Usually this is done by religious orgs, since no one else will spend money on this. In Minneapolis this is done by Lutheran Social Services. LSS has been sponsoring refugees for 50 years now, bringing in people from war zones. That's why there are so many Hmong and Vietnamese in St. Paul and so many Somalis in Minneapolis.

The rest of Minnesota doesn't have to love this (they never did), they just have to accept that Lutheran Social Services is going to do this. They have to tolerate it. There's no nordic mind virus causing everyone to love Somalis.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5829182&forum_id=2\u0026mark_id=5310751#49635891)

### Federal Funding Sources

The majority of primary funding for initial resettlement originates from the United States government. These funds are typically distributed via national resettlement agencies (voluntary agencies) such as **Global Refuge** (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service) to local affiliates.

* **U.S. Department of State (PRM):** The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration provides **Reception and Placement (R&P) grants**. This is a per-capita amount intended to cover the first 30–90 days of a refugee's costs, including rent, food, and clothing.

* **Department of Health and Human Services (ORR):** The Office of Refugee Resettlement provides longer-term funding (up to five years) through programs such as:

* **Matching Grant Program:** An alternative to public cash assistance where the federal government matches private funds raised by the agency.

* **Refugee Support Services:** Funding for employment services, English language training, and vocational case management.

* **Specialized Grants:** Includes the **Refugee School Impact Grant** and **Refugee Health Promotion** grants.

### State and Local Government

Local agencies like **LSS of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan** also receive funding through state-administered programs.

* **Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF):** Manages federal pass-through funds for the **Bureau of Refugee Programs**, which supports local social services and employment programs.

* **County/Municipal Contracts:** Funding for specific health screenings, mental health services, or justice system initiatives.

### Private and Philanthropic Support

Because federal per-capita funding is often insufficient to cover the total cost of living, LSS relies on private contributions.

* **Individual and Corporate Donors:** Direct monetary donations from individuals, businesses, and philanthropic foundations.

* **Congregational Support:** Local Lutheran congregations provide financial aid, "co-sponsorship" teams, and volunteer labor.

* **LSS Foundations:** Annual distributions from internal endowments support ongoing operations.

* **In-Kind Donations:** Significant support is provided through donated furniture, clothing, household items, and pro bono professional services (legal or medical).

### Recent Funding Status (2025–2026)

As of early 2026, many LSS affiliates have reported significant financial instability. In **January 2025**, the Trump administration issued a suspension of refugee admissions and a "stop-work order" on federal funding. This resulted in:

* The suspension of federal reimbursement for services rendered.

* Mass layoffs and furloughs at agencies like **LSS of the National Capital Area**.

* A shift toward reliance on **emergency community fundraising** to support refugees already in the country.

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Would you like me to find the specific 990 tax filings for a particular LSS branch to see their exact revenue breakdown?

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5829182&forum_id=2\u0026mark_id=5310751#49635954)