The Western Union Foundation awarded grants totaling over $3.2 million to 276 organizations in more than 75 countries and territories, supporting causes from natural disaster relief to fostering educational opportunities in communities around the world.
Over 125 Western Union Agents participated in the Agent Giving Circle Program raising over $2.6 million. Matched dollar-for-dollar by the Foundation, the total amount donated to 40 NGOs in 42 countries was over $5.2 million.
In collaboration with the Institute of International Education, the Family Scholarship Program was piloted with the Filipino and Guatemalan communities in the Los Angeles area. Under the pilot, two Filipina sisters were awarded scholarships to attend Cal State Northridge.
Western Union celebrated Founders Day by launching the first annual Month of Giving, where employees from around the globe were encouraged to give both time and money to help communities.
Donations for Doers was launched, recognizing employee volunteer efforts by providing $500 grants to qualified NGOs where employees log 50 or more volunteer hours during a calendar year.
Western Union's VolunteerMatch site was introduced, providing employees around the world with an online way to find volunteer opportunities in their communities.
The Foundation's Annual Golf Tournament raised over $364,000 to benefit NGOs around the globe.
These numbers represent significant accomplishments for us. Yet the most important number is one. One community; one family; one individual striving for a better life.
Luis Pasillas Story
Here is one of those stories. Mexican immigrant Luis Pasillas improves his life and his English with the help of the Western Union Foundation.