Human Rights Foundation unveils half a million dollar Bitcoin development fund
The latest grants from the Human Rights Foundation’s Bitcoin Development Fund have been revealed, with $500,000 being distributed among 14 different projects around the world. These initiatives cover a range of areas, including global education, the advancement of the Lightning Network, decentralized communications, and improving access to financial tools for nonprofits and human rights organizations.
The grants specifically target Latin America, Asia, and Africa, aiming to support efforts in regions that face socio-political challenges. The recipients of the grants include projects such as USD E-Cash for Bitcoin, BTCPay Server, and BOB Builders Residency Program, each of which focuses on different aspects of the Bitcoin ecosystem.
USD E-Cash for Bitcoin introduces a USD-based Chaumian e-cash system, offering an alternative to mainstream stablecoins while still prioritizing privacy and interoperability with the Lightning Network. BTCPay Server provides a self-hosted payment solution that helps merchants navigate complex political and economic landscapes to securely process global payments.
The BOB Builders Residency Program in Thailand aims to strengthen the decentralization of Bitcoin by empowering Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) developers. Similarly, initiatives like Yibaochina.com and Bitcoin Innovation Hub in Uganda work towards spreading Bitcoin education and promoting financial empowerment within their communities.
Furthermore, projects such as Bitcoin DADA, Bitcoin Design Foundation, and Bitcoin Op-Tech focus on empowering marginalized groups, enhancing user experience, and driving technical innovation within the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Other notable recipients of the grants include Damus Android, which supports uncensored communication in authoritarian environments, and LNbits, which facilitates multi-user Lightning Network accounts. The funding also extends to events like the Bitcoin Policy Summit 2024, which aims to shape the discussion surrounding Bitcoin’s potential in liberal democracies.
Lastly, initiatives like Bitcoin for Billions and Scalar School highlight efforts to promote Bitcoin adoption and education in countries like India and Brazil.
