The Breakthrough Prize Foundation, in partnership with Airbnb.org, Flexport.org, and Spotify, has announced the $100 million launch of an initiative to advance humanitarian efforts for refugees around the world.

The Tech For Refugees initiative is designed to leverage the expertise and networks of tech firms and organizations to make a difference in the lives of refugees from Ukraine and around the world. A majority of the initial $100 million commitment from the Breakthrough Prize Foundation, which was established by Yuri and Julia Milner, will be directed to assist civilians fleeing Ukraine.

As part of the initiative, Airbnb.org will offer free, short-term housing for refugees; Flexport.org will use the company’s logistics platform and partnerships with international aid organizations to deliver hospital beds, emergency medical equipment, and other critical aid; and Spotify will offer Spotify Premium at no cost to Ukrainian refugees and launch a multiyear effort to use music and audio to help support the healing of children affected by war.

“We have been devastated by the heartbreaking suffering of the Ukrainian people,” said the Milners in a statement. “We believe that this initiative, in partnership with some of the world’s most creative technology companies and organizations, can provide practical assistance for people living in turmoil outside their homeland.”

For more information about the philanthropic response to the war in Ukraine, see Candid’s special issues page.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Marian Vejcik)