Western Union Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Western Union Foundation is a private foundation in Denver, Colorado. In tax year 2024 it gave $2.7 million in 21 grants; the typical grant was $125,006 and the largest $500,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$2.7 million
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$125,006
- Largest grant$500,000
- Assets$1.9 million
- New grantees76%
Giving in 2024 was down from $4.3 million the year before.
76% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $4.3 million | 332 | $5.5 million |
| 2024 | $2.7 million | 21 | $1.9 million |
How to apply
Western Union Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Western Union Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Colorado. It also paid $291,203 in 2 grants to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 5 | $775,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $680,000 |
| New York | 3 | $583,550 |
| Illinois | 2 | $500,000 |
| California | 3 | $400,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $315,737 |
| Iowa | 1 | $200,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $125,006 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Aspen Institute | Workforce / education | $500,000 |
| Iie Wu Global Scholars | Workforce/ education | $400,450 |
| Watson | Workforce/education | $400,000 |
| Junior Achievement Worldwide | Workforce/ education | $315,737 |
| National Partnership for New Americ | Workforce/ education | $300,000 |
| Bridge for Billions-Possibility Lab | Workforce/education | $200,000 |
| The Entreprenuerial Refugee Network | Workforce/education | $200,000 |
| Global Alliance Africa | Workforce / education | $200,000 |
| Hy-Vee Variety Children's Charity | Workforce / education | $200,000 |
| Metropolitan State University of D | Workforce / education | $150,000 |
| Hias | Workforce/education | $125,006 |
| Irc Denver | Workforce / education | $115,000 |
| Ever Free | Workforce/education | $100,000 |
| Refugees International | Workforce/education | $100,000 |
| Rose Foundation | Workforce / education | $100,000 |
| Capable | Workforce / education | $100,000 |
| Micro Rainbow | Workforce / education | $91,203 |
| Education for Employment | Workforce / education | $80,000 |
| Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain | Gift match grants | $75,000 |
| Iie Project Management | Workforce / education | $68,100 |
| Community Hubs | Workforce / education | $50,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ben Adams
- Karen Wolf
- Sohini Rajola
- Tyler McPherson-Wiman
- Rodrigo Garcia Estebarena
- Rajeev Mahajan
- Lauren Bell
Questions people ask
Does Western Union Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Western Union Foundation give?
$2.7 million in tax year 2024, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $125,006.
Who runs Western Union Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Ben Adams (Chair), Karen Wolf (Treasurer), Sohini Rajola (Board Member) and Tyler McPherson-Wiman (Board Member) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does Western Union Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly community development, education and international.