Western Union Foundation Fellowship

Western Union Foundation Fellowship is open for applications. The fellowship is for leaders and entrepreneurs. It is an Virtual (online) program that trains and teaches skills to create more job opportunities, build connections and improve communities. These fellows are selected from marginalized, refugee and displaced communities. The program aims to provide a platform for these leaders to boost their skills.

Prospective applicants from the United States, Uganda, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, United Kingdom, Germany, Lithuania, Japan, Philippines, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Brazil are eligible to apply. However, preference will be given to applicants from Uganda, Colombia, Mexico, Pakistan and the United state.

The fellowship focuses on making a difference and leaving a positive impact on communities. This is a fully funded program. Western Union takes care of the program expenses,and also at the end of the program, stipend will be provided to the participants.

If you belong to any country mentioned above, and working for education, economic opportunity and inclusion, do apply. Western Union fellowship will provide funding and other support for you to work on your project or initiative.

The virtual program will be from August 8th, 2024 to November 19th, 2024 (16-weeks of programming).

What makes you eligible for Western Union Fellowship?

Beside being the citizen of the countries mentioned above, you must be:

You are an entrepreneur or community leader from and/or working with highly marginalized, refugee, and forcibly displaced communities around the globe.
You have an entrepreneurial spirit, a growth mindset, and are driven to grow as an effective leader within your community. The ideal venture stages for this fellowship are Problem-Solution Fit or Product-Market Fit phases, with engaged customers or beneficiaries, and demonstrated outcomes in both impact and revenue.
You are able to commit to the 16-week program including a 2-week virtual immersive. We prioritize individuals who are fully committed to actively participating in the entire program. At the heart of the program is a strong sense of community, and its success hinges on the active engagement and enthusiasm of all participants, who are eager to both learn and share.

Benefits of the fellowship Program

Why should you attend the Western Union Foundation Fellowship? What is in it for you? So the fellowship provides you:

A pool of $36,000 in venture development stipends will be distributed among select Western Union Foundation Fellows,
3-day fellowship program in Washington, D.C.
Ongoing support and mentorship
Networking opportunities with other fellows and professionals

Also check out : British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowship

Project Areas

Western union foundation Fellowship project focuses on different areas specifically:

Education and workforce development
Entrepreneurship and economic empowerment
Migrant and refugee support
Community development and social cohesion

If you are an entrepreneur working in these areas, or have taken an initiative to bring change in communities. If you believe you can make an impact in society, and work in those areas which can have an impact on communities, do apply.

How to apply for Western Union Foundation Fellowship?

If you fulfill all the above requirements, and are eligible for the fellowship.This seems like a comprehensive outline of the application and selection process for a fellowship program. Here’s a breakdown of each step:

1. Applications submission: Applicants are required to complete an online application by June 1st, 2024. The estimated time for completing the application is 45 minutes.

2. First Round Review: The Admissions Committee reviews all applications, focusing on strong leadership qualities and innovative, scalable ventures. Applications received after the deadline may still be considered on a rolling basis.

3. Interview: Qualified applicants are invited to a 20-minute one-on-one Zoom interview. This interview allows for a deeper exploration of motivations and understanding of the venture.

4. Admissions Committee Review: The most promising applicant profiles are shared with an external Admissions Committee for final review and selection.

5. Acceptances Announced: Notifications of acceptance are sent out during the week of July 1st, 2024.

6. Fellows Confirm & Enroll: Accepted applicants confirm their commitment to the program. Upon confirmation, they receive an invitation to participate in a “Meet the Cohort Webinar” event before the program begins on August 8th, 2024.

This process seems structured and thorough, ensuring that the selected fellows are well-suited for the program and its objectives.