural Assembly to support rural welcoming leadership. Collaborated on a 5-part podcast miniseries called 'Rural Remix: Routes to Roots' to tell the stories of rural community leaders.
• Students RebuildminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWelcoming America participates in the Welcoming Refugees project as part of Students Rebuild, a program that invites students to learn about the world and empathize with others through art.
• Peace and Security Funders GroupsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAlexandra Toma from the Peace and Security Funders Group serves on the Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance and connections to the broader philanthropy community.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Catholic Charities USA: National network of Catholic Charities agencies providing social services including immigrant integration and refugee resettlement. Many local Catholic Charities agencies (e.g., Catholic Charities of Louisville) are Welcoming America network members, creating direct overlap in service delivery and member base.
• International Rescue Committee (IRC): Large humanitarian nonprofit serving refugees and displaced people globally. IRC collaborates with Welcoming America on career pathways policy and operates refugee resettlement programs that overlap with Welcoming America's Welcoming Refugees initiative. Broader scope but overlapping audience.
• UnidosUS (formerly NCLR): Largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization. Shares Welcoming America's audience of immigrant-serving nonprofits and local affiliates, with overlapping funder base and policy advocacy on immigrant integration at scale.

Emerging players

• New Americans Campaign: Coalition focused on increasing naturalization rates among eligible immigrants. Smaller-scope peer working with local governments and nonprofits on immigrant civic participation, sharing audience but emphasizing citizenship over broader integration.
• CLINIC (Catholic Legal Immigration Network): National network of nonprofit immigration legal services providers. Overlapping nonprofit member base with Welcoming America, particularly around refugee and immigrant legal services, though focused on legal representation rather than community integration frameworks.

Direct peers

• National Immigration Forum: National nonprofit advocacy organization promoting immigrant integration through policy, communications, and network-building. Directly comparable to Welcoming America in mission, member-driven model, and policy advocacy focus on creating welcoming communities.
• Refugee Council USA: Coalition of 30+ U.S. NGOs focused on refugee protection and resettlement. Overlapping member organizations (including Welcoming America's Welcoming Refugees initiative audience) and shared foundation funders; both build networks among refugee-serving organizations.
• Global Detroit: Regional nonprofit focused on immigrant economic inclusion in Detroit. Welcoming America's named partner on the Welcoming Economies program and Global Detroit's Managing Director sits on Welcoming America's board — closest peer at the city-level economic integration niche.
• American Immigration Council: National nonprofit that produces policy research, litigation, and education on immigration. Welcoming America's named partner on Gateways for Growth — they share an overlapping member base of local governments and corporate partners and compete for similar foundation dollars.
• Migration Policy Institute (MPI): Think tank producing research and analysis on immigration and integration policy. Provides research support that local governments and nonprofits use to inform welcoming strategies — a complementary rather than competing offering but with similar funder base and policy audience.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/welcomingusa
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@WelcomingAmerica
• Facebookfacebook.com/welcomingamerica
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/welcoming-america
• Instagraminstagram.com/welcomingusa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Welcoming America