Fantastic news! The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is doubling down on its commitment to freedom with a fresh round of funding from its Bitcoin Development Fund. They’re sending 1 billion satoshis (that’s 10 whole BTC!) to empower over 20 incredible projects around the world. These grants are specifically designed to boost open-source Bitcoin development, decentralize mining operations, create vital privacy tools, and provide crucial educational resources. The focus? Getting these tools into the hands of individuals living under authoritarian rule, with a special emphasis on communities in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

This newest group of grant recipients? They’re a diverse and inspiring bunch, all pushing the boundaries of how Bitcoin can truly empower individuals and champion human rights.

Take NetBlocks, for example. This crucial digital rights watchdog is on the front lines, monitoring and reporting on internet shutdowns as they happen. Sadly, authoritarian regimes often use these blackouts to silence protests, crush dissenting voices, and cut off access to vital financial tools. HRF’s support will directly strengthen NetBlocks’ ability to track, document, and investigate these shutdowns, ultimately fortifying internet and financial freedom for those who need it most.

Then there’s TollGate, a brilliant project cooked up by ISP innovator c03rad0r. Imagine turning regular WiFi routers into mini, decentralized internet providers using Bitcoin and ecash! That’s TollGate. This ingenious peer-to-peer networking tool empowers users to bypass restrictive, centralized ISPs and access the internet outside of state control. Thanks to HRF’s funding, TollGate can keep building this censorship-resistant internet, giving individuals the power to communicate freely and connect with the world.

Vinteum is doing amazing work right in Latin America. This nonprofit Bitcoin research and development center is dedicated to nurturing local talent, training, and funding developers who are contributing to the Bitcoin protocol and ecosystem. HRF’s support will fuel Vinteum’s mission to expand their developer education programs, sponsor talented contributors, and really solidify Latin America’s growing Bitcoin development community. This is about empowering the region to build real financial alternatives to unreliable traditional financial systems.

For those seeking to break free from traditional financial gatekeepers, there’s BTCPay Server. This open-source, self-hosted Bitcoin payment processor is a game-changer, allowing individuals and organizations to accept Bitcoin payments on their own terms, without relying on third parties. In places where payment processors are weaponized to silence activists and NGOs, this is incredibly important. HRF’s grant is set to boost BTCPay’s reach, make it even easier to use, and broaden global access to these essential, censorship-resistant payments.

Connecting the dots between Bitcoin and policy in Africa is the Africa Bitcoin Institute (ABI), championed by Rwandan activist Anaïse Kanimba. ABI is all about research and providing smart policy recommendations to really push for financial autonomy across the continent. With HRF’s backing, ABI will supercharge its efforts to promote financial independence, making Bitcoin a cornerstone of economic freedom for Africans.

Running your own full Bitcoin node is a bedrock of true financial control, but let’s face it – the technical side can be daunting. That’s where Bitcoin-core/gui-qml comes in. This project, backed by developer Go Qu, is modernizing the Bitcoin Core interface to make it more user-friendly, especially for mobile users in developing regions. HRF funding is powering the ongoing development to make running a node easier for everyone, everywhere.

Ensuring Bitcoin’s strength and resilience is crucial, and that’s where contributors like Rkrux shine. As a dedicated Bitcoin Core contributor, Rkrux focuses on code review, rigorous bug testing, and improving documentation – the unsung heroes keeping Bitcoin robust. HRF’s grant will enable Rkrux to continue this vital work, making sure the Bitcoin network stays secure, censorship-resistant, and dependable for users worldwide.

The world of decentralized messaging is getting a boost thanks to Elsat, a developer deeply involved in the Nostr ecosystem. Elsat contributes to projects like Damus, Nostrability, and Zap.store – tools that are revolutionizing decentralized messaging, improving how apps work together, and enabling peer-to-peer software monetization. HRF’s grant is an investment in Elsat’s ongoing work to strengthen free expression and financial independence for those living under oppressive regimes.

Making decentralized communication accessible to everyone is the mission of Relay Wizard, created by developer J the Code Monkey. Relay Wizard simplifies the often-complex process of setting up Nostr relays, which are essential for decentralized communication on the Nostr protocol. This user-friendly tool allows even non-technical folks to run their own servers, building a more resilient and censorship-resistant communication infrastructure. HRF’s grant will help push the development and wider use of this essential tool.

Building and maintaining freedom tech is demanding work, and it’s crucial to support the humans behind it. Waye, a support initiative co-founded by Bitcoin Core developer Amiti Uttarwar and operational architect Anna Sides, is tackling this head-on. Waye provides vital psycho-social support for open-source developers who are building this critical technology. By addressing burnout and isolation within the community, Waye is strengthening the very foundation of the ecosystem. HRF funding will help Waye expand its reach, particularly to developers in the Global South.

Decentralization in Bitcoin mining is just as important, and Hashpool is contributing directly to that. Developed by vnprc, Hashpool is a self-hosted mining pool. Instead of relying on centralized giants, miners using Hashpool are rewarded with ecash tokens, enabling instant and private payouts. HRF’s support will fuel Hashpool’s development and help build a more distributed and censorship-resistant mining landscape.

