Applications are now officially open for the 2026 Interledger Fellowship Program, a prestigious global fellowship supporting innovators, researchers, developers, educators, advocates, and creators working to remove barriers to digital financial inclusion.
The Interledger Foundation Fellowship is a fully funded 12-month program designed to support individuals building solutions that help underserved communities access and participate meaningfully in digital financial systems.
Selected fellows will receive a total compensation package of up to $92,000, including direct fellowship funding and project support.
Applications will remain open until June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT.
About the Interledger Fellowship Program
The Interledger Fellowship Program is a global initiative focused on advancing equitable access to digital financial systems and economic participation.
The fellowship supports individuals whose work addresses real-world financial exclusion challenges, including:
- High transaction costs
- Documentation barriers
- Limited financial literacy
- Exclusionary regulations
- Inaccessible digital infrastructure
- Lack of community-centered financial tools
The program seeks to empower fellows who are developing innovative approaches that make financial systems more inclusive, accessible, and community-driven.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship runs for:
- 12 months
During this period, fellows will work on their proposed projects while engaging with the Interledger Foundation’s global ecosystem.
Funding and Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
Fellowship Compensation
- $72,000 total fellowship compensation
Project Support Funding
- Additional $20,000 stipend for:
- Research
- Development
- Organizing
- Advocacy
- Community engagement
- Technical implementation
Total Funding
- Up to $92,000 overall support
This funding is intended to allow fellows to focus fully on impactful projects that advance financial inclusion and digital participation.
Focus Areas for 2026
The Interledger Foundation is seeking proposals in several critical areas related to digital financial inclusion.
1. Research
Projects that study:
- Regulatory barriers
- Economic challenges
- Technical obstacles
- Social exclusion in digital finance systems
The fellowship welcomes evidence-based research exploring why certain populations remain excluded from digital financial services.
2. Education and Capacity Building
Projects that:
- Create educational resources
- Develop financial literacy programs
- Build community training initiatives
- Increase awareness of digital financial tools
This area is especially focused on communities with limited exposure to digital financial technologies.
3. Policy and Standards
Projects advocating for:
- Inclusive regulatory frameworks
- Open financial systems
- Technical interoperability standards
- Consumer protection without exclusion
Applicants working on governance, policy reform, and open standards are encouraged to apply.
4. Solutions for Underserved Markets
The fellowship supports innovators creating:
- Financial tools
- Digital payment systems
- Open-source technologies
- Accessible infrastructure
- Community-centered financial products
Projects should focus on populations currently underserved by existing systems.
5. Ecosystem Strengthening
Projects that build:
- Communities
- Networks
- Support systems
- Collaborative platforms
The goal is to help people navigate and benefit from digital financial services more effectively.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship welcomes diverse applicants from across sectors and disciplines.
Ideal applicants include:
- Researchers
- Software developers
- Open-source contributors
- Educators
- Community organizers
- Entrepreneurs
- Policy experts
- Financial inclusion advocates
- Artists and storytellers
- Human rights advocates
- Digital rights activists
The program especially values applicants working closely with underserved communities.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Digital financial systems increasingly shape how people:
- Access opportunities
- Receive payments
- Build businesses
- Participate in society
Yet millions remain excluded due to systemic barriers.
The Interledger Fellowship aims to support people building more equitable systems where access to financial tools is:
- Affordable
- Inclusive
- Community-centered
- Privacy-conscious
- Accessible to all
The program recognizes that financial inclusion is not only about technology, but also about dignity, participation, and economic justice.
Inspiration from Previous Fellows
The fellowship builds on the success of the Interledger Ambassadorship Program, which since 2020 has supported global innovators working in:
- Open-source technology
- Accessibility
- Advocacy
- Education
- Research
- Community engagement
Past fellows have explored themes including:
- Digital equity
- Financial rights
- Data governance
- Accessibility in technology
- Community-centered finance
- Diaspora financial systems
- Inclusive digital infrastructure
Application Timeline
Applications Open
- April 1, 2026
Application Deadline
- June 15, 2026
- 11:59 PM EDT
Late applications may not be accepted.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Submittable platform.
Applicants should review:
- The FAQ
- The official Application Guide
- Eligibility requirements
- Proposal instructions
before applying.
Why You Should Apply
The Interledger Fellowship is one of the most impactful global opportunities for innovators working at the intersection of:
- Technology
- Finance
- Community development
- Human rights
- Open systems
- Economic inclusion
The fellowship provides:
- Significant funding support
- Global visibility
- Access to an international network
- Space to focus on impactful work
- Opportunities to shape the future of digital finance
For researchers, developers, educators, and advocates committed to equitable economic participation, this fellowship offers both resources and a powerful platform.
For more information on this fellowship visit here
For more Fellowship Opportunities, visit OFY here.
