MARA Launches Bitcoin Foundation with $100K Grant Vote
MARA Holdings launches the MARA Foundation to bolster the Bitcoin network across security, development, policy, and education, kicking off with a $100,000 community-voted grant. The move underscores the miner's commitment to Bitcoin's long-term health amid its shift toward AI and computing.
The foundation targets five areas: network security including quantum resistance research, open-source software development, self-custody tools and infrastructure, public policy and advocacy, and education for users, developers, and policymakers.
To launch, it offers a $100,000 grant to one of three organizations chosen through community vote: SateNet for Bitcoin-powered wireless networks, 256 Foundation for open-source mining hardware and software, and Libreria de Satoshi for multilingual Bitcoin education. Voting runs through April 29 at 3:00 PM PST on the foundation's website, with in-person options at MARA's booth.
MARA Chairman and CEO Fred Thiel states, "Our new initiative is dedicated to supporting the long-term strength, resilience and accessibility of the Bitcoin network." He adds that mining Bitcoin imposes a responsibility: "We mine Bitcoin. We help secure the network every day. That gives us a responsibility to invest in the protocol's long-term health, not just its short-term economics."
The foundation will fund researchers, developers, and educators for Bitcoin's growth. The winning organization announces after voting closes.
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