Interledger on Campus Mini-Grant Program

The Interledger on Campus Mini-Grant Program is administered by the Interledger Foundation, a private organization focused on advancing open, interoperable payment networks and improving access to digital financial systems globally. The program is designed to empower university students to explore and promote open payments and financial inclusion through campus-based initiatives. By supporting student-led activities, the foundation aims to cultivate knowledge, experimentation, and innovation in financial technologies and systems that enhance accessibility and interoperability. This funding opportunity provides mini-grants of up to USD 5,000 to student organizations operating within accredited higher education institutions. The program specifically targets student-led clubs, societies, or associations that are focused on disciplines such as business, finance, computer science, engineering, public policy, governance, or related fields. The grant supports projects that promote awareness, education, and innovation in open payments and digital financial access, with a strong emphasis on peer-driven learning and practical engagement. Eligible activities under the program include workshops, training sessions, hackathons, innovation challenges, student-led research, policy development, campus awareness campaigns, and the creation of small technology prototypes or payment tools. These activities must be organized and led by students, with the expectation that they contribute to knowledge sharing and skill development within the campus community. Projects are expected to be implemented within a three-month timeframe and must be completed by the end of the calendar year. Applicants are required to demonstrate institutional support from their university or college. This support must include oversight and fund management by the institution, ensuring appropriate financial accountability and administrative compliance. The application process involves submitting a short application through the Submittable platform, along with a two-page concept note outlining the project, a detailed budget and timeline with milestones, and an institutional letter of support confirming the necessary oversight. The application window opened on March 16, 2026, and remains open on a rolling basis until July 31, 2026. Early submissions are encouraged, as priority review is given to projects planning implementation earlier in the year. The rolling nature of the program allows for continuous review of applications within this window, but all submissions must be received by the stated deadline to be considered for funding. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with program goals, feasibility of the proposed activities, clarity of the concept, and the potential impact on student learning and financial inclusion awareness. While specific scoring criteria are not explicitly detailed, applicants are encouraged to leverage available resources, including application guides and templates, to strengthen their submissions. For additional support or inquiries, applicants may contact the program team via email.

Ensure strong alignment with open payments and financial inclusion themes and clearly define feasible project milestones within a 3-month period