WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and The Western Union Company, have extended the application deadline for the African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) to March 2. The ADM is an initiative that encourages sustainable economic growth and employment by supporting diaspora entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs who are U.S.-based and have a demonstrated relevant connection to, or experience in, Africa.

Proposals need to be submitted by 5pm EST March 2, 2012. Information about ADM II, eligibility requirements and how to apply can be found at http://www.diasporamarketplace.net

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. As of December 31, 2011, the Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services were offered through a combined network of approximately 485,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories. In 2011, The Western Union Company completed 226 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $81 billion of principal between consumers, and 425 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.

About the Western Union Foundation

Through Western Union's Our World, Our Family(R) signature program, the Western Union Foundation supports initiatives to empower people through access to economic opportunity. Recognized by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy in 2009, the program is a five-year, $50 million commitment reflecting efforts made by Western Union employees, Agents and partners around the world. Since 2001, the Western Union Foundation has awarded more than $73.4 million in grants to more than 2010 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in 104 countries and territories. To learn more, visit http://foundation.westernunion.com.

For more information about USAID and its programs around the world, visit www.usaid.gov.