Central to Western Union’s philosophy is to support the communities in which our employees and consumers live and work. It is one of the foundations of our business, and something we are proud to say that we do every day.

The Western Union Foundation began in 2000 as a philanthropic organization to facilitate charitable giving programs worldwide. Through the generous donations of The Western Union Company, our employees and Agents, the Foundation helps to fund programs that enhance the quality of life for those most in need around the world.

Key Facts
Since 2001, The Western Union Foundation has:

• Granted nearly $40 million to more than 1,500 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in 70 countries around the globe to support humanitarian projects, provide disaster relief and fund education, health and human services programs.
• Supported 487 non-traditional students worldwide with scholarships totaling nearly $895,000;
• Supported more than 50 disaster-relief operations around the world;
• Joined more than 150 Western Union Agents in charitable programs;
• Made 43 grants totaling more than $2.4 million to help communities, children and families throughout Mexico.

Corporate Citizenship Focus Areas

• Supporting Cultural Inclusion: The Foundation recognizes the importance of helping individuals and families build strong communities, in which all members can contribute their distinctive talents and feel at home;
• Creating Pathways to Opportunity: The Foundation is committed to helping diverse individuals and communities around the world realize their tremendous potential with scholarships supporting financial literacy, entrepreneurship, job training, and other skills necessary on the journey to a better life;
• Fostering Hope in the Developing World: The Foundation supports economic development and opportunities with infrastructure development, community centers and access to technolog.

2007 Projects

• In the summer of 2007, the Foundation donated a total of $400,000 to help fund disaster-relief efforts in Bangladesh, India, Jamaica, Nepal, Nicaragua, Pakistan and Peru.
• In September 2007, the Foundation announced the launch of “Our World, Our Family,” a $50 million, five-year initiative.
  • Less than a month later, the Foundation named the first grant recipients under the program. More than 70 non-profit organizations received nearly $2 million in grants.

2006 Projects

• In Mexico, The Western Union Foundation donated $500,000 to provide cochlear implants for 38 deaf children throughout the country.
• In the U.S., the Foundation donated $1 million to Hurricane Katrina victims for clothing, food and shelter and $500,000 for permanent homes for eight evacuee families.
• In Thailand, the Foundation donated $100,000 toward the purchase of new fishing boats for fishermen whose livelihood was destroyed during the tsunami.
• In Kenya, the Foundation donated $50,000 to provide funds for drought relief.