Bitcoin As A Lever Of Hope: The Human Rights Foundation Supports Projects In 20 Countries

Bitcoin is not just a price rollercoaster that gives us palpitations. It is also a living ecosystem, a network of human projects working in the shadows to provide alternatives to the system. Behind the orange logo and Japanese candlesticks lie tangible actions. And some can change lives. Starting with this strong and symbolic gesture from the Human Rights Foundation, which has just released 1 billion satoshis to support Bitcoin projects.

HRF: one billion satoshis to build freedom with Bitcoin

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF), bolstered by a $590,000 aid for 20 projects last year, announced early April a new wave of grants through its Bitcoin Development Fund. 1 billion satoshis, or 10 BTC, have been distributed among more than 20 projects spread across the globe. This initiative, much more than just a simple donation, aims to strengthen Bitcoin’s infrastructure, but above all to defend human rights, especially in areas where access to the internet and financial services remains a luxury.

Among the supported projects, some stand out for their original and deeply human approach. This is the case of Bitcoin Babies, an initiative in Kenya that combines the fight against child malnutrition and financial education through BTC. Every week, mothers receive stipends in bitcoin and practical training to become self-sufficient.

Another bold example: TollGate, a project that turns Wi-Fi routers into decentralized access providers, allowing citizens to bypass government censorship. Thanks to BTC and a touch of digital magic, citizens regain their voice online.

In the same spirit, the project Bitsacco modernizes traditional Kenyan financial cooperatives by relying on Fedimint and Bitcoin. A way to restore economic power to local communities without going through banks.

Finally, let’s note BTCPay Server, an open-source tool that allows merchants to accept payments in BTC without relying on third parties. A bulwark against economic repression in many areas where NGOs are barred from traditional banking circuits.

Is Bitcoin becoming the peaceful weapon of the oppressed in authoritarian regimes?

The Bitcoin Development Fund: a lever for a useful and human crypto

Launched in 2020, the Bitcoin Development Fund (BDF) of the HRF is not new to this. Since its creation, it has distributed over $7.8 million in BTC to 284 projects across 62 countries. The goal? To support initiatives that enhance privacy, financial sovereignty, and the resilience of the Bitcoin network.

The BDF does not finance trading or speculation projects. It focuses on social impact, education, accessibility, and financial inclusion. Themes often forgotten in the crypto universe, too often dominated by profit and hype.

This year again, the fund supported projects such as:

• Vinteum, which trains Bitcoin developers in Latin America;
• The Core, an educational program on the Lightning Network in Kenya;
• Stable Channels, a solution to reduce BTC volatility without compromising user sovereignty;
• Base58 LARP, an educational role-playing game to understand the Bitcoin network;
• Cashu KVAC, an update to enhance transaction privacy.

Should the development of Bitcoin now rely on activist funding rather than classic capital?

The HRF does not need banks to act. It accepts donations in bitcoin, allowing it to redistribute these funds directly without censorship or bureaucratic obstacles. This autonomy is also what it aims to offer to the populations it supports. The goal is clear: a tomorrow without censorship, where everyone can regain control of their money, voice, and rights. And with Bitcoin as an ally, this dream seems a bit more tangible.