Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Center for Financial Inclusion’s Global DPI Insights Community Fund provides research grants of up to USD $50,000 to support studies on the design, implementation, and sustainability of digital public infrastructure (DPI) systems. Grants focus on locally grounded evidence, consumer protection, market competition, and inclusive financial systems.
Program Overview
The Global DPI Insights Community Fund supports innovative research projects aimed at understanding how digital public infrastructure (DPI) systems can be designed and implemented responsibly. The initiative seeks practical insights to guide policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in creating inclusive and sustainable financial systems.
Objectives
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Advance knowledge of responsible DPI design and implementation
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Explore trade-offs in DPI systems, including operational and policy challenges
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Analyze gaps in DPI design, implementation, access, and market competition
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Generate locally relevant evidence to inform inclusive financial systems
Funding Details
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Grant Amount: Up to USD $50,000 per project
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Eligible Recipients:
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Research institutions
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Independent researchers
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Collaborative research partnerships, especially with local stakeholders
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Project Scope: Research anchored in specific countries or regions; global overviews are discouraged
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Use of Funds: Support research activities including data collection, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of findings
Eligible Research Topics
Applicants are encouraged to focus on DPI-related issues such as:
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Financial sustainability of DPI systems
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Design and implementation trade-offs
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Consumer protection and access barriers
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Market competition and regulatory implications
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Practical, evidence-based solutions for inclusive financial systems
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a proposal that includes:
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Project Information: Name of organization or independent researcher(s)
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Research Note (up to 1,000 words):
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Research questions and objectives
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Significance of the project for DPI insights
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Alignment with grant priorities
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Research Design & Methodology: Brief outline of planned methods
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Project Team Details: Backgrounds, affiliations, and relevant experience
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Timeline: Expected project completion date
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High-Level Budget: Estimated costs in USD
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Legal Information: Full legal names and addresses of the grantee and all researchers involved
Finalists will be invited to provide a more detailed budget and additional information during the next phase of selection.
Why This Fund Matters
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Supports evidence-based policy making for digital public infrastructure
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Encourages research grounded in local contexts rather than broad global assumptions
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Helps identify design, access, and market challenges in DPI systems
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Promotes inclusive financial systems that serve underserved populations
FAQs
1. Who can apply? Research institutions, independent researchers, or collaborative partnerships.
2. What is the maximum grant? USD $50,000 per project.
3. Can research focus on multiple countries? Yes, but the focus should be locally grounded in specific countries or regions.
4. What topics are eligible? DPI design, implementation, sustainability, access, consumer protection, and market competition.
5. Are collaborations encouraged? Yes, especially partnerships including local stakeholders.
6. What must the proposal include? Research note, methodology, project team info, timeline, high-level budget, and legal details.
7. Is a detailed budget required initially? No, a high-level budget is submitted with the proposal; finalists provide a detailed budget later.
Conclusion
The Global DPI Insights Community Fund empowers researchers to explore critical questions in digital public infrastructure. By funding locally grounded, responsible, and evidence-based research, the program seeks to inform policy and practice that advances inclusive, sustainable, and equitable financial systems worldwide.
For more information, visit Center for Financial Inclusion.
