A fully funded 16-week virtual fellowship by Watson Institute and Western Union for social entrepreneurs and community leaders serving underserved, refugee, displaced, and marginalized communities globally.
What does 'fully funded' mean for this fellowship?
Being a 'fully funded' fellowship means that all core program costs, including access to workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities, are covered. While no direct cash grant amount is specified for the fellows, the comprehensive support provided eliminates financial barriers to participation, allowing entrepreneurs to fully immerse themselves in the learning and development experience without personal cost.
Is the fellowship entirely virtual, or are there in-person components?
The Western Union Global Fellowship 2026 is designed as a 16-week virtual program. This allows for participation from diverse geographic locations as specified in the eligibility criteria, ensuring accessibility for leaders across the globe. There are no mandatory in-person components, though fellows are encouraged to lead local 'Basecamp' activities within their communities.
What kind of commitment is required from participants?
Participants are expected to commit fully to the 16-week virtual fellowship. This includes attending expert-led workshops, engaging actively in one-on-one mentorship sessions, participating in pitch coaching, and contributing to the global network. Additionally, fellows are tasked with leading a local 'Basecamp' project to apply their learnings and strengthen community engagement, demonstrating a high level of dedication to both personal and organizational growth.
Which types of organizations are eligible to apply?
The fellowship welcomes entrepreneurs and community leaders from a wide range of mission-driven organizations. This includes founders of social enterprises (whether for-profit or hybrid), nonprofit leaders, and innovators who have an established business model and are actively serving beneficiaries in underserved communities. Both formally incorporated entities and individuals leading significant community initiatives are encouraged to apply, provided they meet geographic and impact criteria.
Can I apply if my organization is not based in one of the listed countries but serves those communities?
Yes, the eligibility states that applicants should 'either be based in or creating measurable impact in' the listed countries (United States, Costa Rica, India, Philippines, Lithuania, Argentina, Italy, Brazil, or Peru). Therefore, if your organization, while perhaps registered elsewhere, is actively delivering significant, measurable impact within one of these specified regions, you would be considered eligible to apply.
What happens after the 16-week fellowship concludes?
Upon completion of the 16-week program, fellows will have gained enhanced skills in business growth, sales, funding readiness, and impact measurement. They will retain access to the valuable global network of innovators and mentors. The program aims to equip participants with sustainable strategies and connections that will continue to support the long-term growth and social impact of their ventures well beyond the fellowship duration.
About this grant
The Western Union Global Fellowship 2026, a collaborative initiative between Watson Institute and Western Union, is dedicated to empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders who are committed to creating profound social change.
Watson Institute, renowned for its work in empowering changemakers, partners with Western Union to deliver this impactful program, leveraging their collective expertise to foster innovation and leadership in underserved regions. This fully funded virtual fellowship spans 16 weeks, offering a transformative experience for participants. It is meticulously designed to support individuals who are not only building sustainable ventures but are also deeply engaged in addressing the unique challenges faced by historically underserved, refugee, displaced, and marginalized communities. The program aims to bridge critical gaps in resources, knowledge, and networks, enabling these leaders to amplify their impact and drive systemic change. Participants benefit from a robust curriculum that covers essential aspects of venture development, from business growth and sales strategies to funding readiness and impact measurement. The fellowship emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, ensuring that the skills acquired are directly applicable to their organizations. Through this initiative, Watson Institute and Western Union reinforce their commitment to nurturing a global ecosystem of resilient, mission-driven organizations that can deliver lasting social impact.
Eligibility
This fellowship is open to entrepreneurs and community leaders with an established business model who are actively serving customers or beneficiaries in historically underserved communities.
Applicants must demonstrate measurable impact in or be based in the United States, Costa Rica, India, Philippines, Lithuania, Argentina, Italy, Brazil, or Peru.
Ideal candidates include founders of social enterprises, nonprofit leaders, and mission-driven innovators ready to scale their ventures, showing commitment to community development and leadership potential.
Benefits & Funding
Equity-free (non-dilutive)
Non-repayable grant
Disbursed as grant
The Western Union Global Fellowship is a fully funded 16-week virtual program, meaning selected fellows receive comprehensive support that covers program costs, enabling them to focus entirely on their venture's growth and impact.
Beyond financial relief, participants gain access to expert-led workshops designed to enhance business growth, refine sales strategies, improve funding readiness, and master impact measurement.
