Applications for the 2026 edition of the Interledger Fellowship Programme, a 12-month initiative supporting individuals who are researching, advocating for, and building solutions to help underserved populations access and meaningfully engage with digital financial systems, are now open.
The Programme funds researchers, advocates, educators, and technical developers working to address barriers that prevent people from fully participating in digital financial systems.
Successful applicants’ work will address the real barriers that people face, including prohibitive transaction costs, documentation requirements, lack of financial literacy resources, regulatory frameworks that exclude rather than protect, and infrastructure that doesn’t reach or serve their communities.
The programme is ideal for researchers, developers, open-source contributors, entrepreneurs, educators, policy regulators, open-standards enthusiasts, digital and financial rights advocates, creators, and artists working at the intersection of technology and community.
The Programme seeks proposals that will focus on:
- Research: Studies the regulatory, economic, technical, or social obstacles that prevent people from using digital financial services effectively
- Builds knowledge and capacity: Creates educational resources, curricula, or training programs for communities with limited exposure to digital financial tools
- Advances policy and standards: Advocates for regulatory frameworks and technical standards that enable rather than restrict participation
- Develops solutions for underserved markets: Creates technical infrastructure, products, or services designed for populations currently excluded or poorly served
- Strengthens ecosystems: Builds communities, networks, or support systems that help people navigate and benefit from digital financial services.
Fellows will be compensated with a total of $72,000 for their participation in the programme, while a $20,000 stipend will be provided to support the research, development, organising, and advocacy efforts associated with their project.
Applications for the Fellowship programme will be accepted via Submittable from April 1, 2026, 12 am EDT until June 15, 2026, 11.59 EDT.
Further details on the current call for proposals’ eligibility requirements, application form, and additional information can be accessed at the programme FAQ and the Application Guide.
For further information, please visit https://interledger.org/grant/fellowship.
