Programs

The Western Union Foundation invests in programs that help create economic opportunity for people who migrate. Working with our partners, we provide tools and resources for job opportunities, scholarships for higher education, and direct aid in times of crisis to help communities rebuild.

According to the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, there is a frequent misalignment between schooling and the skills required by employers. This is why we work with innovative nonprofits to ensure young adults have access to skill building, education, and training needed for quality employment opportunities.

Our Nonprofit Partners

We believe access to higher education is a key pathway to success, and is out of reach for too many young people. Our Western Union Scholars program helps fund high-potential, in-need students who are struggling to afford to graduate.

Scholarships since 2017

500+
students
100
countries
75%
female
150+
colleges & universities

How to nominate

The Foundation works with the Institute of International Education to accept nominations, select awardees, and distribute the scholarships. Interested students must be nominated by a representative from their higher education institution.

Eligibility requirements include:

Western Union Global Scholarship

  • Must be an international student already enrolled in the forthcoming academic year (or a corresponding timeframe for universities with other semester systems) and preferably residing in one of the following countries of study: US, UK, Europe, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
  • Must be enrolled in the final (senior) or penultimate (junior) year of a full-time undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree program at an accredited higher education institution in any of the countries/regions listed above.
  • Must be able to demonstrate financial need.
  • Must be in good academic standing, have high ambitions, and a demonstrated commitment to their chosen field of study.

Project Finish Line Scholarship

  • Must be a student that identifies as black, indigenous, or a person of color currently enrolled in their final (senior) or penultimate (junior) year of their undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited higher education institution in the United States.
  • Must be able to demonstrate financial need.
  • Must be in good academic standing, have high ambitions, and a demonstrated commitment to a STEM or business field of study.

If you believe you meet all of the eligibility requirements above and are interested in applying for a scholarship for a future school year, please contact your school’s administration. For any further questions, please email WUFoundation@iie.org.

Read more about our 2022-2023 Western Union Scholars here.

Who are our Western Union Scholars?

Our Western Union Scholars demonstrate academic excellence, aspire to achieve, persevere through challenges, and have a sense of community.

Aspiration

They have the drive to better themselves by studying subjects that will position them to have successful careers.

Perseverance

They have the determination to achieve their educational and life goals, despite challenges or obstacles.

Community

They desire to make the world a better place as global citizens and community leaders.

Our Nonprofit Partner

The Western Union Foundation serves immediate needs and helps rebuild communities following natural disasters and humanitarian crises – a leading cause of forced migration around the world.

Community impact

200+
responses
$18M+
donated
74
countries supported

COVID-19

We responded quickly at the pandemic’s onset to support domestic and global nonprofits serving vulnerable populations and urgent areas of need. Along with securing equipment for frontline healthcare workers, these efforts included hunger relief, medical training, and other essential services. Learn more about our immediate response and ongoing commitment to long-term economic recovery efforts.

COVID-19 Response

Recent Crisis Responses

Typhoons Goni & Vamco - Philippines November 2020
Moria Camp Fires – Greece September 2020
Hurricane Laura – US August 2020
California and Colorado Wildfires – US August 2020
Lebanon Explosion – Lebanon August 2020
Racial Justice – US June 2020
COVID-19 Pandemic – Global February 2020
Tornados and Flooding – US February 2020
Puerto Rico Earthquakes – Puerto Rico January 2020
Australia Bushfires – Australia January 2020
SW Border Migrant Crisis – US January 2020
Typhoon Phanfone – Philippines December 2019
Hurricane Dorian – The Bahamas September 2019
Flooding – India August 2019
Hurricane Barry – US July 2019
Restoring Family Links – US June 2019
Cyclone – Mozambique March 2019
Flooding – US March 2019
Tornadoes – US March 2019
Colombia Population Movement - Colombia February 2019
Learn more

Our Nonprofit Partners

Join Us

Our hope is that each of you will consider joining the Western Union Foundation’s Opportunity Beyond Borders mission and join us in advocating for a world where there is more equal opportunity for all.

Donate