Rainbow Refugee Society

What Rainbow Refugee Society does

Rainbow Refugee Society is a registered Canadian charity founded in 2000 and headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. The organization provides peer-led direct support, refugee claim navigation, and private resettlement sponsorship for LGBTQIA+ individuals and people living with HIV fleeing persecution related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics (SOGIESC), or HIV status. Its core programs include the Time to Thrive Program (emotional and practical support for refugee claimants, GARs, and PSRs in BC), the Inland Program (one-on-one and group-based case navigation for those making refugee claims within BC), and the Sponsorship Program (private resettlement through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership, or RRAP). Since 2021, the organization has supported over 1,200 LGBTQIA+ refugees in BC and maintains contact with 500+ individuals overseas awaiting resettlement through 30+ active Circles of Hope community sponsorship groups.

The organization's business model is donation- and grant-based rather than revenue-generating. Funding streams include government grants from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) via RRAP, the City of Vancouver, and the Foundation of Hope; individual monthly and one-time donations; corporate and institutional donations from organizations including Vancity Credit Union, the Canadian Red Cross, and YVR Airport; and Circle of Hope community fundraising, with each sponsorship group typically raising $18,000-$22,000 per supported individual. All services are provided free of charge. The organization has co-developed IRB Guideline 9 with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada and co-designed the RRAP program with IRCC, positioning it as a policy-influencing actor in Canadian refugee adjudication. It also co-leads the From Borders to Belonging national coalition and operates with 14-15 full-time staff plus approximately 3,409 volunteer hours annually. Geographic reach is primarily British Columbia for direct services, Canada-wide for sponsorship, and international (65+ countries) for resettlement intake and advocacy.

Name

Rainbow Refugee Society

Legal name

Rainbow Refugee Society

Website

https://rainbowrefugee.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Rainbow Refugee Society is a Vancouver-based Canadian charity providing peer-led support, refugee claim navigation, and private resettlement sponsorship for LGBTQIA+ refugees and people living with HIV fleeing persecution.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Refugee and Immigrant Social Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Social Assistance (624), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Refugee & Immigrant Support Services (BPAGAEAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Integration & Inclusion Services (Housing, Education, Employment) (BPADAHAI), Immigrant & Refugee Rights Advocacy (BPAGAFAG), Refugee & Migrant Integration Enterprises (Livelihoods, Services) (BPAGALAN), Refugee Reception & Registration (BPADAHAA), Refugee & Humanitarian Newcomer Orientation (Resettlement Support) (EDAAADAI)

Keywords

• Refugee support services
• LGBTQIA+ resettlement
• Community sponsorship
• Private refugee sponsorship
• Peer support programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Vancouver

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Grants: Rainbow Refugee receives grant-based funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership (RRAP), as well as grants from City of Vancouver, Foundation of Hope, and other government sources.
2. Individual Donations: Community donations from individuals including monthly donors and LGBTQIA+ allies across Canada. Monthly giving program provides stable, reliable funding. Donations are tax-deductible through registered charity status.
3. Corporate and Institutional Donations: Funding from organizations including Vancity Credit Union, Canadian Red Cross, YVR Airport, and private donors. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities for businesses.
4. Circle of Hope Fundraising: Community-led sponsorship groups fundraise to support LGBTQIA+ refugees through the first year of resettlement. Circles typically raise $18,000-$22,000 per sponsored individual.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Rainbow Refugee Society provides free, community-led support services for LGBTQIA+ refugees and people living with HIV in Canada, centered on three program streams: the Inland Program (in-Canada refugee claim support), the Time to Thrive Program (emotional, practical, and peer-based support for claimants and protected persons), and the Sponsorship Program (Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership/RRAP and Circles of Hope for overseas refugees). All services are delivered at no cost and supplemented by education, training, advocacy, and a national coalition.

Product overview

Rainbow Refugee Society offers a comprehensive suite of community-based support services for LGBTQIA+ refugees and newcomers, organized around three interconnected program streams: (1) Direct Support Services comprising the Time to Thrive Program, Inland Program, and Walk-in/Drop-in Sessions that provide peer support, case navigation, and referrals for claimants already in Canada; (2) Sponsorship Services including the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership (RRAP) and Circle of Hope sponsorship groups that enable private resettlement for LGBTQIA+ refugees abroad; and (3) Advocacy and Education Services including From Borders to Belonging coalition, Education and Training workshops, and Advocacy and Research initiatives. The organization operates primarily in British Columbia with national impact through its coalition work and RRAP partnership with IRCC.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Time to Thrive Program: Emotional, practical, and peer-based support program for LGBTQIA+ refugee claimants, GARs and PSRs in BC
• Inland Program
• Sponsorship Program
• From Borders to Belonging
• Education and Training

