The Western Union Global Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded, 16-week virtual program designed for entrepreneurs and community leaders who are creating impact for highly marginalized, refugee, or displaced populations. Supported by Western Union and powered by the Watson Institute, this fellowship provides expert-led training, mentorship, financial resources, and a global network to help scale ventures that drive economic opportunity and community transformation.
The Watson Institute is an organization that empowers the next generation of impact entrepreneurs and leaders through its flagship fellowship programs. It connects fellows with expert mentors, provides practical entrepreneurship training, and fosters a global community dedicated to solving pressing challenges in underserved communities worldwide.
Western Union Global Fellowship Benefits
- Entrepreneurship & Leadership Workshops
- Financial Tools & Resources
- Basecamps: Creating Lasting Impact with community development stipend
- Pitch Training & Virtual Summit
- Fully funded experience with no program fee
- Financial stipend for community “Basecamp” initiative
- Mentorship & Training from experts
- Global Exposure through a Virtual Summit
- Long-Term Support via alumni network
Western Union Global Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be an entrepreneur or community leader working with refugees, displaced populations, or highly marginalized communities
- Venture must have been operating for 1-5 years with fewer than 10 employees
- Venture must have demonstrated impact and some traction (users, funding, or revenue)
- Must be based in or creating impact in specific locations: USA (Denver, Austin, Miami), Costa Rica (Santa Ana), India (Pune), Philippines (Quezon City), Lithuania (Vilnius), Argentina (Buenos Aires), Italy (Rome), Brazil (São Paulo), Peru (Lima)
- Must be able to commit to the full 16-week program, including mandatory virtual Immersive and weekly workshops (8-10 hours per week)
How to Apply for Western Union Global Fellowship?
- Submit Your Application: Complete the online application in approximately 30 minutes by the priority deadline of June 28, 2026.
- Application Review: The Admissions Committee evaluates applications for innovation, scalability, and impact potential.
- Interview: Selected candidates are invited to a 20-minute Zoom interview.
- Final Selection & Enrollment: Final decisions announced by July 9, 2026; accepted applicants must confirm enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Western Union Global Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Can I apply if my country or state is not listed under the priority geographies?
Unfortunately, applications outside the listed geographies are not considered. However, Watson Institute runs other programs and encourages checking back for future opportunities.
What is the community development stipend?
The community development stipend supports Fellows in organizing and facilitating Basecamps, which are required community events like workshops or collaborative projects that foster growth in the communities they impact.
What is the application review timeline?
Decisions will be communicated by July 9, 2026. The program appreciates patience throughout the review process.
How do you define refugee, highly-marginalized, or forcibly displaced communities?
This term describes people forced to leave home due to conflict, persecution, economic hardship, climate events, or systemic barriers, including those facing exclusion or limited resources. The program values proximate leaders with lived experience.
How does this program open doors to funding?
Watson Institute connects Fellows to a network of investors, grantmakers, and partners through mentorship, pitch opportunities, and relationship-building events to accelerate venture growth and sustainability.
What is the long-term impact on Fellows and Alumni?
Alumni join a vibrant community with ongoing resources and support. They often report increased revenue, expanded networks, stronger leadership, and greater community impact, with many achieving significant milestones like fundraising and job creation.
What if I’m not admitted?
If not admitted, applicants are encouraged to stay engaged through newsletters, events, and future programs, as many reapply and continue developing their ventures with Watson Institute’s resources.
I have another question and need assistance.
For other questions, reach out to Sandra Mancia at [email protected].
What is the weekly time commitment for the fellowship?
The weekly time commitment is 8–10 hours per week, including virtual workshops, community events, optional mentorship sessions, Basecamp planning, and Summit preparations.
What are the key program dates?
The program runs from August 11 to December 3, 2026, with a virtual Immersive from August 11–18 and a Virtual Summit on December 3, 2026.
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