The Interledger Fellowship Program is a 12-month initiative that empowers researchers, advocates, educators, and technical developers to address barriers preventing full participation in digital financial systems.

This program supports projects that enhance accessibility, equity, and inclusion in global digital finance.

Applications for the 2026 fellowship are open until June 15, 2026, 11:59 EDT. Candidates are encouraged to submit proposals that focus on research, education, policy, technical solutions, and ecosystem development for underserved populations.

Purpose of the Fellowship

The Interledger Fellowship Program aims to address the challenges that restrict people from engaging meaningfully with digital financial services. These challenges include:

High transaction costs and prohibitive fees
Restrictive documentation requirements
Limited financial literacy resources
Regulatory frameworks that exclude rather than protect
Inadequate infrastructure in underserved communities

This program is ideal for researchers, developers, open-source contributors, educators, policy advocates, and creators working at the intersection of technology and community engagement.

Focus Areas for Fellowship Projects

Fellowship proposals should target one or more of the following areas:

Research: Investigating social, regulatory, economic, or technical obstacles to digital financial participation.
Building Knowledge and Capacity: Developing educational resources, curricula, or training for communities with limited access to digital financial tools.
Policy and Standards Advancement: Advocating for regulations and technical standards that expand participation.
Solutions for Underserved Markets: Creating infrastructure, products, or services that serve excluded populations.
Strengthening Ecosystems: Building communities, networks, or support systems to help people navigate digital financial services effectively.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive comprehensive support, including:

Funding: $72,000 for participation in the program, plus a $20,000 project stipend to support research, development, organizing, and advocacy.
Professional Development: Access to mentorship, resources, and networks within the Interledger Foundation community.
Impact Opportunity: Fellows will have the platform to implement projects that directly improve financial inclusion for marginalized communities worldwide.

Who Can Apply

The fellowship is open to individuals working to enhance digital financial inclusion. Eligible applicants include:

Researchers, developers, and open-source contributors
Entrepreneurs, educators, and policy regulators
Advocates for digital and financial rights
Creators and artists integrating technology with community impact

Applicants should propose innovative projects that demonstrate measurable benefits for underserved or marginalized populations.

Timeline and Application Process

The 2026 Interledger Fellowship runs for 12 months. Applications are accepted via Submittable from April 1, 2026, 12:00 AM EDT to June 15, 2026, 11:59 EDT.

Interested candidates should review the FAQ and Application Guide for detailed eligibility requirements and submission instructions.

Inspiring Stories from Past Fellows

Previous fellows of the Interledger program have demonstrated the impact of digital financial inclusion:

Sheena Allen: Advocates for equity, access, and economic survival for millions.
Santosh Viswanatham: Envisions financial inclusion embedded into the web.
Kokayi Walker: Focuses on dignity and agency in economic participation.
Victoria Coker: Works to ensure access for all regardless of income, race, or location.
Gavin Chait: Highlights exclusion due to limited access to formal financial systems.

Other fellows have tackled issues ranging from regulatory reform to building educational and technical tools for underserved communities.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Digital financial inclusion is essential for equity and economic participation in the modern economy. By supporting fellows who research, advocate, and innovate, the Interledger Foundation helps remove systemic barriers, providing individuals and communities with the tools they need to thrive in digital financial systems.

This fellowship not only equips participants with skills and resources but also strengthens global networks and ecosystems that advance equitable access to digital finance.

Apply to Join the Interledger Fellowship

The Interledger Fellowship Program is an opportunity to create meaningful impact at the intersection of technology, finance, and community. Applications close June 15, 2026.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that bis offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.