Applications are now open for the Western Union Global Fellowship 2026, a fully funded international programme designed to support social entrepreneurs and community leaders working to solve real-world challenges.
The fellowship is delivered in partnership with the Watson Institute and supported by the Western Union Foundation.
It targets entrepreneurs building impactful solutions for refugees, migrants, displaced persons, and underserved communities across the world.
The 16-week programme provides selected fellows with:
Intensive leadership and entrepreneurship training
One-on-one mentorship from global experts
Venture development and scaling support
Financial literacy and business growth coaching
Access to a global network of investors and changemakers
A key feature of the programme is the “Basecamp” initiative, where participants design and lead community-based training sessions to empower other emerging entrepreneurs in their local environment.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be founders or leaders of an active social impact venture
Be working on solutions benefiting refugees, migrants, or marginalized communities
Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community development
Be able to participate fully in the 16-week programme
Interested applicants should:
Visit the official Western Union Global Fellowship application page
Complete the online application form
Submit details about their venture, impact, and leadership experience
Provide supporting information on community work and achievements
DEADLINE: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority consideration for early applicants (around June 2026).
The organisers emphasize that the fellowship is designed to scale grassroots solutions into sustainable global impact ventures while equipping leaders with the tools to grow and fund their initiatives.