Grants Program

Fund the Future of Open-Source Mining

The 256 Foundation provides grants to developers and researchers building open-source Bitcoin mining hardware and software. If you're working to dismantle the proprietary mining empire — we want to fund you.

Apply for a Grant

Grant Types

256 Foundation grants are long-term support initiatives with continued funding — not one-time payments or touch-and-go projects. We commit to sustained collaboration with developers over the full grant period.

Core Pillar Grants

Foundation-Defined

The foundation identifies critical missing pieces of the open-source mining stack, defines the scope and deliverables, and selects qualified developers to build them. These are currently our four pillar projects: Ember One, Mujina, Libre Board, and Hydrapool.

Currently Active

Open Grants

Community-Driven

Any developer or researcher can submit a proposal for a project that advances the open-source Bitcoin mining ecosystem. We accept applications at any time and review them when a grant cycle opens.

Accepting Applications

What We Fund

→Open-source Bitcoin mining hardware designs (OSHWA-compliant)
→Mining firmware and software (OSI-compliant open source)
→Mining pool software and infrastructure
→Education and documentation resources
→Tools and libraries that advance the open-source mining ecosystem
→Other projects aligned with the open-source Bitcoin mining mission

What We Don't Fund

×Closed-source or proprietary projects
×Projects unrelated to Bitcoin mining or freedom technology
×Duplicate efforts without meaningful differentiation or improvement
×Projects that restrict others from using, modifying, or distributing the work

Application Process

Events calendar for upcoming grant Q&A calls →

Submit Your Application

Fill out our application form via Typeform. Include your project description, technical approach, requested funding amount, timeline, and milestone plan.

Foundation Review

The 256 Foundation board reviews applications when a grant cycle opens. We evaluate technical merit, alignment with the open-source mining mission, and the team's ability to execute.

Decision & