Are you an entrepreneur or community leader from a marginalized group ready to scale your impact? The Western Union Foundation Fellowship offers a fully funded program to help you grow your venture and transform your community. This global opportunity targets leaders from refugee and displaced populations, providing training, networks, and funding.
Program Overview
The Western Union Foundation Fellowship is a venture and leadership accelerator run by the Western Union Foundation in partnership with the Watson Institute. It supports early-stage social impact ventures and community initiatives. The program runs virtually with some local events, making it accessible worldwide.
Fellows commit 6-8 hours per week to weekly workshops. There is also a 2-week immersive orientation that takes 20-25 hours per week. Topics cover foundations of entrepreneurship, data and metrics, go-to-market strategies, funding, team management, and pitching.
The program includes an Impact Series with talks from top leaders and entrepreneurs. Fellows also host Basecamp workshops in their communities to share ideas and build business models. It ends with a Summit where participants pitch to local funders and leaders.
Who Can Apply
This fellowship is for entrepreneurs and community leaders from highly marginalized, refugee, or forcibly displaced communities. You must lead an early-stage venture with a working prototype or MVP, active customers or beneficiaries, and some revenue or impact.
Priority goes to applicants from or working in these countries: Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Uganda, United Kingdom, and United States. You should seek training, funding access, and mentorship to grow your work.
With program support, you will create a growth roadmap, run a community Basecamp, and get tools like a stipend and playbook.
Benefits and Rewards
The fellowship is fully funded. Select fellows receive $36,000 in seed funding based on their progress and impact. You gain expert training, a global network, and practical skills to scale your venture.
Other perks include personalized mentorship, community events, and resources to boost your leadership. The program helps you ideate solutions, refine business models, and pitch effectively.
Application Process
Applying is straightforward and takes about 45 minutes online. Start by visiting the application page through the Watson Institute site.
Fill out the form with details on your background, venture, and goals. Submit by the priority deadline for early review. The admissions team checks for scalable ideas and impact potential.
If selected, you will have a 20-minute Zoom interview to discuss your journey and fit. Final decisions come by July 9, 2026. The program starts August 11, 2026. Confirm your spot quickly to join.
Key Dates
The deadline is June 28, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until spots fill. Apply early for the best chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Western Union Foundation Fellowship?
Entrepreneurs and community leaders from marginalized, refugee, or displaced communities with an early-stage venture that has a prototype, customers, and some revenue or impact can apply. Priority goes to those from or working in countries like Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, and others listed.
What benefits does the fellowship offer?
The program is fully funded and provides training, mentorship, a global network, and up to $36,000 in seed funding for select fellows. You also get tools like a growth roadmap, stipend, and playbook to scale your venture.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is June 28, 2026, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply early for the best chance, as spots fill quickly.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Visit the application page on the Watson Institute site and fill out the online form with your background, venture details, and goals. It takes about 45 minutes, followed by a possible 20-minute Zoom interview if selected.
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