Quantifiable outcome

• Supported over 1,200 LGBTQIA+ refugees in BC since 2021
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIRCC partners with Rainbow Refugee through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership (RRAP), a national program where Rainbow Refugee helps design and implement LGBTQIA+-focused resettlement. IRCC provides funding and allocated 61-71 RRAP spots nationally per year (2021-2023).
• City of VancouversupportingOthersCity of Vancouver provides grant-based funding to support Rainbow Refugee programs and services.
• Canadian Red CrosssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCanadian Red Cross collaborates with Rainbow Refugee on refugee support and resettlement initiatives.
• MOSAIC BCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOSAIC provides settlement services through their iBelong Program for LGBTQIA+ newcomers. Rainbow Refugee refers members for settlement support and collaborates on service delivery.
• ISS of BCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISS of BC provides housing support, legal referrals, and orientation services. Rainbow Refugee collaborates on supporting LGBTQIA+ refugees with housing and legal navigation.
• QmunitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQmunity is BC's provincial LGBTQIA+ community center. Rainbow Refugee held early programs at Qmunity and continues collaboration on programs, events, and peer-led support.
• REACH Community Health CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerREACH provides trauma-informed primary healthcare with services for newcomers. Rainbow Refugee refers members for gender-affirming care and health services.
• Health Initiative for Men (HIM)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIM provides culturally relevant sexual health, mental health, and community wellness services for gay, bi, trans, Two-Spirit, and queer men. Rainbow Refugee connects members to these services.
• Trans Care BCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrans Care BC is a provincial program improving access to gender-affirming care and supports. Rainbow Refugee refers members for gender-affirming healthcare services.
• Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerVAST provides specialized mental health support and counselling for refugee claimants who have experienced trauma. Rainbow Refugee refers members for trauma-informed mental health services.
• Coast Mental HealthsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoast Mental Health provides mental health outreach, housing, and recovery support. Rainbow Refugee refers members for mental health and housing support services.
• Rainbow RailroadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRainbow Railroad is an international organization providing emergency relocation support to LGBTQIA+ individuals facing persecution. Rainbow Refugee refers individuals in immediate danger and collaborates on advocacy.
• From Borders to Belonging CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational coalition co-led by Rainbow Refugee bringing together LGBTQIA+ refugee-led groups, legal advocates, frontline organizations, and researchers to address systemic barriers. Documents experiences and advocates for policy change.
• Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRSTP provides sponsor training and tools. Rainbow Refugee uses RSTP resources for Circle of Hope training and collaborates on sponsor education.
• Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCR is a national advocacy and refugee rights coalition. Rainbow Refugee participates in CCR networks and collaborative advocacy efforts for refugee rights.
• Dignity Network CanadasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDignity Network Canada advances global LGBTQIA+ rights through Canadian leadership. Rainbow Refugee collaborates on international advocacy efforts.
• End of the Rainbow Foundation (Calgary)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlberta-based organization providing housing, settlement support, and community programming for LGBTQIA+ refugees. Regional partner in Calgary.
• OCASIsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOntario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants. Rainbow Refugee collaborates on Ontario-based initiatives through the From Borders to Belonging Coalition.
• Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC Toronto)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMCC Toronto provides LGBTQIA+ refugee sponsorship and support. Regional partner in Ontario.
• The 519 (Toronto)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe 519 offers the 'Among Friends' program for LGBTQIA+ refugee claimants in Toronto. Regional partner in Ontario.
• Capital Rainbow Refuge (Ottawa)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHub for LGBTQI+ newcomers and refugees in Ottawa. Regional partner providing local support and first RRAP sponsorship was through Ottawa Circle of Hope.
• AGIR MontrealsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAGIR provides support and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ migrants and refugees in Montreal. Regional partner in Quebec.
• Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia (RRANS)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRRANS provides sponsorship and support for LGBTQIA+ refugees in Nova Scotia. Rainbow Refugee co-chairs From Borders to Belonging Coalition with RRANS.
• Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia (RRANS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-chaired national coalition bringing together LGBTQIA+ refugee-led groups, legal advocates, frontline organizations, and researchers. Regional partner providing sponsorship and newcomer support in Nova Scotia.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Rainbow Railroad: International organization providing emergency relocation and safety pathways for LGBTQIA+ individuals facing persecution. Directly comparable mission and beneficiary population, but operates with global scope and focuses on emergency relocation rather than settlement support — Rainbow Refugee refers individuals in immediate danger to Rainbow Railroad.
• End of the Rainbow Foundation (Calgary): Alberta-based organization providing housing, settlement support, and community programming for LGBTQIA+ refugees. Directly comparable mission and services; listed as Rainbow Refurgee's regional partner in Calgary.
• Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia (RRANS): Nova Scotia-based organization providing sponsorship and support for LGBTQIA+ refugees. Directly comparable mission and services; co-chairs the national From Borders to Belonging Coalition with Rainbow Refugee.
• Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC Toronto): Toronto-based organization providing LGBTQIA+ refugee sponsorship and support. Directly comparable mission; identified as Rainbow Refurgee's regional partner in Ontario, with overlapping program model.
• Mosaic BC: BC-based immigrant-serving agency operating the iBelong Program for LGBTQIA+ newcomers. Directly comparable services for overlapping beneficiary population; identified as a core settlement partner of Rainbow Refugee.
• Capital Rainbow Refuge (Ottawa): Ottawa-based hub for LGBTQIA+ newcomers and refugees providing sponsorship and settlement support. Directly comparable mission and services; identified as a regional partner, with the first RRAP sponsorship completed through an Ottawa Circle of Hope.
• AGIR Montreal: Quebec-based organization providing support and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ migrants and refugees in Montreal. Directly comparable mission and beneficiary population; identified as a regional partner of Rainbow Refugee in Quebec.

Broad incumbents

• HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society): International refugee resettlement organization serving persecuted populations including LGBTQIA+ individuals. Operates a much broader refugee resettlement mandate across many populations and geographies, but is comparable as a peer operating in LGBTQIA+ refugee resettlement at scale.

Emerging players

• ORAM (Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration): International organization focused on LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers through policy advocacy and capacity building. Comparable beneficiary focus on LGBTQIA+ refugees, but with global rather than Canadian geographic scope, and more emphasis on policy/advocacy rather than direct resettlement.
• The 519 (Toronto): Toronto LGBTQIA+ community center operating the 'Among Friends' program for LGBTQIA+ refugee claimants. Comparable beneficiary population and partial service overlap (claimant support), but offers a broader portfolio of LGBTQIA+ community services rather than refugee-specific specialization.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@rainbowrefugeesociety
• Facebookfacebook.com/RainbowRefugee
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rainbow-refugee-society
• Instagraminstagram.com/rainbowrefugeecanada

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rainbow Refugee Society