Interledger Fellowship Program: Building a Future of Open Payments

The Interledger Fellowship Program is a global initiative designed to support individuals working to make digital financial systems more accessible and equitable. This 12-month program offers significant funding and support to innovators, researchers, developers, educators, and advocates who are dedicated to addressing financial exclusion. The fellowship aims to empower those who are developing solutions to overcome barriers such as high transaction costs, documentation issues, limited financial literacy, and inaccessible digital infrastructure. By fostering community-centered financial tools and open payment systems, the program seeks to create a more inclusive economic landscape for underserved communities worldwide.

Understanding Financial Exclusion

Financial exclusion remains a significant global challenge, preventing millions from fully participating in the digital economy. This exclusion can stem from various factors, including the high cost of financial transactions, which disproportionately affects low-income individuals. Many also face difficulties due to a lack of proper documentation, which is often a prerequisite for opening bank accounts or accessing financial services. Furthermore, limited financial literacy can make it hard for people to understand and utilize available digital tools effectively.

Regulatory environments can also create barriers, with some rules unintentionally excluding certain populations or hindering the development of inclusive financial products. Inadequate digital infrastructure, particularly in rural or remote areas, further limits access to online financial services. The Interledger Fellowship Program specifically targets these issues, supporting projects that aim to dismantle these obstacles and build more accessible financial systems.

The Interledger Fellowship Program Structure

The Interledger Fellowship Program is a fully funded 12-month initiative. During this period, selected fellows dedicate their time to advancing their proposed projects. The program is structured to provide fellows with the resources and environment needed to focus on impactful work. Fellows become part of the Interledger Foundation’s global ecosystem, connecting with other innovators and experts in the field of digital finance.

This structure allows for deep engagement with project goals while also fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. The program’s duration is designed to allow for meaningful progress and development of sustainable solutions.

Funding and Benefits for Fellows

Selected fellows receive a substantial compensation package designed to allow them to concentrate fully on their projects. The program offers a total fellowship compensation of $72,000. In addition to this direct compensation, fellows also receive an additional $20,000 stipend. This stipend is intended to cover expenses related to research, development, organizing, advocacy, community engagement, and technical implementation.

Collectively, fellows can receive up to $92,000 in overall support. This significant financial backing is a key aspect of the fellowship, enabling individuals to dedicate their full efforts to advancing digital financial inclusion without the immediate pressure of other financial obligations.

Key Focus Areas for Innovation

The Interledger Foundation actively seeks proposals that address critical areas within digital financial inclusion. One major focus is Research, encouraging projects that study regulatory barriers, economic challenges, technical obstacles, and social exclusion within digital finance systems. Evidence-based research exploring the reasons behind persistent exclusion is highly valued.

Another important area is Education and Capacity Building. This includes the creation of educational resources, the development of financial literacy programs, and the establishment of community training initiatives to increase awareness of digital financial tools, especially for those with limited exposure. Policy and Standards is also a key focus, supporting projects that advocate for inclusive regulatory frameworks, open financial systems, technical interoperability standards, and consumer protection measures that do not create new barriers.

The program also supports Solutions for Underserved Markets, encouraging innovators to create financial tools, digital payment systems, open-source technologies, and accessible infrastructure tailored for populations currently overlooked by existing systems. Finally, Ecosystem Strengthening is a vital focus, supporting projects that build communities, networks, support systems, and collaborative platforms to help individuals better navigate and benefit from digital financial services.

Who Can Apply?

The Interledger Fellowship Program welcomes a diverse range of applicants from various sectors and disciplines. Ideal candidates include researchers, software developers, open-source contributors, educators, community organizers, entrepreneurs, policy experts, and financial inclusion advocates. The program also encourages applications from artists, storytellers, human rights advocates, and digital rights activists who can bring unique perspectives to the challenges of financial inclusion.

A strong emphasis is placed on applicants who are working closely with underserved communities, ensuring that the solutions developed are grounded in real-world needs and contexts. This inclusive approach ensures a broad spectrum of expertise and experience contributes to the fellowship’s goals.

The Importance of Digital Financial Inclusion

Digital financial systems are increasingly central to how individuals access opportunities, receive payments, build businesses, and participate in society. However, systemic barriers continue to exclude millions from these essential services. The Interledger Fellowship Program is dedicated to supporting individuals who are building more equitable systems where access to financial tools is affordable, inclusive, community-centered, privacy-conscious, and accessible to all.

The program recognizes that achieving financial inclusion is not solely a technological challenge but also a matter of dignity, participation, and economic justice. By investing in these innovators, the fellowship aims to drive meaningful change and foster greater economic empowerment globally.

Application Process and Timeline

Applications for the 2026 Interledger Fellowship Program are submitted through the official Submittable platform. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to 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 the deadline for submissions is June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT. Late applications may not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Interledger Fellowship Program?

It’s a 12-month global initiative that provides funding and support to individuals developing solutions for financial exclusion and building open payment systems.

How much funding does the fellowship provide?

Fellows can receive up to $92,000 in total support, which includes compensation and a stipend for project-related expenses.

Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?

The program welcomes diverse applicants including researchers, developers, educators, advocates, artists, and storytellers who are passionate about digital financial inclusion.