What's Happening?
USA for UNHCR has initiated a multi-year campaign called Building Better Futures, aimed at expanding access to higher education for refugee women and girls. The campaign, co-created by an advisory task force of eight women leaders globally, seeks to raise
$15 million by 2028 to support 1,000 refugee scholars through the DAFI Scholarship Program. This program is the largest and longest-running higher education initiative for refugees. The campaign has already secured $3.1 million in lead gifts, including $1.1 million from the ERANDA Rothschild Foundation, which will cover four years of tuition, housing, and essentials for 80 refugee women.
Why It's Important?
The campaign represents a shift in fundraising strategies, focusing on relationship-driven and collaborative approaches rather than traditional transactional methods. This approach aligns with the preferences of women donors, who make 85% of philanthropic decisions and are set to inherit 70% of the world's wealth. By emphasizing impact over financial goals, the campaign aims to foster deeper relationships with donors and secure more substantial funding. The initiative not only supports refugee women but also highlights the evolving landscape of philanthropy, where women are increasingly influential.
What's Next?
The Building Better Futures campaign will continue to seek additional funding and expand its network of women philanthropists, advocates, and leaders. The focus will remain on creating sustained impact and supporting refugee women in achieving their educational goals. As the campaign progresses, it will aim to address the declining number of scholarships available and ensure that more refugee women can access higher education.
Beyond the Headlines
The campaign underscores the importance of adapting fundraising models to better engage women donors, who prefer collective giving and impact-driven approaches. This shift could lead to more successful fundraising efforts and deeper connections with donors, ultimately benefiting a broader range of philanthropic causes.
