Summary
The Western Union Global Fellowship is a fully-funded program designed for aspiring changemakers seeking to create a significant impact in their communities. Through this fellowship, participants gain access to essential tools, mentorship, and a global network to help scale their ventures effectively. Applications are open until July 1, 2025, making it a unique opportunity for visionaries eager to drive meaningful change. Don’t miss this chance to empower your community and accelerate your mission. Join a global network of innovators and take the first step towards transforming your vision into reality.
Empowering Changemakers Through the Western Union Global Fellowship Program
The power of leadership lies in its ability to spark transformation. For individuals working tirelessly to uplift marginalized, refugee, or displaced communities, this form of leadership brings not only hope but systemic change. It’s this spirit that drives the Western Union Global Fellowship Program, a fully-funded initiative designed to support entrepreneurial leaders making an impact in underserved populations.
We are going to explore why fellowship programs like this are critical, what makes the Western Union Global Fellowship unique, and how you can apply to be part of a global community of changemakers.
Introducing the Western Union Global Fellowship
The Western Union Global Fellowship Program brings together purpose-driven leaders and entrepreneurs from across the globe. It equips them with the tools, mentorship, and networks needed to scale their ventures and drive meaningful change in their communities. Backed by Watson Institute and Western Union, this fellowship is specifically designed for individuals who have lived experience of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and are actively addressing these barriers through their organizations.
Whether you lead a nonprofit or a for-profit organization, this program offers targeted support to help you scale your impact. Fellows gain access to immersive learning experiences, expert mentorship, and community-building opportunities to ensure the growth and sustainability of their ventures.
Why Fellowship Programs Matter for Marginalized Communities
Leaders working within displaced and underserved populations face unique challenges that require more than traditional funding solutions. Here’s why fellowship programs like this can create seismic shifts in previously overlooked communities:
- Targeted Training: Many fellowship programs, including this one, offer workshops on strategic planning, venture scaling, and leadership development.
- Access to Valuable Networks: These programs open connections to funders, entrepreneurs, and organizations that share mutual goals.
- Real-World Experience: Initiatives like community-run workshops (Basecamps) allow fellows to apply what they’ve learned in immediate, impactful ways.
- Support Beyond Funding: More than financial aid, fellows benefit from sustained mentorship and resources to grow their ventures sustainably.
The Western Union Global Fellowship leverages all these components to create a platform for long-term, systemic impact.
How the Fellowship Works
Through hands-on training, community-building initiatives, and expert mentorship, this program delivers tangible value to selected fellows. Here’s an overview of some of its standout features.
Virtual Immersive Workshops
Starting in August 2025, fellows participate in a two-week Virtual Immersive Experience designed to hone leadership and operational skills. These workshops focus on strategic thinking, solving community-centric problems, and scaling initiatives effectively.
Basecamp Community Workshops
One of the most exciting components is the Basecamp initiative, where Fellows organize 1-3 day impact workshops in their local communities. These sessions empower changemakers on the ground while providing valuable leadership experience for the Fellows themselves. A stipend is provided for all Basecamp-related costs.
Tailored Mentorship
Each Fellow receives tailored, one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders and entrepreneurs-in-residence. These mentors work directly with Fellows to refine strategic planning, develop impactful pitches, and solve organizational challenges.
Professional Pitch Development
Communicating your organization’s mission is critical for inspiring stakeholders and winning support. Through this fellowship, participants gain access to professional pitch training and recordings, equipping them to share their story powerfully and persuasively.
Expanding Your Network
The fellowship connects you to a global network of alumni, funders, and changemakers, setting the stage for collaborative learning and long-term impact. Networking events, summits, and mentorship circles ensure you leave the program not just with knowledge but also meaningful relationships.
Fellow Eligibility
Are you a good match for the Western Union Global Fellowship Program?
The ideal applicant is someone who has directly experienced the challenges faced by refugee, displaced, or marginalized communities and is working to overcome them. Eligible applicants must also meet the following criteria:
- Operate a venture at the problem-solution or product-market fit stage with an active customer or beneficiary base.
- Demonstrate measurable social impact within historically underserved communities.
- Be located in or creating impact in one of the following regions: Costa Rica, Argentina, Uganda, Nigeria, Germany, India, and others (see the full list on the program site).
If your organization aligns with these guidelines and you’re ready to scale your impact, this opportunity might just be the right fit for you.
The Application Process
Applying to the Western Union Global Fellowship is streamlined yet selective. Here’s what to expect at every stage.
- Complete Your Application
Submit your online application by July 1, 2025. This process takes around 30 minutes, so ensure you provide clear, concise responses.
- Application Review
Applications are evaluated by an admissions team, giving preference to early submissions.
- Zoom Interview
Selected candidates will participate in a 20-minute interview, where they’ll share their entrepreneurial story, future goals, and vision for scaling their venture.
- Final Decision and Enrollment
Decisions will be sent by July 25, 2025. Accepted Fellows will begin the program in August 2025.
With a 2 percent acceptance rate, gaining entry into this fellowship is a competitive yet highly rewarding process.
Join a Legacy of Impact
The Western Union Global Fellowship has supported 154 Fellows and engaged over 6,000 rising entrepreneurs through its Basecamp workshops. Alumni of the program have gone on to drive meaningful, measurable change in marginalized communities, empowering thousands globally.
Meet the Alumni
From enhancing access to education in Tijuana through the Teikirizy Basecamp to scaling sustainable solutions for youth in Lagos, Fellows are creating ripples of change far beyond their communities. By joining this program, you too can write a story of transformation and leadership.
Take the First Step Toward Making a Difference
If you’re ready to scale your impact, now is the time to apply for the Western Union Global Fellowship. Gain the mentorship, knowledge, and resources needed to expand your vision and create a lasting difference in the communities you care most about.
Applications close on July 1, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to join a global network of changemakers.
Be the change your community needs.
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