GiveOut and ORAM – Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration are thrilled to announce the launch of the ORAM UK Fund, a new way for UK donors to support ORAM’s critical work with LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees around the world. Thanks to this initiative, individuals and businesses in the UK can now contribute to ORAM’s life-changing programmes tax-efficiently, including through payroll giving.
About ORAM
ORAM protects and empowers LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees globally, creating sustainability and systematic change.
Founded in 2008, ORAM is one of the first international NGOs to assist people fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation and / or gender identity and expression and has since become a thought leader in LGBTQI migration.
ORAM supports LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees navigating the long asylum process from the moment they arrive in their first country of asylum to being resettled to a safe third country. Through their protection, empowerment, and advocacy programmes, they build the capacity of this vulnerable community to live more dignified lives and become self-reliant.
Global Impact Through Advocacy
ORAM’s global advocacy has led to the training of thousands of refugee professionals, NGOs workers, governments agencies and grassroots organisations on the unique needs and challenges faced by LGBTQI displaced persons and ensured inclusion of LGBTQI refugees in mainstream refugee and humanitarian programming.
ORAM’s direct services support LGBTQI refugees at every stage of their journey. Upon arrival in a transit country, ORAM’s protection programmes provide short-term emergency housing and immediate assistance to meet basic needs. Through their economic empowerment programme, ORAM offers job skills and vocational training, seed funding, and small business mentorship — creating sustainable pathways for LGBTQI refugees to rebuild their lives and uplift their communities.
One of the LGBTQI refugees positively impacted by ORAM’s protection, empowerment, and advocacy work is Isaac, a gay asylum seeker from Uganda now living in Kakuma Refugee Camp. When Isaac first arrived in Kakuma, he faced multiple challenges, including a lack of shelter, food insecurity, and violence. ORAM stepped in to provide him with safe housing, skills training in vegetable farming, and seed funding to start his own kitchen garden.
Today, Isaac enjoys a more diverse, nutrient-rich diet that has improved his health. He also earns extra income by selling surplus produce from his garden.
About the ORAM UK Fund
The new ORAM UK Fund is administered by GiveOut, an award-winning international LGBTQI community foundation. We bring together our community and allies to support global LGBTQI rights activism, to build a world where LGBTQI people everywhere can live their lives freely and fully.
GiveOut is a UK-registered charity, meaning you can add Gift Aid to your donation, and if you are a higher rate taxpayer claim full UK tax relief, increasing the value of your gift at no extra cost to you. If your company offers donation matching then you can donate through Benevity, Charities Trust or CAF, leveraging more funding to support LGBTQI organisations.
By giving through the ORAM UK Fund, you are helping LGBTQI refugees not just find safety, but build futures filled with dignity and opportunity. Whether you’re an individual or corporate donor, this Fund offers a unique opportunity to support ORAM’s work and stand in solidarity with displaced LGBTQI people globally.
Steve Roth, ORAM’s Executive Director said:
LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees are among the most vulnerable displaced communities, often fleeing persecution alone and without support networks. The recent cuts to U.S. humanitarian aid have exacerbated these challenges, making our collective support more critical than ever. We are deeply grateful to GiveOut for establishing the ORAM UK Fund, providing individuals and businesses in the United Kingdom with a tax-efficient avenue to support LGBTQI refugees globally.”
Jason Ball, GiveOut’s Executive Director said:
“At GiveOut, we are proud to partner with ORAM to launch the UK Fund, providing ORAM’s supporters in the UK a platform to support the organisation’s transformative work with LGBTQI refugees tax efficiently. Together, we are working to create a world where LGBTQI people everywhere can live freely and fully.”
Anja Limon, ORAM’s Director of Programmes said:
“Everyone has unique needs and challenges, and at ORAM, we take the time to understand each client personally to best address the specific needs of LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers where they are. Your support ensures that ORAM can address the specific need LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers receive the same level of support as other displaced communities.”