REPORT: Strength in numbers: the UK refugee and migration sector in 2025

A new report from Migration Exchange presents findings about the state of the UK refugee and migration charity sector, and independent funding landscape, in 2025.

Migration Exchange, May 2025

Strength in Numbers is the third MEX report on the state of the UK refugee and migration charity sector.

Our findings show that our sector is growing in scale and reach – a testament to civil society’s commitment to dignity, equity and care. However, this report is also a clear call to build on that progress through increased resources and collective action.
Three key findings stand out:

We are an expanding and more inclusive sector

Since 2022, more than 250 charities have increased or launched work with people who are refugees and migrants, especially in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Organisations and funders are stepping up to meet people’s need for justice with care and courage.

More funding is flowing, but not to everyone

Our sector has gained £78 million in new income, but disparities between regions and between small and large charities remain, alongside structural barriers. A fairer distribution of resources will be key to unlocking our collective impact.

There is progress in funding practice, but future sustainability is fragile

More funders are supporting groups led by people with lived experience, but fewer long-term, flexible grants are putting pressure on organisations’ ability to sustain or scale their work. As the recent Refugee Action Insight Hub survey shows, nearly half hold only 0-3 months of reserves.

With only a small group of funders supporting our sector – and government funding declining – the path ahead hinges on forging a broader, bolder alliance. This is a critical moment to deepen our collaboration and renew our commitment to the values we share, matched by collective action. We are many working towards a migration system built on dignity, equity and fairness. Together we can multiply our impact and reach.

Read the report and join the conversation.

Download the key findings and full report

Key Findings (PDF)

A shorter document presenting 11 key findings, conclusions, and discussion questions for further reflection.

Full report (PDF)

Full report with in-depth insights. Navigate the interactive PDF by clicking on section headings.

Acknowledgements

This research was commissioned by Migration Exchange in November 2024 and written by Mike Kaye and Ruth Grove-White. The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as the positions of any of the funding organisations or Migration Exchange as a whole.

We are extremely grateful to all the organisations that shared their data with us for this research, this report would not have been possible without their cooperation.

Migration Exchange would also like to thank our funders for enabling us to undertake this work: A B Charitable Trust, Barrow Cadbury Trust, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Migration Foundation, This Day Foundation, Unbound Philanthropy for their support to Migration Exchange.

When referencing this report, please cite it as:
M Kaye & R Grove-White, Strength in numbers: The UK refugee and migration sector in 2025, May 2025

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