The Western Union Global Fellowship Program is a fully-funded Impact Fellowship designed to equip courageous leaders and entrepreneurs from marginalized, refugee, or forcibly displaced communities with the tools, mentorship, and global network needed to scale their ventures and create systemic change. Powered by the Watson Institute and generously supported by Western Union, this program empowers individuals making a difference in underserved populations around the world.

Applicants must be emerging leaders or entrepreneurs who have experienced or are working to address challenges faced by marginalized, refugee, or forcibly displaced communities. They should have an operational venture ready to scale and be based in or creating impact in one of the eligible countries.

The Watson Institute is a leading organization dedicated to developing the next generation of changemakers, entrepreneurs, and impact-driven leaders. With a mission to support young innovators who are tackling the world’s toughest challenges, the institute offers intensive fellowships, accelerators, and mentorship programs.

Application Deadline: July 1st, 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Watson Institute / Western Union Foundation

• Department: NA

• Course Level: Fellowship / Non-degree leadership development program

• Award: Fully-funded fellowship including a community development stipend

• Access Mode: Online

• Number of Awards: NA

• Nationality: Open to applicants from select countries

• The award can be taken in: United States

Eligibility

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

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The fellowship supports any subject or venture aligned with community-based social impact and entrepreneurship.

• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet all the following criteria:

  • Be an entrepreneur or leader who has personally experienced the challenges of marginalized, refugee, or displaced communities.

  • Be actively working on a venture (non-profit or for-profit) that serves historically underserved communities.

  • Have an established venture that is operational and ready to scale.

  • Be able to commit to all required weekly sessions and program activities from August 25–December 16, 2025.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the official Watson Institute application portal.

• Rolling Admissions: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the priority deadline.

• Start your application: Watson Institute Application Portal

Benefits

• Full participation in a 4-month Impact Fellowship from August 25 to December 16, 2025.

• A 2-week virtual Immersive to build foundational knowledge and connect with global fellows.

• Weekly online workshops (Tues–Thurs, 8:30–10:30 AM MT) with interactive learning and mentorship.

• The opportunity to design and lead a “Basecamp”—a 1–3 day community impact workshop.

• A Community Development Stipend to support the execution of Basecamp.

• Access to a global network of mentors, entrepreneurs, funders, and change-makers.

• Final participation in a Virtual Summit to pitch ventures to a global audience.

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