This Needs Assessment was conducted from 14th to 16th July 2025 in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, targeting 32 founders of Refugee-Led Organizations. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the current challenges and priorities faced by refugee-led organizations within the Refugee Changemakers Network (RECAN). The analysis underscores the critical need for strengthened resource mobilization and infrastructure development to support organizational growth. Key barriers include limited funding, with 81.3% of respondents citing insufficient financial resources, and restricted access to grants, reported by 87.5%. Infrastructure shortcomings, such as inadequate technology and a lack of skilled personnel, further hinder expansion efforts and are compounded by human resource management challenges. Addressing these interconnected gaps is essential for enabling organizations to expand sustainably in both geographic and programmatic scope.

The report also highlights significant legal and policy barriers that restrict organizational growth. Restrictions on refugees’ rights and complex regulatory environments were reported by 18.8% and 12.5% of respondents, respectively. These legal challenges limit operational flexibility and the ability of organizations to scale. Although less frequently cited, social and community-related obstacles remain important considerations. Issues such as stigma, language barriers, and lack of trust within communities require culturally sensitive approaches and deliberate engagement strategies to promote inclusion and participation. Together, these factors emphasize the importance of advocacy, legal reform, and community-driven approaches to support organizational development.

Respondents stressed the importance of diversifying funding sources and strengthening infrastructure to overcome resource constraints. Improved access to grants and reliable financial support emerged as recurring priorities, alongside the need for investment in technology and skilled personnel. These measures would significantly enhance organizational capacity, operational efficiency, and scalability. In addition, fostering strategic partnerships and advocating for policy reforms are critical steps toward reducing legal and regulatory barriers and creating a more enabling environment for refugee-led organizations.

The assessment further reveals that social and cultural barriers require targeted interventions. Initiatives that promote social cohesion, address stigma, and support language acquisition are essential for building trust within refugee communities. Community engagement and participatory approaches are key to ensuring that programs are culturally appropriate and responsive to local needs. Such strategies will strengthen community resilience, improve program effectiveness, and support long-term, sustainable growth.

To reinforce these efforts, RECAN is positioned to play a central role as a platform for capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy. By facilitating peer learning and providing targeted training, RECAN can enhance the skills and expertise of refugee changemakers, enabling them to better navigate legal, financial, and operational challenges. Strengthening partnerships with government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations will also be critical in mobilizing resources and influencing policy reforms. Through these coordinated efforts, RECAN can amplify the collective voice of refugee-led organizations and foster a more inclusive and supportive policy environment.

In conclusion, the Needs Assessment highlights the complex and interconnected challenges faced by refugee-led organizations while identifying clear priority areas for intervention. A coordinated approach that integrates resource mobilization, infrastructure development, legal advocacy, and social inclusion is essential for sustainable growth. Strengthening organizational capacity through diversified funding, improved legal frameworks, and meaningful community engagement will enable these organizations to expand their reach, better serve refugee populations, and contribute to resilience and self-reliance within their communities. The findings provide a strategic foundation for policymakers, donors, and stakeholders committed to supporting and empowering refugee-led initiatives.