Applications are now open for the fully funded 2025 Western Union Global Fellowship Program

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Closing Date: 1 July 2025

Applications are now open for the fully funded 2025 Western Union Global Fellowship Program

Western Union Global Fellowship Program

The Fellowships aims at equipping courageous leaders and entrepreneurs supporting highly marginalized, refugee, or displaced communities to create systemic change.

The Western Union Global Fellowship Program is a fully-funded Fellowship, empowering individuals supporting or hailing from refugee, highly-marginalized, or forcibly displaced communities around the globe. Through this experience, Fellows will gain essential skills, resources, and networks to scale their ventures and accelerate their impact. This program is fully-funded through the generous support of Western Union.

Core Components

Virtual Workshops: Interactive online sessions with your cohort
Basecamp: Lead a 1-3 day impact workshop in your community
Virtual Summit: Pitch to leaders, funders, and entrepreneurs
Community Development Stipend: Fellows will receive financial support to plan and execute their Basecamp—an interactive, community-focused workshop.

To create the most valuable experience for all, all Fellows are asked to fully participate and attend all weekly workshops and events.

Who Should Apply

Fellow Profile
You have experienced the challenges of marginalized, refugee, or displaced communities and are actively working to address issues for these populations.

Venture Stage
Your nonprofit or for-profit organization has an established business model and is actively serving customers or beneficiaries in historically underserved communities. You’re now ready to scale your impact with the support of dedicated mentorship and resources.

Location & Eligibility
Applicants located in and/or creating impact in the following locations are encouraged to apply:

Costa Rica, Argentina, Lithuania, the Philippines, the United States, Brazil, Uganda, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, India, Bangladesh, Mexico, Germany, Colombia, Japan, and Pakistan.

What You Will Receive

Through this fully-funded Fellowship, supported by Western Union and powered by Watson Institute, you’ll gain the tools, mentorship, and network needed to scale your venture’s impact. The Fellowship is specifically optimized for entrepreneurs and leaders from marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities worldwide, with carefully selected facilitators, mentors, and speakers who bring deep expertise in driving meaningful change within these communities.

Pitch Development & Professional Recording

Refine how you communicate your venture’s impact and vision to stakeholders.
Create a professionally recorded pitch video you can use beyond the Fellowship.
Master the art of engaging and persuading key audiences.

Skill Enhancement & Leadership Growth

Develop essential skills through hands-on workshops focused on strategic planning, venture development, and problem-solving.
Build resilience and adaptability for the entrepreneurial journey.
Learn to effectively lead and scale an impact-driven organization.

Mentorship & Expert Guidance

Receive one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors and industry professionals.
Participate in group mentorship circles for collaborative learning.
Work directly with an Entrepreneur in Residence who supports your venture’s growth.

Community & Network Expansion

Join a dynamic community of impact-driven entrepreneurs and changemakers.
Connect with Fellows, Alumni, and experts who share your commitment to social impact.
Build lasting relationships that extend beyond the Fellowship.

Visibility & Collaboration

Share your work through Watson Institute summits and events.
Connect with mission-aligned leaders, funders, and industry influencers.
Position yourself as a thought leader in social impact.

Real-World Experience Through Basecamp

Design and lead a Basecamp community event with provided training and resources.
Put your leadership skills into action through hands-on experience.
Receive a stipend to support your community initiative.

Creating Lasting Impact: Empower Your Community with Basecamps

As a core component of the Fellowship, you will design and lead a 1-3 day Basecamp—an interactive, community-focused workshop that strengthens your leadership skills, expands your network, and provides valuable feedback. You’ll receive training, resources, and a stipend to plan and execute an impactful event that supports rising entrepreneurs and changemakers in your community.