Western Union Foundation Guidelines
2008
Western Union Foundation
The Western Union Foundation, the charitable organization of Western Union (NYSE:WU), supports philanthropic initiatives worldwide. Since its inception in December 2000, the Foundation has donated over USD$40 million to help those most in need. The Western Union Foundation facilitates global economic empowerment and helps families stay connected, overcome barriers and realize their dreams.
Western Union Foundation Guidelines and Application Process
The Western Union Foundation receives thousands of funding requests each year. Only eligible organizations with proposals that most closely align with the following focus areas and criteria will be considered for funding.
Eligible Organizations
- Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) whose primary mission is to serve migrant and immigrant populations.
- NGOs operating in the developing world that alleviate poverty and provide economic development programs.
Western Union Foundation Focus Areas
Creating Pathways to Opportunity
Programs that allow individuals to have better access to educational opportunities and economic development programs. Activities may include job training, life skills education, computer education, and financial literacy
Supporting Cultural Inclusion
Programs that help individuals integrate into their new communities. Activities may include language acquisition courses, civic engagement education, community development programs assisting with the transition into a new community.
Fostering Hope in the Developing World
Programs that provide basic human services to communities in developing countries. Activities may include infrastructure improvement (access to clean water, housing, etc.) economic development or access to technology.
Grant Review Criteria
Organizations that meet the following criteria will be the most competitive:
- Programs that are in alignment with the Western Union Foundation’s three primary focus areas
- Organizations that conduct relevant projects that have been in operation for more than one year
- Organizations that target primarily members of lower income migrant or immigrant populations
- Not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations that are based outside the US and provide official documentation establishing the legal and tax status of the applicant organization, including a copy of the legislative act or statute, or the sections thereof, granting exemption to this type of organization
- Not-for profit, non-governmental organizations that are based in the US and recognized as tax exempt from federal income tax under IRC Section 501 (c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Service Code and is eligible to receive charitable contributions under IRC Section 170 (c)(2). A copy of the tax determination is required
- Organizations that meet all requirements and standards for transparency, governance, and reporting and have sound fiscal and legal standing
- Organizations that have a demonstrated track record of meeting stated program goals with measurable results
- Organizations that can provide audited budget and financial statements demonstrating that administrative costs as a percentage of budget fall within an acceptable range that are consistent with industry standards
- Organizations that serve the community without discrimination on the basis of age, color, citizenship, disability, disabled veteran status, gender, race, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, military service
- Organizations that observe the highest standards of business conduct in their relationships with the public
Ineligible Requests
Generally, the Foundation does not fund general operating support, individuals, endowments, special events, capital projects, other post-secondary scholarship programs, early childhood education programs, deficits or retirement of debt, re-granting agencies, awards.
The following program areas will not be considered for funding:
- Health
- Disease research
- Environmental causes
- Sports and athletics
- Arts and humanities
- Religious organizations
2008 Application Deadlines
Organizations may only apply once per year.
- March 3 - Letter of Inquiry (LOI) due
- April 1 – Notification on LOI sent to applicants
- April 30 - Full proposals due from applicants with approved LOIs
- June 30 - Notification of funding
- September 1 - Letter of Inquiry (LOI) due
- October 1 – Notification on LOI sent to applicants
- October 31 - Full proposals due from applicants with approved LOIs
- December 31 - Notification of funding
Process
Western Union Foundation staff will review all LOIs utilizing the criteria. Organizations that most closely align with the Foundation funding priorities will be invited to submit a full proposal.
Full proposals will be reviewed by the staff and recommendations will be made to the Foundation President and then to the Western Union Foundation board for final approval.
Select one of the options below to submit a Letter of Inquiry:
Nonprofit organizations based in the United States.
Nongovernmental Organizations based outside the United States
If you have questions about the application process, you may send an email to the Western Union Foundation or call us at 720-332-6606.
