The Western Union Foundation Fellowship Program is a global initiative that provides venture capital and leadership development support to business owners and community leaders from highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities.
The Western Union Fellowship is a globally distributed, fully-funded program designed to equip the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve access to economic opportunities, build useful networks and resources, and change their communities.
Scholarship Region will give the fellowship’s specifics in plain language in this post. Information about the procedures for submitting your application will also be sent to you.
🎯 When is the deadline for applications?
🗓️ July 1, 2025 (priority deadline)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after this date until all spots are filled.
🏆 Describe the award to me:
The Western Union Foundation Fellowship is a fully funded, virtual leadership and venture accelerator for early-stage entrepreneurs and community leaders who support or come from refugee, forcibly displaced, or highly marginalized communities.
📚 Which fields qualify?
The fellowship supports ventures across any sector as long as they focus on social impact, particularly in marginalized, refugee, or displaced communities. This includes:
- Education
- Health
- Tech for good
- Economic empowerment
- Migration & refugee support
- Gender equity, and more.
📌 The type:
✅ Fellowship
🌐 Fully funded
💻 Virtual (with a community-based local component – Basecamp)
👥 Who is eligible to apply?
- Entrepreneurs or community leaders from or working with highly marginalized, refugee, or forcibly displaced populations
- Leading an early-stage venture (nonprofit or for-profit) with existing operations and beneficiaries
- Seeking growth, funding, and mentorship support
🧠 How Do They Choose Applicants?
Selection is based on:
- Impact potential
- Scalability of your venture
- Leadership qualities
- Demonstrated commitment to serving marginalized communities
Shortlisted applicants are invited for a 20-minute Zoom interview before final selection.
🌍 Which nations are qualified?
Priority is given to applicants from or working in:
🇦🇷 Argentina | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | 🇧🇷 Brazil | 🇨🇴 Colombia | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica
🇮🇳 India | 🇯🇵 Japan | 🇱🇹 Lithuania | 🇲🇽 Mexico | 🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇵🇰 Pakistan | 🇵🇭 Philippines | 🇺🇬 Uganda | 🇬🇧 UK | 🇺🇸 US
Applicants from other countries are also welcome to apply if they support these communities.
📍 Where will the prize be accepted?
The fellowship is delivered virtually, but Fellows must implement a local community workshop (Basecamp) in their home country or region.
🔢 How Many Honors?
Not explicitly stated, but a select cohort is chosen each year.
💰 What Advantage Does the Award Offer?
- Full program tuition and participation covered
- Seed funding pool of $36,000 (shared among select Fellows based on impact)
- Global mentorship and training
- Run your own Basecamp workshop with funding support
- Access to Watson Institute’s impact network
🕒 What’s the Duration of the Award?
📅 August 25 – December 16, 2025
⏱️ Weekly Commitment: 8–10 hours
📌 2-week immersive (20–25 hrs/week) starts Aug 25
🎓 Ends with a Virtual Summit on Dec 16, 2025
📝 How do I Apply for the Western Union Foundation Fellowship Program?
- Go to the application page
- Complete the online form (~30–45 mins)
- Submit by July 1st, 2025 for early review
- Wait for shortlisting and an interview invitation
- If selected, confirm your participation before program starts
🔗 Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
👉 https://watson.is/western-union-foundation-fellowship/
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