BVOR Training & Events
Welcome to your sponsorship journey! REQUEST A TRAINING SESSION
If you are new to refugee sponsorship, we highly encourage you to follow the recommended training steps below to participate in the BVOR Sponsorship Program.
This type of community sponsorship is for folks who want to provide support to refugees globally, but do not currently know anyone to sponsor. This unique program matches potential sponsors with refugees who have already been accepted for resettlement to Canada. *
Please note, refugees cannot be referred to the BVOR program. The selection is done by the UN Refugee Agency and the Federal Government of Canada (IRCC).
1. Get Started! BVOR Workshops & Webinars.
Upcoming BVOR Sessions | LIVE
We are thrilled to share that our upcoming BVOR Program webinars and training sessions are now open for registration!
Don’t miss out on these invaluable opportunities to expand your knowledge and make a meaningful impact. Here’s what’s in store:
*Ready Set Match!
Introducing our new series of short, practical training sessions designed to get you ready to match with a BVOR refugee or refugee family in urgent need of sponsorship.
➡️ Thursday May 8th @ 12 – 1 pm (EDT)! Register Here
Ready Set Match #1: Building a Strong Sponsorship Group
A successful sponsorship begins with someone – just like you – who wants to welcome refugees into their community and help them thrive. But you can’t do it alone. Join us as we share practical guidance and resources on how to find like-minded people and build a strong sponsorship group together.
In this training session, you’ll learn about:
- the different types of sponsorship groups
- group structures and roles of group members
- how to find people to join your group
- how to work together effectively as a group
Format: a 30-minute webinar followed by an optional Q&A, plus handouts
➡️ Thursday May 15th @ 12 – 1 pm (EDT)! Register Here
Ready Set Match #2: Financial Requirements and Budgeting for BVOR Sponsors
BVOR sponsors share the cost of sponsorship with the Government of Canada, but how much must a sponsorship group contribute and what are the rules around financial support? Join us as we answer these questions and more to equip you with the knowledge you need to meet your financial obligations as a BVOR sponsor.
In this training session, you’ll learn about:
- the financial requirements of sponsorship
- Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) support and rules
- estimating income and expenses to create a realistic budget
Format: a 30-minute webinar followed by an optional Q&A, plus handouts
➡️Thursday May 22nd @ 12 – 1 pm (EDT)! Register Here
Ready Set Match #3: Fundraising Ideas and Guidelines
Once you know how much money you need for a BVOR sponsorship, it’s time to put the F-U-N in fundraising! Join us as we dive into some of the different ways to raise funds and share successful fundraising ideas from BVOR sponsors.
In this training session, you’ll learn about:
- acceptable sources of funds
- fundraising strategies and ideas
- guidelines around gathering in-kind donations
- promoting your fundraising efforts
Format: a 30-minute webinar followed by an optional Q&A, plus handouts
➡️ Thursday May 29th @ 12 – 1 pm (EDT)! Register Here
Ready Set Match #4: Submitting Your BVOR Sponsorship Application
You’ve built a strong group and raised the necessary funds, now it’s time to take the exciting next step in your sponsorship journey: matching with a BVOR refugee or refugee family! Join us as we take a closer look at the matching process and get you ready to submit your application to sponsor and welcome BVOR refugees.
In this training session, you’ll learn about:
- the matching process
- what to consider when matching
- creating your settlement plan
- preparing your sponsorship application
Format: a 30-minute webinar followed by an optional Q&A, plus handouts
Other BVOR Training Webinars
➡️ No webinar currently scheduled.
BVOR Pre-Arrival Orientation: Ready to Welcome Refugees: Get ready for the arrival of the refugees you sponsored with this info-packed webinar all about:
– calculating a budget
– understanding and accessing RAP support
– planning for the first few days and weeks after arrival
– connecting to settlement support and other local resources
– communication before and after arrival
➡️ No webinar currently scheduled.
Welcoming New Neighbours through the BVOR Program: Join us for an insightful and empowering introductory webinar, discover how you can become a catalyst for positive change through Canada’s special program that matches would-be refugee sponsors with refugees in need of resettlement.
3. Other Useful Resources & Learning
4. Ready to Match? Learn about the BVOR Matching Database.
- Visit the Public BVOR page where the redacted profiles currently available for matching are displayed.
- Click the “Register” button. Please note, there is a screening process and both qualified and unqualified sponsors will receive a confirmation email once a decision is made.
- To learn how to place a hold and to confirm a match, request a Matching Database live orientation session with our BVOR trainer at bvor@rstp.ca