Applications are now open for the 2026 Western Union Foundation Fellowship Program for entrepreneurs and community leaders from marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities around the world.
The Western Union Foundation Fellowship is a fully funded global virtual program designed to equip emerging leaders and entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and global networks to expand economic opportunities and create lasting impact in their communities.
Fellowship Summary
- Host: Western Union | Watson Institute
- Category: Training | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Sponsorship | $36,000 Seed Funding
- Deadline: June 28, 2026
Fellowship Details
The Western Union Foundation Fellowship Program is a leadership and venture accelerator initiative aimed at supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and community leaders working with highly marginalized and displaced populations globally.
The fellowship is organized in partnership with Watson Institute and provides participants with a structured roadmap for scaling their ventures and increasing their social impact. Through expert-led workshops, mentorship sessions, funding opportunities, and networking events, fellows gain practical knowledge and entrepreneurial support needed to grow sustainable impact-driven initiatives.
The Western Union Foundation is an independent charitable organization supported by The Western Union Company, its employees, business partners, agents, and customers. For over two decades, the Foundation has invested in initiatives that improve lives and create economic opportunities worldwide.
The fellowship also emphasizes community engagement by requiring fellows to organize impact workshops known as “Basecamps” within their local communities. Participants receive guidance, playbooks, stipends, and team support to successfully carry out these activities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the Western Union Foundation Fellowship Program, applicants must:
- Be entrepreneurs or community leaders from highly marginalized, refugee, or forcibly displaced communities
- Be leading an early-stage social impact venture or community initiative
- Have a proven record of leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact
- Have a working prototype, MVP, or active product/service with beneficiaries or customers
- Demonstrate measurable impact and revenue potential
- Be interested in receiving entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and funding support
Applicants from or working in the following countries may receive priority consideration:
- Argentina
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Japan
- Lithuania
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- United States
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants for the Western Union Foundation Fellowship Program will receive:
- Fully funded participation in the fellowship
- Weekly virtual workshops and training sessions
- Access to global mentorship and entrepreneurial networks
- Training in:
- Foundations
- Data and Metrics
- Go-To-Market Strategy
- Funding
- Team Management
- Pitch Development
- Participation in immersive orientation sessions
- Access to localized gatherings and networking events where available
- Support for organizing community Basecamp workshops
- Stipends and implementation support
- Opportunity to pitch to local leaders, entrepreneurs, and funders at the Summit event
- Access to seed funding opportunities
Selected fellows may also receive part of the:
- $36,000 seed funding pool distributed based on progress and impact throughout the fellowship
Program Structure
The fellowship includes:
- Virtual Workshops
- 6–8 hours weekly commitment
- 2-Week Immersive Orientation
- 20–25 hours weekly commitment
- Impact Series
- Sessions with global entrepreneurs and industry leaders
- Basecamp Workshops
- Community-focused impact and innovation training
- Summit Event
- Final pitching and networking opportunity
How to Apply
To apply for the Western Union Foundation Fellowship Program:
- Visit the official application webpage
- Complete the online application form
- Submit your application before June 28, 2026
- Selected applicants will proceed to a 20-minute Zoom interview
- Final decisions will be announced by July 9, 2026
- Successful fellows must confirm enrollment before the program begins on August 11, 2026
To begin the fellowship application process, click HERE
To receive more fellowship and scholarship updates, click HERE
To join EDUSPUR WhatsApp Channel, click HERE
