Interledger Fellowship Program 2026 – $92,000 Funding for Changemakers in Digital Finance (Fully Open for Applications)
Are you passionate about financial inclusion, open payments, digital financial systems, and creating meaningful impact for underserved communities? The Interledger Fellowship Program 2026 is now open for applications!
This prestigious 12-month fellowship supports bold individuals working to break down barriers preventing people from fully participating in the global digital economy. It is ideal for researchers, developers, advocates, educators, policy experts, entrepreneurs, and creators passionate about open financial systems.
About the Interledger Fellowship Program
The Interledger Fellowship is a 12-month funded initiative designed to support individuals who are researching, advocating for, and building practical solutions to improve access to digital financial services for underserved populations worldwide.
Fellows tackle real-world challenges such as high transaction costs, complex documentation requirements, lack of financial literacy, restrictive regulations, and inadequate infrastructure that excludes many communities from the digital economy.
What Fellows Work On
Successful fellows focus their projects on one or more of the following areas:
- Research: Studying regulatory, economic, technical, or social barriers to digital financial inclusion
- Knowledge & Capacity Building: Creating educational resources, curricula, or training programs for communities with limited access to digital finance tools
- Policy & Standards Advocacy: Pushing for better regulatory frameworks and technical standards that promote inclusion
- Solution Development: Building technical infrastructure, products, or services tailored for excluded populations
- Ecosystem Strengthening: Building communities, networks, and support systems to help people benefit from digital financial services
Fellowship Benefits & Funding
- Total Compensation: $72,000 stipend for the 12-month period
- Additional Project Support: $20,000 grant to fund research, development, organizing, advocacy, or project-related expenses
- Total Value: Up to $92,000 per fellow
- Opportunity to work on impactful projects with global visibility
- Access to the Interledger Foundation’s network of innovators, technologists, and financial inclusion experts
- Mentorship and support throughout the fellowship
Who Should Apply? (Eligibility)
The program is open to:
- Researchers, advocates, educators, technical developers, open-source contributors, entrepreneurs, policy experts, regulators, journalists, creators, and artists
- Individuals working at the intersection of technology, finance, and community impact
- People with strong ideas or ongoing work in open payments, digital financial inclusion, or related fields
- Applicants from all countries worldwide (no geographic restriction mentioned)
No specific degree is required — passion, experience, and the quality of your proposal matter most.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Now
- Application Deadline: June 15, 2026, 11:59 PM EDT
How to Apply
- Visit the official page: https://interledger.org/grant/ambassadors
- Review the full guidelines
- Submit a strong proposal outlining your project idea, its potential impact, and how it aligns with the program’s goals
This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone passionate about financial inclusion, open-source payments, digital rights, and economic empowerment to receive substantial funding and support to turn their ideas into reality.
Share this widely with researchers, developers, policy advocates, educators, and fintech enthusiasts in your network across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
Summary Table: Interledger Fellowship Program 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Total Funding | $72,000 stipend + $20,000 project grant = $92,000 |
| Focus Areas | Research, Education, Policy, Solution Building, Ecosystem Development |
| Eligibility | Open worldwide – researchers, developers, advocates, educators, etc. |
| Deadline | June 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT) |
| Application Link | https://interledger.org/grant/ambassadors |
This is a rare opportunity to get well-funded support for work that creates real impact in digital financial inclusion. Don’t miss it — apply before the deadline!
