NextBillion - A WDI Publication

The Interledger Fellowship Program is 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.

Fellows’ work will address the real barriers people face: 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. This program 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.

We are looking for 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 a total of $72,000 for their participation in the program. Additionally, a $20,000 stipend will be provided to support the research, development, organizing, and advocacy efforts associated with their project.

The 2026 Interledger Fellowship Program is now open. Applications will be accepted until June 15th, 2026, 11.59 EDT.