The Breakthrough Prize Foundation has announced a new commitment to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This non-profit organization provides essential aid to people who are facing conflict and disaster. Thanks to the IRC’s efforts, millions of refugees have regained their agency, safety, and economic stability. Now, the organization will receive a multi-year donation from Yuri Milner’s Tech For Refugees to support its Signpost platform.
Launched in 2022, Tech For Refugees promotes technology-enabled humanitarian aid The initiative receives funding from Julia and Yuri Milner’s Breakthrough Foundation. The couple established this Foundation in 2012 after making their Giving Pledge — a promise to donate large sums to scientific, philanthropic causes.
How The Breakthrough Prize Foundation Funds Tech For Refugees
Yuri Milner is an Israeli billionaire, tech investor, and Giving Pledge signatory. He and his wife Julia joined the Giving Pledge over 10 years ago. In doing so, the Milners vowed to donate most of their wealth to charitable causes during their combined lifetime or through their wills.
The couple founded the Breakthrough Prize Foundation in line with their Giving Pledge commitment. The Foundation funds the Milners’ philanthropic endeavors, which primarily center on science and technology. These endeavors include the Breakthrough Prize, the Breakthrough Initiatives, and Tech For Refugees.
Tech For Refugees collaborates with tech partners like Welcome.US, Airbnb.org, Flexport.org, and Spotify. These organizations then provide essential resources like provisions, shelter, and comfort to refugees.
Founded in May 2022, Tech For Refugees has brought aid to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. At first, the initiative concentrated its efforts on the crisis in Ukraine.
From October 2022, Tech For Refugees expanded its efforts to address refugee crises in other regions. Its diverse programs currently focus on crises related to Ukraine, Pakistan, and the Horn of Africa.
The IRC’s Signpost Project
The Breakthrough Prize Foundation disclosed new plans for a three-year contribution to the IRC in February 2023. This donation, via Tech For Refugees, will support the growth of the IRC’s Signpost project.
Signpost is the first-ever scalable, community-based information platform. The IRC and Mercy Corps launched the project in 2015. Signpost helps people access practical, reliable information to make life-saving decisions during crises.
In particular, the project provides quick, dependable access to hyper-localized information. Each Signpost program suits the contexts and languages of its users. Signpost’s teams use location-specific digital channels to spread regularly updated information. This information includes articles, videos, infographics, and a map of pertinent local services.
The project’s liaisons also offer individualized assistance to people in need. Signpost users receive advice on temporary housing, educational services, legal issues, and more.
With Tech For Refugees’ new multi-year commitment, the IRC can continue to broaden the scope of its Signpost project. The main targets of Signpost’s expansion are previously unreached areas in Africa, Asia Pacific, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Rebuilding Lives With Innovative Ideas
Yuri Milner and his wife Julia were moved to action by the difficulties refugees are facing. He believes that the scale of the global refugee crisis demands “innovative ideas.”
“Tech For Refugees is honored to collaborate with the IRC,” Yuri Milner said. He added that these “sophisticated technological tools” can support millions as they “try to rebuild their lives.”
Become A Tech For Refugees Partner
Tech For Refugees is seeking more technology partners to enhance the diversity, efficiency, and reach of its operations. These partners should have the capability to contribute to global efforts to help refugees.
Tech companies and non-profits in a position to help should consider becoming a partner.
Learn more about Tech For Refugees’ tech partners.