Call for

CFI launches Digital Public Infrastructure Research Grant Program 2025

Organisation Name:

Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI)

Application Deadline:

30 June 2025

About Organisation

The Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) is a global think tank dedicated to advancing inclusive financial systems. With a mission to empower low-income individuals by improving their access to responsible financial services, CFI works at the intersection of policy, innovation, and impact. It plays a crucial role in driving inclusive finance by fostering cross-sector collaborations among researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts. CFI supports evidence-based research, develops tools for financial inclusion, and influences global policy frameworks that support equity and accessibility. With the rise of digital public infrastructure (DPI) as a transformative force in global development, CFI is leveraging its research capacity and networks to explore how DPI can sustainably deliver social and financial value. By promoting consumer protection, public-private collaboration, and digital innovation, the organization aims to ensure that digital infrastructure systems are designed to serve the public good. CFI also conducts convenings and consultative dialogues to promote a shared understanding of the societal and economic implications of DPI.

About the Grant

The Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Research Grant Program 2025 is an initiative by CFI to support innovative research into how DPI is being built, governed, and utilized across various national contexts. The grant aims to explore how DPI affects accountability, trust, fair competition, and consumer protection. CFI encourages proposals that analyze the sustainability and scalability of DPI systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Key focus areas include understanding user outcomes, emerging governance models, financial sustainability beyond donor support, and the role of public-private partnerships in delivering services through DPI platforms. The program seeks comparative insights, especially from countries like India and Brazil that are leading in DPI implementation. Selected researchers will have the opportunity to contribute to a growing body of knowledge, engage in collaborative discussions, and present findings to relevant stakeholders including policymakers and practitioners. Grant recipients will also participate in curated consultative gatherings, fostering knowledge exchange and dialogue across sectors.

Who can Apply?

The grant is open to independent researchers, research institutions, think tanks, and universities. Both individuals and institutions can apply, and partnerships between multiple entities are encouraged. CFI is especially interested in researchers and organizations based in low- and middle-income countries, and projects that include original fieldwork, institutional analysis, or comparative case studies. Eligible proposals should focus on one or more countries and offer locally grounded policy insights. Regional or multi-country studies may be accepted if they provide comparative value. Projects must be research-focused and aligned with the thematic areas outlined by CFI, including consumer protection, financial inclusion, governance of DPI, public-private engagement, and innovation. The proposed research must be completed within six months from the date of award. Applicants must demonstrate subject expertise, a clear methodology, and the ability to deliver actionable insights relevant to public infrastructure and financial systems.

How to Apply?

Applicants must prepare a proposal outlining their research objectives, scope, methodology, and timeline, and submit it directly to CFI via their designated application process. Joint proposals are welcome.