Privacy is paramount, especially for those in vulnerable situations. Cashu KVAC is a protocol upgrade for Cashu, a Chaumian ecash system that’s already known for its strong financial privacy. Developed by lollerfirst, this upgrade takes privacy even further by reducing data storage and masking transaction amounts. HRF’s grant will support the continued development of Cashu KVAC, strengthening critical financial privacy protections for users who need them most.

Understanding the real-world challenges of Bitcoin self-custody in authoritarian regimes is essential. Brandon Black (Rearden) is diving deep into this with his Self-Custody Research. His findings will directly inform the creation of new tools and educational resources that make secure and private Bitcoin usage more accessible. HRF’s grant is backing this important research and the development of practical educational materials.

Stable Channels, a project by Tony Klausing, is tackling Bitcoin’s volatility head-on. It introduces fiat-pegged balances to the Lightning Network, allowing users to transact freely without being exposed to price swings, all while maintaining full control of their funds. With HRF support, Stable Channels will expand its integrations and get the word out to more users, empowering individuals to transact frictionlessly without centralized stablecoin issuers.

Modernizing community finance in Kenya is the goal of Bitsacco. Developed by okjodom, Bitsacco is a Fedimint-based platform that’s reimagining Kenya’s SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization) model using Bitcoin and Fedimints. This empowers community-based financial groups to operate independently of traditional banks. HRF’s grant will fuel Bitsacco’s development, training, and initial deployments in local communities.

Education is key, and The Core, founded by Kenyan educator Felix Mukungu, is providing practical Bitcoin education on the ground. Through workshops, meetups, and accessible digital content, The Core focuses on essential skills like self-custody, Lightning usage, and running nodes. HRF’s support will enable The Core to expand its reach across Kenya and beyond, spreading vital Bitcoin knowledge.

Reaching even the youngest generation, Bitcoin Babies, founded by Naomi Wambui, is tackling infant malnutrition and financial illiteracy in a truly innovative way. This unique program combines vital nutrition support with Bitcoin education. Mothers involved receive weekly Bitcoin stipends and training, setting them on a path to long-term financial security. HRF funding will help scale this impactful program to reach even more families in need.

Investing in the next generation of Bitcoin developers is critical, and the East Asia Bitcoin Developer Apprenticeship Program led by Calvin Kim is doing just that. This program trains Korean and Japanese developers in open-source Bitcoin development, giving apprentices hands-on experience contributing to major projects. HRF’s support will broaden access and mentorship within the program, bridging the regional talent gap and supporting those seeking freedom from authoritarian governments.

Bringing Bitcoin to the masses at TalentLand 2025 is Bitcoin Week. At Latin America’s largest tech conference, Bitcoin Week will introduce thousands of attendees to the power of Bitcoin through engaging workshops and hackathons. Organized by Super Testnet and the Bitcoin and Lightning Guadalajara community, this initiative highlights Bitcoin’s role in financial empowerment. HRF’s grant will help expand this exciting program and its reach.

Making learning about Bitcoin fun and unforgettable is Base58’s Bitcoin Live Action Role Play (LARP), created by Lisa Neigut and David Rodriguez. Imagine learning about Bitcoin by actually acting it out! Participants simulate transactions and node operations, gaining a much deeper understanding of how Bitcoin works. HRF’s support will fund facilitator training and the global expansion of this unique educational experience, especially in underserved regions.

Providing essential Bitcoin education in Spanish is BTCenEspañol. This leading platform is on a mission to reach over one million learners and train 100 instructors, expanding rapidly across South America. HRF’s grant will directly support teacher training, course development, and outreach, specifically in regions impacted by authoritarianism.

Understanding how nonprofits can leverage Bitcoin to overcome financial censorship is the focus of researcher Daniel Batten’s project, Increasing Nonprofit Adoption of Bitcoin. His research is providing data-driven insights and practical guidance for NGOs operating in challenging environments. With HRF’s funding, this initiative will empower NGOs to adopt Bitcoin in regions where traditional banking is unreliable or weaponized.

Taking action to empower nonprofits with Bitcoin is Bitcoin for Good, led by activist Hadiya Masieh. This initiative offers hands-on training to nonprofits on how to accept Bitcoin donations, enabling them to bypass financial restrictions and maintain their independence. HRF’s grant will fund workshops, technical assistance, and support for organizational integration of Bitcoin.

Since its launch in 2020, HRF’s Bitcoin Development Fund has been a powerhouse of support, distributing over $7.8 million in BTC to 284 impactful projects across 62 countries. Looking ahead, the next exciting round of grants will be unveiled at the 17th annual Oslo Freedom Forum, taking place May 26–28, 2025, in Oslo, Norway.

The HRF is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization tirelessly working to promote and protect human rights around the world, with a deep focus on closed societies. The HRF is continually seeking support for the Bitcoin Development Fund. If you’re interested in contributing to this vital cause, you can find more information on how to donate here. And for those seeking grant support from the HRF, applications can be submitted here.