The Mercy Corps Ventures AI Grants (MCV) AI for Financial Resilience Initiative has just been launched, and applications are now officially open—this is a time-sensitive, high-value, fast-track opportunity for startups using AI, blockchain, and emerging technologies to revolutionize financial access in the world’s most underserved communities. Organized by Mercy Corps Ventures, this initiative is designed to identify, support, and scale the most promising AI-enabled financial solutions that advance economic inclusion for unbanked, underbanked, and climate-vulnerable populations. MCV—known for accelerating tech-driven social impact in emerging markets—aims to catalyze the next generation of financial innovation by supporting ventures that build trust in digital finance while strengthening economic resilience. Through this program, Mercy Corps Ventures seeks startups pioneering tools such as AI-driven insurance, parametric credit, tokenized savings, anticipatory cash transfers, smart remittances, financial literacy applications, and blockchain-enabled financial products that meet the needs of low-income communities. The initiative strongly targets emerging markets across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia, where financial exclusion is most acute.
This program was created to bridge structural financial gaps for populations traditionally excluded from formal finance—including women, immigrants, low-income households, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). By empowering these groups with accessible, tech-driven financial tools, the initiative aims to support long-term resilience in environments increasingly affected by economic instability and climate shocks. MCV’s approach combines AI, blockchain, and digital innovation to pilot scalable financial products and demonstrate how technology can transform global financial systems. The initiative offers startups equity-free capital, technical and mentorship support, and visibility opportunities to accelerate their impact and position them for future investment. Program Details The AI for Financial Resilience Initiative 2025 targets startups building innovative, AI-powered solutions that increase access to essential financial services. Program focus areas include: Types of Solutions Sought * AI-based financial literacy tools * Digital credit products * AI-enhanced insurance and parametric risk management * Tokenized savings and blockchain-enabled wealth tools * Emergency payments and anticipatory cash transfers * Remittances, cross-border payments, and credit scoring powered by AI * Digital financial products designed for vulnerable demographics Primary Beneficiaries The initiative prioritizes solutions serving: * Unbanked and underbanked communities * Low-income individuals * Women * Immigrants * Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Geographic Focus * Emerging markets with emphasis on: * Sub-Saharan Africa * Latin America & the Caribbean * Asia This focus ensures that innovations reach regions where financial exclusion is most severe, and where AI-enabled products can create transformational change.
Benefits Selected startups will receive a combination of equity-free funding, comprehensive program support, and global exposure opportunities. Benefits include: 1. Up to $50,000 in Milestone-Based, Equity-Free Grants This non-dilutive capital allows startups to grow, experiment, and validate key features without sacrificing ownership or equity. The grant is released based on program milestones. 2. In-Kind Support from Mercy Corps Ventures Startups will gain access to: * Mentorship from subject-matter experts * Impact measurement advisory * Partnership opportunities and investor readiness guidance * Knowledge exchange with innovators in the MCV ecosystem * Brand visibility and exposure across Mercy Corps Ventures’ global platforms This combination of funding, mentorship, and exposure is designed to fast-track startup progress and unlock scalable, long-term impact.
Name of Organizer Mercy Corps Ventures (MCV)
Requirements / Eligibility Criteria Startups applying for the 2025 AI for Financial Resilience Initiative must meet the following criteria: 1. Operate in emerging markets, with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean, or Asia. 2. Develop financial products or tools that leverage AI, blockchain, or other emerging technologies. 3. Target unbanked or underbanked populations, including low-income communities, women, immigrants, and MSMEs. 4. Demonstrate clear potential for impact, especially in improving financial access, economic resilience, or trust in digital finance. 5. Present solutions aligned with financial inclusion, such as insurance, savings, credit, remittances, emergency cash support, or financial literacy. 6. Have a functional product, pilot, or technology concept ready for implementation or scaling. 7. Be mission-driven, with measurable social impact goals focused on financial resilience or inclusion. 8. Show readiness to engage in milestone-based funding requirements. 9. Demonstrate technical feasibility and the ability to integrate AI or blockchain into the solution. 10. Be committed to collaborating with MCV mentors, advisors, and partner networks throughout the program.
Grant amount Up to $50,000 in milestone-based, equity-free grants per startup This funding structure allows MCV to support growth and innovation without requiring startups to give up equity—an instant advantage for early-stage ventures seeking to scale rapidly and sustainably.
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