The WES Mariam Assefa Fund is a philanthropic initiative created by World Education Services (WES) to advance the economic mobility and inclusion of immigrants and refugees in the United States and Canada. Operating as a grantmaker and impact investor, the Fund deploys financial resources to nonprofit organizations, community groups, intermediaries, and mission‑driven enterprises that are improving access to quality jobs and more inclusive labor markets.
Role of the WES Mariam Assefa Fund in the funding ecosystem
The Fund focuses on supporting efforts that transform systems so that immigrants and refugees can thrive. Its portfolio typically includes grants and impact investments that back innovations in workforce development, employer practices, worker power, and policies that remove barriers related to skills recognition, credential evaluation, and fair hiring. By partnering with organizations on the ground, the Fund helps test, scale, and replicate promising models that benefit immigrant and refugee workers.
Types of support offered
The WES Mariam Assefa Fund provides primarily project‑based grants and, in some cases, flexible funding that allows organizations to build capacity, strengthen partnerships, and expand successful programs. In addition to traditional grants, it uses impact investing tools to support social enterprises and funds that align with its mission, enabling blended approaches that combine financial returns with measurable social outcomes.
Target audiences and sectors
Funding is directed to organizations and leaders working with immigrant and refugee communities, including workforce and employment service providers, advocacy and policy organizations, community‑based nonprofits, social enterprises, and cross‑sector collaboratives. Priority themes often include quality jobs, workplace equity, fair recruitment, recognition of international education and work experience, and inclusive local and regional economic development.
Partnerships and impact
The Fund emphasizes collaboration, often co‑funding initiatives with other philanthropic institutions and public or private partners. It highlights learning and sharing of best practices, publishing stories and insights from funded partners to influence broader systems change. Through its mix of grants and impact investments, the WES Mariam Assefa Fund aims to shift narratives about immigrants and refugees, demonstrate effective models, and encourage more capital to flow toward inclusive economies.
