....supporting community-run sustainable projects
How we supportSupport us through monthly donations
.....investing in the future
Donate nowMonthly donations make a lasting impact
...providing an end to dependence
How we supportEmpowering communities
REI provides a hand-up to refugees for long-term recovery by supporting grassroots projects in forgotten communities around the world, ensuring the refugees own and build their future.
Join us on World Refugee Day for a workshop that will examine and celebrate innovative community-driven models that can inspire transformative leadership approaches for Japanese and European corporate environments.
When aid flows are interrupted, vulnerable populations bear the immediate burden. REI support ensures that, even when others must pause, the work of rebuilding lives never stops.
Tove Kinooka says: ‘I’ve known for a long time that the projects were impactful, but what I hadn’t realized was how extremely professional the project teams are. They are well organised and clearly focused on what is best for their communities.
In February 2025, REI led a transformative field trip to the Thai-Myanmar border, where individual and corporate donors witnessed the power of refugee-led initiatives supported by REI.
Your donations are essential for REI to continue supporting refugees to build strong, independent communities. This can be interactive through activities that involve your friends, colleagues and fellows. These activities can be fun, educational, practical and experiential. Check the links below to learn about these or we would be delighted to hear your ideas and support your activities to fundraise for REI.
REI hosts a variety of events in Tokyo and other areas in Japan throughout the year. We organize dinners, concerts, sporting events and children’s workshops. Please join us at one of our fundraising events and show your support.
See All EventsRefugee Empowerment International provides funding to community-based groups supporting people as they rebuild their lives and work towards returning home and establishing peaceful communities. Projects funded are run by experienced groups in the refugee and internally displaced person (IDP) community. We ensure that support reaches groups swiftly and efficiently.
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If you think about it though, as I have, I think you will discover that the only thing that really touches us to our soul is the connection we feel to other people. To our families, friends, a poverty stricken child in Somalia, a 10 year old rape victim, a starving 85 year old man, skin and bones, with fire in his eyes. These are humans, just like us. You and me. We live and breath on the same planet. We are simply lucky. No more, no less, lucky.
—David Hewett, long-time donor and supporter of REI, when reflecting on philanthropy.
