The Western Union Foundation Fellowship Program is a fully funded global virtual fellowship created for entrepreneurs and community leaders from highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities worldwide.
Organized by the Western Union Foundation in partnership with the Watson Institute, the program equips emerging leaders with entrepreneurial knowledge, mentorship, funding opportunities, and global networks needed to create lasting community impact.
SUMMARY
- Host : Western Union Foundation | Watson Institute
- Category : Training | Fellowship
- Eligibility : Open to all countries
- Funding : Fully funded
- Reward : Full sponsorship + up to $36,000 seed funding
- Deadline : June 28, 2026
FELLOWSHIP DETAILS
The fellowship is designed to help participants grow and scale early-stage social impact ventures and community initiatives. Through expert-led training and mentorship, fellows gain strategic guidance to strengthen their ventures and increase impact.
For over 20 years, the Western Union Foundation has supported initiatives that improve lives globally. The foundation operates independently from The Western Union Company and is managed by a professional team based in Denver, Colorado.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet the following criteria :
- Be an entrepreneur or community leader working with marginalized, refugee, or displaced communities
- Lead an early-stage social impact venture
- Have a working prototype, product, or service with active customers or beneficiaries
- Be exploring product-market fit and growth opportunities
- Seek entrepreneurial training, funding access, and leadership development
Priority consideration will be given to applicants from or working in : Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND BENEFITS
The fellowship is fully funded and delivered virtually through weekly sessions and collaborative activities.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
- Virtual Workshops : 6–8 hours weekly with localized events where possible
- Immersive Orientation : Two-week virtual intensive program (20–25 hours weekly)
- Training Modules : Topics include funding, data and metrics, marketing, pitch development, team management, and business foundations
- Impact Series : Sessions with leading entrepreneurs and global practitioners
- Basecamp Workshops : Community-focused events where fellows design solutions and business models
- Summit Event : Final showcase where fellows pitch ideas to leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Selected fellows demonstrating strong progress and impact may receive part of the $36,000 seed funding distributed during the fellowship.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply for the 2026 Western Union Foundation Fellowship :
- Visit the official application page
- Complete the online application form (approximately 30–45 minutes)
- Submit before the priority deadline of June 28, 2026
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until spots are filled
- Shortlisted candidates will attend a 20-minute Zoom interview
- Final decisions will be announced by July 9, 2026, while the fellowship begins on August 11, 2026.
CONCLUSION
Western Union Foundation Fellowship offers aspiring social entrepreneurs and community leaders a unique opportunity to access world-class training, networking, and funding support. Through this program, fellows can strengthen their ventures, expand their leadership capacity, and create sustainable impact.