Apply Now: $500,000 USAID Grants for Internet Connectivity and Digital Financial Services
Advancing a competitive, innovative, and secure marketplace for Internet connectivity and digital financial services in low- and middle-income countries is crucial for economic growth, digital inclusion, and innovation.
Catalytic Capital for Internet Access and DFS
Digital Invest is a USAID program that provides support to private-sector Internet infrastructure developers and fund managers in emerging markets. The program offers highly customized assistance to advance internet connectivity and digital financial services.
Digital Invest is providing four grants of $500,000 each to increase internet service providers (ISPs) and digital financial services (DFS) that support un- and underserved consumers and businesses worldwide.
The grants will be used for various purposes, including project funding, first-loss capital requirements, top-up grants to existing portfolio companies, technical assistance, and operational costs.
Apply Now! Deadline is April 15, 2024
Interested parties can apply for the grants now. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2024.
Priority will be given to proposals that focus on increasing access to finance, supporting the growth of secure and trusted technology service providers, and prioritizing consumer protection and cybersecurity.
The program aims to advance competition and choice in emerging markets and provide secure alternatives to authoritarian-backed tech companies.
More Funding Opportunities
In addition to the $500,000 USAID grants, there are other funding opportunities available.
The MEST Entrepreneurship Training Program for Africans is currently accepting applications. This program offers training and support to African entrepreneurs.
There are also $5,000 seed grants available for African startup business entrepreneurs and $2 million in funding for research on controlling artificial intelligence.
