Call for Applications: Interledger Ambassador Program 2024

Deadline Date: August 31, 2024

Donor Name: Interledger Foundation

Grant Size: $10,000 to $100,000

The Interledger Foundation is seeking applications for the Ambassador program designed for individuals passionate about activating communities who have been – and continue to be – systematically excluded from financial access and empowerment opportunities.

Ambassadors are cross-disciplinary thought leaders who research, build, organize, advocate, and imagine new paths to digital financial inclusion with Open Payments technology.

Mission

• They aim to build equity and inclusion within Interledger, the global payments network for inclusive digital financial service providers. They work with entrepreneurs, organizations, and government agencies to research, prototype, and implement Open Standards solutions aligned with the mission. They actively support underrepresented groups and vulnerable populations to advance digital financial inclusion which will ignite progress towards attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Vision

• In the same way the internet has eased the way information is shared across the world,Interledger applies similar principles in easing the flow of payments across the web – through packets. It’s a secure and fast way for anyone, anywhere, to send or receive payments, and one of its best features is that it can be in any currency. This supports the vision for a world where anyone can send a payment as easily as an email.
• They work with partners worldwide who share the vision to change the way digital financial services work to improve people’s lives. The global strategy for change is:
  • Support the development of digital financial systems in vulnerable areas.
  • Fund innovative solutions geared toward serving underrepresented populations.
  • Foster an ecosystem that supports a paradigm shift in payment systems.
  • Create a robust and active Interledger community that grows together.
  • Enrich talent pipelines to bring new voices and perspectives into the fintech space.

Objectives

• Diversifying and expand the applicant pool into ILF funding opportunities.
• Allocating resources that support and strengthen communities to respond to Interledger opportunities.
• Centering community voices as thought leaders advancing Interledger’s mission. 
• Positioning communities as central to technology and programs, not afterthoughts.
• Diversifying perspectives that will inform future ILF program design.
• ConductTechnical Research, Specification Development, or Software Development related to technology and tools to create more opportunities for future communities. 
• Enhance the ecosystem’s knowledge through research on Web Monetization, Open payments, or reference implementations (e.g., Rafiki ) technology, and Interlegder Foundation mission. 
• Raise awareness of accessibility for technology at large and in within the community through advocacy, tools, or research.  

Funding Information

• The Ambassadorship grant program provides an amount of USD 30,000 per grant cycle, Unless stated otherwise, the Ambassadors grant cycle is a 6-month period. 

Eligibility Criteria

• All eligible applicants must:
  • Support ILF’s compliance with relevant U.S. laws, rules, and regulations
    • ILF must comply with the economic and trade sanctions program administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. These sanctions have been imposed on specific countries, individuals, and entities that appear on OFAC’s List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (the “SDN List”).
    • ILF is prohibited from providing most goods or services to residents of sanctioned countries or their governmental entities or to SDNs without an applicable U.S. government authorization or exemption.
  • Have no conflicts of interest
  • Meet due diligence requirements.
    • All applicants need to provide their full legal name.
    • All Applicants must be 18 years and older when applying for the Ambassadorship grant 
    • All applicants are not allowed to be part of another grant cycle. 
    • All applicants must agree with the participation guidelines.
  • Have a bank account in the applicant full legal name and accepting of funds from an US non-profit 501(c)(3) entity. 

Selection Criteria

• Ambassadors Merit – The ambassadors have well-defined personalities, requisite skills, training, and/or experience to produce the specified art discipline.
• Project Applicability and Viability – Ambassadors presented a clear rationale for their proposal, with specific goals and outcomes to be attained under this grant opportunity. The Ambassador showcased knowledge of the open payments system and principles of equitable digital financial inclusiveness.
• Potential for Impact – Robust and culturally appropriate plans to reach a target audience through the proposed project. The proposed project can further the drive to increase digital financial inclusion and access to a large demographic.
• Realistic Budget and Timelines – The budget & timelines are detailed, clear, and feasible to implement the project. 
• Feedback – A summary of the Judge’s feedback on the submission.

For more information, visit Interledger Foundation.