14 Bitcoin Projects Receive $500,000 from Human Rights Foundation

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) recently disclosed its latest allocation of Bitcoin Development Fund grants. 

A total of $500,000 has been allocated to 14 projects across the globe. These projects are aimed at enhancing global education, advancing the Lightning Network, fostering decentralized communications, and facilitating access to financial tools for nonprofits and human rights organizations. The efforts primarily target Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

1. Calle's USD E-Cash project, built on the Cashu protocol, introduces a privacy-focused, dollar-denominated e-cash system compatible with the Bitcoin Lightning network, aiming for comprehensive development with the allocated funds.
2. BTCPay Server, a self-hosted Bitcoin payment system, will use its funding to improve user experience, add new features, and support educational programs for merchants and developers in challenging environments.
3. The BOB Builders Residency Program in Thailand, dedicated to FOSS development for Bitcoin decentralization, will use its funds to support the living and travel expenses of its new cohort.
4. Yibaochina.com, a platform promoting democracy and human rights within the Chinese-speaking community, will use its HRF grant to pay its contributors and expand its outreach through social media marketing.
5. The Bitcoin Innovation Hub in Uganda, led by Noble Nyangoma, is set to introduce new vocational courses with its funding, aiming to empower marginalized communities through Bitcoin education.
6. BITCOIN DADA's funding will aid in empowering African women through financial education, supporting the initiative's expansion and the development of multilingual educational materials.
7. The Bitcoin Design Foundation will use its funds to enhance Bitcoin's UI/UX and introduce new privacy features, focusing on the needs of users in restrictive and developing regions.
8. Bitcoin Op-Tech will allocate its funding towards operational costs and growth strategies, continuing to provide valuable resources on privacy, censorship-resistance, and decentralization.
9. Damus Android, a communication app promoting free speech and enabling Bitcoin transactions, will use its grant to develop an Android version to extend its reach.
10. Bitcoin Core Developer Pablo Martin's funding will support his continued contributions to Bitcoin's development, focusing on enhancing the network's security and functionality.
11. LNbits will use its grant for core contributors' salaries, bounties, and educational outreach, aiming to decentralize Lightning Network custodianship and promote Bitcoin tool usage.
12. The Bitcoin Policy Summit 2024 will use its funding to facilitate discussions on Bitcoin's role in liberal democracies and its potential to challenge closed societies, covering event logistics and participant support.
13. Bitcoin for Billions, led by Bitcoin educator Paco de la India, will create educational videos in four Indian languages to broaden Bitcoin's understanding among India's diverse population, using its grant for content creation and promotion.
14. Scalar School, founded in Brazil by Luciana Ferreira, provides comprehensive training in Bitcoin and Lightning network development, preparing students for advanced roles, such as those at Chaincode Labs. The grant will support instructors, workshops, and university outreach to foster developer growth in South America.