Interledger Fellowship Program Offers $92,000 for Digital Financial Inclusion Projects

The 2026 Interledger Fellowship Program is now accepting applications from individuals dedicated to breaking down barriers in digital financial inclusion. This 12-month, fully funded program supports innovators, researchers, developers, educators, advocates, and creators who are building solutions to help underserved communities access and use digital financial systems. Selected fellows will receive a total compensation package of up to $92,000, including direct funding and project support, to advance their impactful work. The application deadline is June 15, 2026.

Understanding the Interledger Fellowship Program

The Interledger Fellowship Program is a global initiative focused on creating more equitable access to digital financial systems and economic opportunities. It aims to empower individuals whose projects tackle real-world challenges that lead to financial exclusion. These challenges can include high transaction fees, difficulties with documentation, low financial literacy, restrictive regulations, limited access to digital infrastructure, and a lack of financial tools designed for specific communities. The program actively seeks to support those developing new and creative ways to make financial systems more inclusive, accessible, and centered around community needs.

Fellowship Structure and Duration

This fellowship is designed as a 12-month program. During this period, fellows will dedicate their time to developing and advancing their proposed projects. A key component of the fellowship is the opportunity to connect with and engage within the broader Interledger Foundation’s global network of innovators and organizations. This engagement is intended to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support among fellows and the wider community working towards financial inclusion.

Funding and Benefits for Fellows

The Interledger Fellowship Program offers substantial financial support to enable fellows to focus on their projects without significant financial strain. Each selected fellow will receive a total fellowship compensation of $72,000. In addition to this direct compensation, fellows will also receive an additional $20,000 stipend. This stipend is intended to cover various project-related expenses, such as research, development, organizing events, advocacy efforts, community engagement activities, and technical implementation. In total, fellows can receive up to $92,000 in support, allowing them to fully commit to their impactful work in digital financial inclusion.

Key Focus Areas for 2026 Projects

The Interledger Foundation is particularly interested in proposals that address critical aspects of digital financial inclusion. These focus areas guide the types of projects that will receive support:

Research into Financial Exclusion

This area encourages projects that investigate the root causes of financial exclusion. This includes studying regulatory hurdles, economic difficulties, technical limitations, and social factors that prevent certain populations from accessing digital financial services. The fellowship welcomes research that provides evidence and insights into why specific groups remain excluded from the digital economy.

Education and Capacity Building Initiatives

Projects that aim to educate and empower individuals and communities are highly valued. This involves creating educational materials, developing financial literacy programs, establishing community training sessions, and raising awareness about available digital financial tools. A strong emphasis is placed on reaching communities that have had limited exposure to digital financial technologies.

Policy and Standards Development

The program supports work related to shaping more inclusive financial policies and technical standards. This includes advocating for regulatory frameworks that promote access, developing open financial systems, promoting technical interoperability, and ensuring consumer protection without creating new barriers. Applicants involved in governance, policy reform, and the creation of open standards are encouraged to apply.

Solutions for Underserved Markets

Innovators creating practical financial tools, digital payment systems, open-source technologies, accessible infrastructure, and community-focused financial products for underserved populations are a priority. These projects should directly address the needs of groups currently not well-served by existing financial systems.

Ecosystem Strengthening Efforts

This focus area supports projects that build and strengthen the networks and communities around digital finance. This includes developing support systems, collaborative platforms, and communities that help individuals better navigate and benefit from digital financial services. The goal is to foster a more supportive and effective ecosystem for everyone.

Who Should Apply for the Fellowship

The Interledger Fellowship Program seeks a diverse range of applicants from various professional backgrounds and disciplines. Ideal candidates include researchers, software developers, open-source contributors, educators, community organizers, entrepreneurs, policy experts, and advocates for financial inclusion. The program also welcomes artists, storytellers, human rights advocates, and digital rights activists who can contribute unique perspectives. A strong preference is given to applicants who work closely with and understand the needs of underserved communities.

The Importance of Financial Inclusion

Digital financial systems are increasingly central to how individuals access opportunities, receive payments, conduct business, and participate in society. However, millions of people worldwide are still excluded due to systemic issues. The Interledger Fellowship aims to support those building more just and equitable systems where financial tools are affordable, inclusive, community-driven, privacy-respecting, and accessible to all. The program recognizes that achieving financial inclusion is about more than just technology; it is about ensuring dignity, promoting participation, and advancing economic justice.

Application Process and Timeline

Applications for the 2026 Interledger Fellowship Program are to be submitted through the official Submittable platform. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to carefully review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), the official Application Guide, and all eligibility requirements and proposal instructions before submitting their application. The application period opened on April 1, 2026, and will close on June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT. Late applications may not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions