Human Rights Foundation Donates 1 Billion Satoshis To Fund Bitcoin Development

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) has recently announced the latest recipients of grants from its Bitcoin Development Fund, totaling 1 billion satoshis (10 BTC) distributed among more than 20 projects worldwide. These grants are designed to support open-source Bitcoin development, mining decentralization, privacy tools, and educational initiatives for individuals living under authoritarian regimes, with a special emphasis on regions like Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

Among the diverse projects included in this latest round of funding is NetBlocks, an organization that monitors and reports on internet shutdowns in real-time, a tactic often used by authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent and restrict access to financial tools. By enhancing NetBlocks’ monitoring capabilities, HRF aims to reinforce internet and financial freedom.

Another project, TollGate, developed by ISP c03rad0r, transforms ordinary WiFi routers into decentralized internet service providers using Bitcoin and ecash. This peer-to-peer networking tool allows users to bypass centralized ISPs, providing an alternative to state-controlled internet access and promoting freedom of communication.

Vinteum, a nonprofit Bitcoin research and development center based in Latin America, focuses on training and funding developers to contribute to the Bitcoin ecosystem. With HRF’s support, Vinteum plans to expand its developer education programs, sponsor contributors, and strengthen Latin America’s Bitcoin development community, offering financial alternatives to traditional fiat systems.

BTCPay Server, an open-source, self-hosted Bitcoin payment processor, allows individuals and organizations to accept Bitcoin without relying on third parties, crucial in regimes where payment processors are used to silence dissent. HRF’s grant will help scale BTCPay’s reach, improve usability, and increase global access to censorship-resistant payments.

The Africa Bitcoin Institute (ABI), supported by Rwandan activist Anaïse Kanimba, works to bridge the gap between Bitcoin adoption and policy in Africa. ABI conducts research and provides policy recommendations to promote financial autonomy, with HRF’s backing further solidifying Bitcoin’s role in economic freedom.

The Bitcoin Core Graphical User Interface (GUI) project, supported by developer Go Qu, modernizes the Bitcoin Core interface to make it more user-friendly, particularly for mobile users in developing regions. HRF funding will support ongoing development to lower the barrier to entry for node runners worldwide.

Rkrux, a Bitcoin Core contributor focused on code review and improving documentation, plays a crucial role in maintaining Bitcoin’s resilience. HRF’s grant will ensure that Rkrux can continue his work, safeguarding the Bitcoin network for users globally.

Elsat, a developer contributing to the Nostr ecosystem, including projects like Damus, Nostrability, and Zap.store, offers decentralized messaging, improved app interoperability, and peer-to-peer software monetization. HRF’s grant will support ongoing development aimed at strengthening free expression and financial independence for users under authoritarian regimes.

Relay Wizard, created by developer J the Code Monkey, simplifies the process of setting up Nostr relays, essential to decentralized communication on the Nostr protocol. HRF’s grant will advance the development and deployment of this tool, allowing non-technical users to contribute to a more resilient communication infrastructure.

Waye, a support initiative co-founded by Bitcoin Core developer Amiti Uttarwar and operational architect Anna Sides, provides psycho-social support for open-source developers building freedom tech. By addressing burnout and isolation among contributors, Waye strengthens the ecosystem’s human foundation. HRF funding will help Waye expand its reach, especially to developers from the Global South.

Hashpool, a self-hosted mining pool developed by vnprc, supports decentralization in Bitcoin mining by rewarding miners with ecash tokens, enabling instant, private payouts. HRF’s support will further Hashpool’s development and promote a more distributed and censorship-resistant mining landscape.

Cashu KVAC, a protocol upgrade for Cashu developed by lollerfirst, enhances financial privacy by reducing data storage and hiding transaction amounts. HRF’s grant will support further development, reinforcing financial privacy protections for vulnerable users.

Self-Custody Research, led by Brandon Black (Rearden), focuses on the challenges of self-custody for Bitcoin users in authoritarian regimes. HRF’s grant will fund research and the development of educational resources to make secure, private Bitcoin usage more accessible.

Stable Channels, a project by Tony Klausing, introduces fiat-pegged balances to the Lightning Network, allowing users to avoid Bitcoin’s volatility while maintaining full custody. With HRF support, the project will expand its integrations and user outreach, enabling individuals to transact freely without relying on centralized stablecoin issuers.

Bitsacco, developed by okjodom, modernizes Kenya’s SACCO model using Bitcoin and Fedimints, enabling community-based financial groups to operate independently of banks. HRF’s grant will fund Bitsacco’s development, training, and local deployment.

The Core, founded by Kenyan educator Felix Mukungu, provides practical Bitcoin education through workshops, meetups, and digital content, focusing on self-custody, Lightning usage, and node operation. HRF’s support will allow The Core to expand its reach across Kenya and beyond.

Bitcoin Babies, founded by Naomi Wambui, addresses infant malnutrition and financial illiteracy by combining nutrition support and Bitcoin education. Mothers receive weekly Bitcoin stipends and training to achieve long-term financial security. HRF funding will scale the program’s reach to more families in need.

The East Asia Bitcoin Developer Apprenticeship Program, led by Calvin Kim, trains Korean and Japanese developers in open-source Bitcoin development, bridging the talent gap in the region and supporting defectors from authoritarian governments. HRF’s support will expand access and mentorship opportunities for apprentices.

Bitcoin Week at TalentLand 2025, Latin America’s largest tech conference, will introduce thousands of attendees to Bitcoin through workshops and hackathons, highlighting its role in financial empowerment. Organized by Super Testnet and the Bitcoin and Lightning Guadalajara community, the initiative will be expanded with HRF’s grant.

Base58’s Bitcoin Live Action Role Play (LARP), created by Lisa Neigut and David Rodriguez, offers an immersive learning experience where participants simulate the Bitcoin network, gaining a deeper understanding of its operations. HRF’s support will fund facilitator training and global expansion, particularly in underserved regions.

BTCenEspañol, a leading source of Spanish-language Bitcoin education, aims to reach over one million learners and train 100 instructors, expanding across South America. HRF’s grant will support teacher training, course development, and outreach in authoritarian-affected regions.

Increasing Nonprofit Adoption of Bitcoin, led by researcher Daniel Batten, studies how nonprofits can use Bitcoin to overcome financial censorship, providing data-driven insights and practical guidance for NGOs operating in hostile environments. With HRF’s funding, the initiative will support NGOs adopting Bitcoin in compromised banking regions.

Bitcoin for Good, led by activist Hadiya Masieh, offers hands-on training to nonprofits on accepting Bitcoin, enabling them to bypass financial restrictions and maintain independence. HRF’s grant will fund workshops, technical assistance, and organizational integration support for NGOs.

Since its inception in 2020, HRF’s Bitcoin Development Fund has distributed over $7.8 million in BTC to 284 projects in 62 countries. The next round of grants will be announced at the 17th annual Oslo Freedom Forum in May 2025.

The HRF is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes and protects human rights globally, with a focus on closed societies. The Bitcoin Development Fund continues to raise support, and interested donors can find more information on how to donate on their website. Applications for grant support can also be submitted on the HRF website.

This diverse array of projects supported by HRF’s Bitcoin Development Fund showcases the power of Bitcoin in promoting financial autonomy, privacy, and freedom in regions affected by authoritarian regimes. Through ongoing development and support, these initiatives are working towards a more decentralized, censorship-resistant future for individuals worldwide.