The Global DPI Insights Community will award a series of research grants up to USD $50,000 each to support new research exploring how DPI systems are being implemented, governed, and adapted across diverse country and local contexts.
- Award amount: Up to $50,000
- Project duration: 6-8 months
- Application deadline: midnight EDT on April 30, 2026
- Eligibility: Research institutions; independent researchers; partnerships with local stakeholders strongly encouraged
- Focus: Financial sustainability, implementation and design tradeoffs, as well as locally grounded evidence for DPI systems
- We strongly encourage proposals from partnerships between research institutions and local stakeholders.
Our investment in research reflects a growing recognition that while DPI systems are rapidly expanding around the world, the evidence needed to guide their long‑term design, sustainability, and impact has not kept pace. At its core, this initiative focuses on generating practical and evidence-based insights that help stakeholders navigate the complex tradeoffs inherent in DPI design. We are especially interested in research that:
- Maps gaps in design and implementation of DPI systems and analyzes potential solutions; these may include gaps in consumer protection, access, market competition, or others
- Documents and analyzes the tradeoffs inherent in the design and implementation of DPI systems, examining how different technical, governance, financial, and user-experience decisions create benefits for some objectives while imposing constraints or risks on others
- Has a strong local focus anchored in a country or region rather than a universal, global lens
- Has particular relevance to inclusive and responsible financial systems
Focus Questions for Researchers
Researchers are encouraged to focus their submissions on one of these questions:
- How can DPI systems protect users at scale? We would like research to uncover and address evidence gaps around redress, fraud, reliability of transactions, etc.
- What governance systems can encourage public-private partnerships, build on the existing expertise of stakeholders, and deliver greater efficiencies? This would include challenges on operator-regulator separation, market structure, etc.
- What funding and institutional models sustain DPI over time? This would focus on long-term financial viability, transition from donor dependence, and incentives for on-going maintenance.
- How are emerging technologies such as the use of AI, digital assets like CBDCs, stablecoins, and other developments, affecting the deployment, delivery of financial services using DPI rails? What new risks and opportunities can be identified for inclusive finance?
When framing their proposals, researchers are also encouraged to read our thought pieces on this topic that can be accessed here and here as background.
how to apply
Proposal Requirements
In order to be considered, the proposal must include:
- The name of the organization/independent researchers responsible for the proposal
- A note with a maximum of 1,000 words that contains: the research question(s) that the project aims to address; a description of the broader significance of the project for DPI insights and how it aligns with the priorities articulated in this call for proposals; a brief description of proposed research design and methodology
- The project team, as well as their background and affiliations
- An anticipated timeline for project completion
- An anticipated high-level budget in US dollars. Finalists will be invited to share a detailed budget and additional information in the next phase of the selection process.
- The full legal name and address of the intended grantee/award recipient and each researcher
Proposals will be evaluated based on: Relevance and strategic alignment; methodological rigor; feasibility; innovation; potential for impact; and clarity of presentation.
Please include all requirements in a single PDF file and email submissions to: insightscommuity@accion.org.
Proposals must be submitted by midnight EDT on April 30th to be considered.
FAQs
Please email insightscommunity@accion.org if you have additional questions.
Over the last year the conversation surrounding DPI has evolved. Cuts to aid programs have led to an increased and healthy focus on the long-term financial sustainability of DPI systems; stakeholders are increasingly shifting their attention from broad, global frameworks toward practical implementation that reflects the realities and needs of varied local contexts; and more attention has been given to navigating the tradeoffs inherent in the design of DPI systems. Context‑aware, locally grounded evidence is urgently needed to support these efforts and guide stakeholders in the design and implementation of DPI systems.
Yes, we encourage joint proposals that combine complementary strengths. Before you submit a joint proposal, please ensure that you have clearly defined the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in your submission. Note that we particularly encourage partnerships between research institutions and local stakeholders.
Yes, but we prefer the team has representation from researchers who have lived experience in the intended markets.
In addition to receiving funding, selected grantees can expect to benefit from networking opportunities and peer learning through the dissemination of findings. The best research will be featured at leading industry convenings organized by CFI, allowing the opportunity to present to leading policymakers and experts in the field.
Explore
About the Global DPI Insights Community
Awarded grantees will join a learning network of academics, policymakers, technologists, civil society, and private actors that will help guide decision-makers in shaping the next generation of infrastructure.
The Global DPI Insights Community is led by the Center for Financial Inclusion, with the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth as the founding funder. The work is supported by anchor technical experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and resources to the design and implementation of DPI systems.
Meet the Experts
The Community’s digital public infrastructure experts focus on responsible product design and identifying and mitigating risks in an evolving digital world.
David Porteous
Founder and CEO,
Integral: Governance Solutions
Edoardo Totolo
Deputy Managing Director, Center for Financial Inclusion
Jayshree Venkatesan
Senior Director, Consumer Protection & Strategic Industry Engagement, Center for Financial Inclusion
Founding Funder
Anchor Technical Experts
Award Conditions
Awards are structured as sub-grants to the principal investigator’s academic institution, organization, or company. Awards are conditioned on agreement to CFI’s standard sub-grant terms and conditions, satisfactory compliance checks, and completion of all administrative requirements and forms to process payment of the award. Applicants consent to CFI’s use of the name of the researchers and entity responsible for the proposal, proposal title, and proposal abstract for purposes of identification as a finalist or awardee in external communications. Applicants must receive CFI’s prior written consent before using CFI’s name, logo, or the Global DPI Insights Community in any external communications related to the initiative.