Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Interledger Foundation invites student-led university clubs worldwide to apply for its Mini-Grant Program, offering up to USD $5,000 for projects on open payments, financial inclusion, and interoperable technologies. Projects may include workshops, hackathons, prototypes, or awareness campaigns, with applications accepted rolling from March 16 to July 31, 2026.
Interledger on Campus Mini-Grant Program 2026
The Interledger on Campus (IoC) Mini-Grant Program supports student organizations at accredited universities worldwide in exploring open payments, interoperable financial systems, and inclusive financial technologies. The initiative encourages students to take a leadership role in promoting financial innovation and experimentation on campus.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Student-led university clubs or organizations at accredited institutions.
- Both existing student groups and newly formed clubs.
- Projects must have institutional support (faculty advisor or administrator) for fund management and oversight.
Key Focus Areas
- Open payments and interoperability
- Digital financial inclusion and equitable fintech
- Financial health education and innovation
- Student-led experimentation and community engagement
- Exploration of open financial infrastructure, including the Interledger Protocol
Funding Details
- Maximum Grant Amount: USD $5,000 per project
- Funding Supports:
- Workshops, hackathons, and training sessions
- Innovation challenges and research projects
- Awareness campaigns and community outreach initiatives
- Development of prototypes or small payment tools
Project Timeline
- Application Period: Rolling from March 16 to July 31, 2026
- Project Duration: Maximum 3 months
- Completion Deadline: December 31, 2026
- Priority is given to early applications within the cycle.
Why This Program Matters
The IoC Mini-Grant Program empowers students to:
- Explore real-world financial inclusion solutions
- Gain practical experience with open payment technologies
- Build collaborative campus communities around financial innovation
- Develop skills in project design, implementation, and evaluation
How to Apply
- Identify a Student-Led Project
- Align with open payments, financial inclusion, or interoperable technology.
- Ensure institutional support for fund management.
- Prepare Application Materials
- Project description and objectives
- Budget detailing anticipated expenses
- Timeline demonstrating completion within 3 months
- Submit Online
- Applications are submitted through the Interledger Foundation portal.
- Project Implementation
- Selected groups receive funding up to USD $5,000.
- Projects must focus on practical learning, experimentation, and community engagement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Projects not led by students
- Lack of faculty or institutional oversight
- Submissions that exceed the 3-month timeline
- Applications missing a clear learning or community engagement component
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Student-led university clubs or organizations at accredited institutions, with institutional support.
2. What is the maximum funding?
Up to USD $5,000 per project.
3. What types of projects are supported?
Workshops, hackathons, research, awareness campaigns, prototypes, and other practical experiments in open payments and financial inclusion.
4. Can new student groups apply?
Yes, both existing and newly formed student organizations are eligible.
5. What is the application deadline?
Applications are rolling from March 16 to July 31, 2026, with early submissions prioritized.
6. How long can projects run?
Maximum of 3 months, completed by December 31, 2026.
7. Is institutional support required?
Yes, a faculty advisor or administrator must oversee fund management and project execution.
Conclusion
The Interledger on Campus Mini-Grant Program 2026 provides a unique opportunity for students worldwide to lead innovative, hands-on projects in open payments and financial inclusion. By promoting experimentation, collaboration, and campus-based engagement, the program helps students develop practical skills while contributing to inclusive financial systems in their communities.
For more information, visit Interledger Foundation.