WES Mariam Assefa Fund Announces $2.5M in Grants for Immigrant Economic Inclusion

The World Education Services (WES) Mariam Assefa Fund today announces US$2.5 million in new grants to organizations across the United States and Canada that are creating more inclusive economies and communities for immigrants and refugees. This funding reflects WES’ commitment to expanding access to good work for all.

“Our economies and communities are stronger and more vibrant when everyone can contribute and thrive, yet many immigrants in North America face obstacles to employment that fully uses their skills and talent,” said Léa Tienou-Gustafson, senior director of the WES Mariam Assefa Fund. “Through WES’ philanthropic work, we’re supporting organizations that remove those obstacles by creating quality jobs, inclusive workplaces, and meaningful career pathways for immigrants and refugees.”

This funding recognizes the leadership of community-driven organizations that are working to improve economic opportunity during a critical time. These grantees are dedicated to centering the voices of workers and communities to understand what works, what’s needed, and what it takes to create an economy that works for all.

The 2025 grants, which include both new organizations and long-standing partners, build on our commitment to:

• Good work and quality jobs, including fair labor standards, worker rights, and opportunities for advancement. For example, grantee partner Better Way Alliance in Toronto is a coalition of employers leading a movement to ensure good work, support advocacy efforts, and champion employers that promote fair work practices. In New York City and Washington, D.C., African Communities Together serves as a leading voice for African workers, expanding access to stable jobs that offer career growth, protection from discrimination and exploitation, and the ability to support their families with dignity.
  
• Inclusive career pathways, especially for care workers who are internationally trained. In Canada, grantee partner ACCES Employment is partnering with the Alberta International Medical Graduates Association (AIMGA) to create a more efficient system for internationally trained physicians to successfully navigate licensure pathways and put their skills and education to work. In New York City, new grantee partner Adhikaar, a women-led center for the Nepali-speaking immigrant community, delivers workforce development programs that reflect workers’ experiences and build on their existing skills. A recent example is Adhikaar’s Nepali-language newborn care curriculum—the first of its kind—developed to respond to job market demand.
  
• Leadership development, ensuring that workers and communities shape the policies and systems that affect their lives. In Ontario, grantee partner Migrant Workers Alliance for Change is training migrants to lead and transform their workplaces. In the U.S., Las Malcriadas Fronterizas is transforming narratives by training immigrant women in storytelling and hosting Spanish-language writing workshops that help domestic and home care workers advocate for themselves.

Canada

ACCES Employment, one of the largest and most well-established employment councils in Toronto, assists thousands of job seekers, connecting them with employers.

Better Way Alliance, a coalition of social enterprises and employers in Ontario that promotes decent work standards, fair wages, paid sick days, and fair scheduling, across sectors such as services, retail, food and beverage, and manufacturing.

Canadian Council for Refugees, a 200-member organization in Montreal leading systemic change for refugees and migrants in Canada.

Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, founded in Ontario, supports migrants nationwide in challenging exploitation and navigating immigration issues, organizing workers across sectors to build collective power.

Rainbow Railroad, a binational organization in Canada and the U.S., advocating on behalf of more than 20,000 2SLGBTQI+ immigrants, refugees, and claimants facing persecution.

The Refugee Centre, an organization that supports the educational, social, and economic needs of refugees and immigrants in Québec.

Talent Beyond Boundaries, a global organization that pioneered Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), which blends economic immigration with the resettlement of internationally educated refugees, addressing labour market needs by filling in-demand jobs.

Toronto Community Benefits Network, a coalition of workforce, community, and labour organizations in the Greater Toronto Area that advances Community Benefits Agreements in infrastructure and urban projects, expanding access to employment opportunities especially for newcomers.

Workers’ Action Centre, a worker‑based organization founded in the Greater Toronto Area improving conditions for people in low‑wage and unstable jobs.

WUSC, a 45‑year-old organization based in Ottawa that resettles more than 150 refugees annually. WUSC helps refugee students successfully transition into employment in high‑growth sectors.

United States

Adhikaar, meaning “rights” in Nepali, a women-led community and workers’ center in New York that supports the Nepali-speaking immigrant community, particularly people in low-wage jobs.

African Bridge Network in Massachusetts enables African and other immigrants with international training and experience to leverage their qualifications to maximize their potential in health and human services sector jobs.

African Communities Together, a national organization led by African immigrant advocates of economic, social, and civic inclusion.

Building Skills Partnership in California empowers property and airport service workers and their families to achieve personal and professional success through skills development, education, and civic engagement.

Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative, in California’s Central Valley, supports immigrant economic inclusion and coordinates free legal workshops across rural and urban communities.

Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) is the only immigrant-focused philanthropy-supporting organization in the U.S. WES is supporting GCIR’s women’s economic empowerment initiative.

Green Card Voices, a non-profit organization dedicated to changing the national narrative about immigrants and refugees by amplifying their leadership and authentic stories.

Idaho Office for Refugees supports New Americans and their communities in Idaho in partnership with resettlement agencies, welcoming and supporting people through opportunities for education, civic engagement, economic advancement, and belonging.

Las Malcriadas Fronterizas supports home caregivers in the U.S. by transforming narratives about immigrant working-class women and empowers workers to share their stories.

National Partnership for New Americans, a coalition of the country’s leading immigrant and refugee advocacy organizations.

Welcoming America, a national non-profit dedicated to fostering inclusive communities and economies in which immigrants and refugees are recognized as essential contributors to shared prosperity.