Mariam Assefa Fund

Welcome

The WES Mariam Assefa Fund

The WES Mariam Assefa Fund is the philanthropic arm of World Education Services. Through grantmaking and impact investing, the Fund supports catalytic efforts to build more inclusive economies for immigrants and refugees in the U.S. and Canada. Learn more about what we do.

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Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Equity, diversity, inclusion, and racial justice are inextricably linked to WES and the Fund’s vision of a future when immigrants and refugees can thrive and pursue the careers they desire. Read how we are centering our work on these principles.

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Our Grantee and Investee Partners

The WES Mariam Assefa Fund’s grantee and investee partners share our commitment to building inclusive economies where all immigrants and refugees can thrive. Our partners are champions for their communities and leaders in their fields. Meet our community of current and past partners.

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Our Vision

The WES Mariam Assefa Fund supports catalytic efforts to create more inclusive economies for immigrants and refugees in the U.S. and Canada. Through grantmaking, impact investing, and partnerships, we support organizations and leaders that are focused on:

Fund Partners with United Way Greater Toronto to Support African Refugees and Asylum Seekers

In Toronto, the escalating housing crisis and gaps in federal funding have led to the city’s shelters reaching and even exceeding capacity. As a result, many recent refugees and asylum seekers have had to sleep on the city streets. While the allocation of ...

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How We Fund

The WES Mariam Assefa Fund selects grantee and investee partners and awards funding through a range of mechanisms, including outreach to aligned organizations and calls for proposals.

Funding Opportunities

The Fund usually sources funding opportunities through direct solicitation, invite-only calls for proposals, and occasionally, open online applications. Any open opportunities are shared through our email list.

Stay in touch through our newsletter.

Impact Investing

We are excited to meet innovators and entrepreneurs who are reimagining the building blocks of wealth: education, employment, financial health, supportive services, and ownership. Are you a company or organization looking for impact investing support?

Submit your idea.