Western Union Foundation Fellowship 2026

Deadline: Jun 28, 2026

other

16 weeks (duration)

fully funded

United States, Brazil, India, Philippines, Costa Rica, and 4 others

To Apply

Please visit the application link below to apply.

Opportunity Overview

The Western Union Global Fellowship is a prestigious program designed for entrepreneurs who are making a significant impact on refugees, highly marginalized, and displaced individuals globally. Supported by Western Union and powered by Watson Institute, this fully-funded 16-week program offers a wide range of benefits to help exceptional entrepreneurs and leaders transform their communities.

🌍 About the Fellowship

This Fellowship provides participants with:

Training and Mentorship: Access to committed mentorship and practical financial literacy skills.
Financial Support: Financial stipends and resources to support your venture.
Community Impact: A playbook and funds to organize a 1-day Basecamp in your community.
Global Network: Long-term alumni support and a global network to enhance your impact.

🎁 Benefits of the Fellowship

1. Entrepreneurship & Leadership Workshops

Participate in Watson Institute’s signature Flagship Fellowship curriculum.
Join a diverse cohort of entrepreneurs from Watson Institute’s broader Fellowship community.

2. Financial Tools & Resources

Access practical financial tools, frameworks, and workshops to strengthen your venture’s financial foundation.
Benefit from the expertise of practitioners and specialists supporting entrepreneurs at every stage.

3. Basecamps: Create Lasting Impact

Design and lead a 1-day entrepreneurship training program (Basecamp) for earlier-stage entrepreneurs in your community.
Receive training, resources, and a community development stipend to multiply your impact.

4. Pitch Training & Virtual Summit

Master the art of compelling storytelling through dedicated pitch coaching.
Present your venture’s growth and community impact to an engaged virtual audience, including entrepreneurs, community leaders, Western Union representatives, potential investors, and peers.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Fellowship, you must meet the following requirements:

Entrepreneurial Background:
- You are an entrepreneur or community leader who has experienced the challenges of highly marginalized, refugee, or forcibly displaced communities.
- You are actively working to support these populations and are deeply committed to addressing issues affecting historically underserved communities.
Business/Organization:
- Your business or organization has been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees.
- You have engaged customers, measurable results, and secured some funding through grants, investments, donations, or revenue.
- All legal business structures are welcome (for-profit, nonprofit, social enterprise, etc.).
Program Commitment:
- You must commit to the full 16-week program, including mandatory virtual immersive sessions and weekly workshops held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00–10:00 AM MT.
- Active engagement and community participation are essential.
Geographic Focus:
- Applicants located in or creating impact in the following cities are encouraged to apply:
  - United States: Denver, Austin, Miami
  - Costa Rica: Santa Ana
  - India: Pune
  - Philippines: Quezon City
  - Lithuania: Vilnius
  - Argentina: Buenos Aires
  - Italy: Rome
  - Brazil: São Paulo
  - Peru: Lima
Growth Mindset:
- You seek expert-guided entrepreneurial training, specialized mentorship, and opportunities to lead initiatives that benefit your venture and community.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older.

📅 Application Date and Process

Application Deadline: 28 June, 2026
To apply, visit the official Watson Institute website and complete the application form.

🔗 Additional Information

For more details about the Fellowship, visit the official Watson Institute - Western Union Foundation Fellowship page.

This Fellowship is a unique opportunity to gain the skills, resources, and network needed to create a lasting impact in your community. Don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative program!

Benefits