The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) recently announced the allocation of 700 million satoshis to 20 innovative projects through its Bitcoin Development Fund.
This effort by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) seeks to use Bitcoin as a tool to empowering individuals and organizations operating in contexts of repression and censorship.
According to the Foundation, the selected projects focus on Provide greater accessibility and usability of Bitcoin and in ensuring its global expansion, so that millions of people can have access to this financial solution and innovation. In addition, among the projects funded by this new grant are projects focused on Strengthen education and understanding about the potential of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. All of this, with the aim of ensuring the accessibility of the market-leading cryptocurrency for those living under authoritarian regimes.
The HRF Foundation is allocating this new funding to software developers and Bitcoin projects through its Bitcoin Development Fund, launched in 2020. This initiative has allowed the organization to distribute more than $5,5 million in grants to various Bitcoin initiatives and tools around the world to promote the safe and effective use of this innovation.
Tando, YakiHonne and Tomatech, among the projects chosen by the HRF
The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) has selected a diverse range of innovative projects spanning several regions, including Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Featured grantees include: Tando, a new payment app co-founded by Sabina Gitau. Tando allows 54 million Kenyans to use Bitcoin for everyday transactions, integrating with Kenya's leading mobile payments system. Requiring no identity verification (KYC) and with no fees, this platform offers citizens a private and affordable payment solution, aligned with HRF's mission of Promote financial freedom.
Another funded project is YakiHonne, a client for the decentralized Nostr protocol. YakiHonne is designed to Support freedom of expression and promote Bitcoin payments in 170 countries, encouraging greater adoption and use of cryptocurrency globally.
In addition, HRF will support the project Tomatech, which focuses on Provide mentoring and training for Bitcoin developers and usersTomatech seeks to foster a vibrant and active developer community in India, driving the growth of the Bitcoin ecosystem through education and community engagement.
All of these and other recently funded initiatives reflect HRF’s commitment to promoting financial freedom, education and empowerment through innovative Bitcoin technology.
Driving improvements to Bitcoin Core
In addition to the projects mentioned above, the 700 million satoshis grant allocated by the HRF Foundation also includes several projects focused on improving Bitcoin Core, the main client of the Bitcoin network.
One of the most notable projects in this context is UX/UI redesign for the Bitcoin Core application, led by product designer Michael Haase. This effort seeks Bringing the Bitcoin Core App to Mobile Devices, allowing users to run nodes and access essential wallet features such as Silent Payments and multi-signature directly from their phones. This upgrade will significantly improve the accessibility and usability of Bitcoin.
Another funded project is Unify, a Payjoin wallet developed by Fontaine, which hides transaction histories by enabling collaborative payments between multiple parties and is considered crucial for those living under repressive regimes.
Additionally, the HRF is also supporting prominent Bitcoin Core developers such as Jon Atack, a contributor and editor of the Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP), who is recognized for his significant contributions to the decentralization and robustness of Bitcoin; Naiyoma, the first African Bitcoin Core developer, originally from Kenya, who is dedicated to fostering an open financial system based on transparency, freedom and fairness; and Daniela Brozzoni, an experienced software developer, who has previously contributed to the Bitcoin Development Kit (BDK) and is now focusing on Bitcoin Core to improve the decentralization, privacy, and resilience of Bitcoin.
The HRF views these projects as critical technological advancements to ensure that Bitcoin remains an accessible and secure tool for all, especially those operating under authoritarian regimes. By funding all of these projects, the Foundation is ensuring that it lays a solid foundation for a more decentralized and equitable future in the cryptocurrency space.
