Local Impact Mini-Grants

The Local Impact Mini-Grants program is administered by the Interledger Foundation, a private nonprofit organization focused on advancing open payments systems and improving global financial inclusion. The foundation supports initiatives that enable interoperable, accessible digital financial tools, particularly in underserved communities. Through this mini-grant program, the foundation seeks to empower individuals and grassroots organizations that are already embedded within their communities and are actively working to address barriers to financial access. The primary purpose of the Local Impact Mini-Grants program is to fund small-scale, community-driven initiatives that expand digital financial access and promote open payments technologies. The program emphasizes locally led solutions, prioritizing applicants who possess direct knowledge of their community’s financial challenges. Projects are expected to create opportunities for learning, experimentation, and collaboration around open payments systems, financial inclusion, and digital public infrastructure. The program encourages initiatives that foster community engagement and knowledge sharing, particularly in underserved regions such as the Global South, rural communities, and peri-urban areas. Funding amounts range from 500 to 3000 USD per grant and are intended to support direct project activities. Eligible uses of funds include organizing meetups, workshops, hackdays, community conversations, research activities, storytelling efforts, and content creation related to digital financial access. Funds may also be used for facilitator compensation, organizer stipends, and travel or logistical expenses directly tied to project delivery. However, general operating expenses unrelated to project execution and capital expenditures are not permitted. The funding is designed to be flexible but must remain closely aligned with community activation and engagement goals. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive. Both individuals and organizations, whether registered or unregistered, may apply. Eligible applicants include community organizations, nonprofits, cooperatives, civil society groups, local fintech startups, social enterprises, and individual practitioners who have a clearly defined project plan. Applicants may be based in any geographic region, although individuals and entities located in countries subject to United States sanctions are not eligible due to compliance requirements. Priority consideration is given to projects serving underrepresented and financially excluded communities. The application process is designed to be accessible and straightforward. Applicants must submit a short application through the Submittable platform, including a completed application form, a two-page concept note, and a budget and timeline document outlining key milestones. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis between July 6, 2026, and November 11, 2026. The foundation reviews applications as they are received and typically provides follow-up communication within two weeks of submission. Submitting earlier within the application window may improve the likelihood of receiving funding within the current cycle. Projects funded under this program must be completed within six months of grant acceptance. Successful applicants are expected to produce specific deliverables, including a project introduction blog post and a final summary blog detailing outcomes, participation metrics, and lessons learned. Additional documentation such as photos and event materials is encouraged to support knowledge sharing within the broader Interledger community. The program also provides grantees with access to Interledger resources, networks, and learning opportunities to enhance project impact. The Local Impact Mini-Grants program does not require prior experience with Interledger technologies; however, applicants are expected to demonstrate an interest in learning about open payments systems and engaging their communities in this ecosystem. The program is not explicitly recurring on a fixed annual schedule, but it operates within a defined application window for the 2026 cycle. For additional information or support, applicants may contact the Interledger Foundation via email or participate in community discussions through the organization’s Slack channel.

Submit early to improve chances focus on strong local knowledge and community engagement demonstrate clear plan for open payments learning and impact