Open
Last Update: June 22, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000 - $ 500,000
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The WES Mariam Assefa Fund’s Impact Investing supports mission-driven organizations in the United States and Canada that help immigrants, refugees, and BIPOC communities thrive. It backs capital access, education and training, supportive services, inclusive financing, and other flexible initiatives that advance economic mobility.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (<50% earned)
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Demonstrating the viability of a new initiative.
- Testing and scaling innovative, early-stage, or less proven approaches.
- Supporting education, training, supportive services, and inclusive financing.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Organizations and innovators working with immigrants and refugees.
- Mission-driven leaders and organizations.
- Innovators and entrepreneurs reimagining tools and resources for immigrant and refugee workers.
Eligible expenses
- Flexible capital for new initiatives.
- Investment in people and operations.
- Overhead or administrative costs.
- Full costs required to execute the proposed initiative.
- Staff well-being costs such as ongoing learning, professional development, living wages, and holistic support.
Eligible geographic areas
- The United States.
- Canada.
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the fund’s commitment to inclusive, equitable economies for immigrants and refugees.
- Participatory grantmaking decisions informed by community members.
- Use of an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens.
How to apply
- Open funding opportunities are posted on the website.
- Open opportunities are also communicated via the email list.
- Organizations may be directly solicited for funding ideas.
- Invite-only requests for proposals may also be issued.
- Occasionally, the fund opens online applications for ideas related to funding priorities and solutions.
Processing and Agreement
- The fund uses a due diligence process.
- On average, the due diligence process takes 30 to 60 days.
Additional information
- The fund uses a trust-based, inclusive investing process.
- It emphasizes participatory grantmaking and flexible funding.
- It also offers support beyond the check, including capacity-building programs.
- Open funding opportunities are posted on the website and shared through the email list.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Impact Investing Program
What is the Impact Investing?
The WES Mariam Assefa Fund’s Impact Investing supports mission-driven organizations in the United States and Canada that help immigrants, refugees, and BIPOC communities thrive. It backs capital access, education and training, supportive services, inclusive financing, and other flexible initiatives that advance economic mobility.
How much funding can be received?
Impact Investing Funds up to $500,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Impact Investing program?
To be eligible for the Impact Investing program, you must:
Mission-driven leaders or organizations are eligible.
The work must support immigrants, refugees, or BIPOC communities in the United States and Canada.
What expenses are eligible under Impact Investing?
Demonstrating the viability of a new initiative.
Testing and scaling innovative, early-stage, or less proven approaches.
Supporting education, training, supportive services, and inclusive financing.
Who can I contact for more information about the Impact Investing?
You can contact World Education Services (WES).
Where is the Impact Investing available?
The Impact Investing program is available across Canada.
Who are the financial supporters of the Impact Investing?
Impact Investing is funded by World Education Services (WES)