Pool topic: Global Credits & Grants Radar · Question revision: 1 · Checked: 12 October 2026

Interledger’s open USD 50,000 grant needs an institutional applicant

Interledger NextGen is accepting Phase 1 letters of intent until 14 December 2026. Selected higher education institutions may receive up to USD 50,000 for projects on Open Payments and digital financial inclusion. This is not a direct grant for an individual, student club or startup.

Who submits, and what is needed?

An accredited or officially recognized higher education institution must apply and manage the project. A faculty member or institutional unit leads it. Student clubs can participate, but Interledger says they cannot apply directly. Phase 1 needs a short form, a letter of intent on institutional letterhead signed by an authorized representative, and proof of accreditation or recognition. A detailed budget comes later for invited applicants; invitation does not guarantee funding. Official application listing.

Do not transfer this deadline to other Interledger grants

The Open Payments Accelerator targets early-stage fintech teams and lists USD 50,000, but its 2026 application window is closed. The Local Impact Mini-Grants remain paused. Neither is open merely because NextGen is open. We have not added NextGen to the individual or startup catalogue.

Unknown: The application portal labels its 14 December closing hour “EDT,” although December normally uses standard time there. An eligible institution should confirm the exact hour with Interledger before relying on it. The Accelerator and Local Impact pages do not publish reopening dates. NLnet’s 3 November 2026, 12:00 CET application form was still live when checked.