Digital Inclusion Fund

The Digital Inclusion Fund is a private-sector focused grant program designed to support companies working to expand access to digital financial services, broadband infrastructure, and inclusive technology solutions for underserved populations globally. The program aligns with broader international development priorities, particularly those centered on financial inclusion, climate resilience, and equitable economic growth. It is associated with standards consistent with global development finance institutions, including those aligned with World Bank Group frameworks, indicating a strong emphasis on transparency, sustainability, and measurable impact. The primary purpose of the fund is to provide catalytic growth capital to technology companies that are actively addressing the digital divide. This includes organizations developing or scaling solutions in digital payments, connectivity infrastructure, and financial tools targeted at unbanked and underbanked populations. The fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate a clear inclusion thesis, meaning applicants must show how their products or services directly expand access to financial systems or digital infrastructure for marginalized communities. Funding may be used across a wide range of activities that support both operational growth and project deployment. Allowable uses include working capital to sustain and scale operations, pilot deployments to test new technologies or services in target markets, and technical assistance to strengthen organizational capacity. Additional eligible uses include climate and ESG-aligned investments, market research and feasibility studies, procurement of equipment and technology, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities. These categories reflect a comprehensive approach to supporting both innovation and implementation. Eligibility is limited to technology companies that have been in operation for at least one year and can demonstrate a clear commitment to advancing digital inclusion. While the program is globally focused, applicants must be able to articulate how their solutions address gaps in financial access or connectivity in underserved regions. The fund does not explicitly mention nonprofit eligibility, indicating a primary focus on for-profit or commercially structured enterprises operating within the technology and fintech sectors. The application process is designed to be streamlined and accessible, with submissions taking approximately 15 minutes to complete. Applicants are required to submit their proposals through an online portal, though specific platform details are not provided. There are no application fees, reducing barriers to entry. Once submitted, applications are reviewed, and funding decisions are typically made within four to six weeks, suggesting a relatively rapid evaluation and award timeline compared to traditional grant programs. The program is currently open and accepting applications, with a firm deadline of September 15, 2026. There is no indication of a recurring cycle, suggesting that this may be a single funding round or that future rounds are not yet publicly scheduled. Applicants are encouraged to submit before the deadline to be considered for funding within the current cycle. Contact information is provided for inquiries, including an email address and phone number associated with the administering organization, which is based in Washington, DC. Overall, the Digital Inclusion Fund represents a strategic investment mechanism aimed at bridging the global digital divide through private-sector innovation. By targeting companies with scalable solutions and providing flexible funding across a range of activities, the program seeks to accelerate the deployment of inclusive technologies that can drive long-term economic and social impact in underserved communities worldwide.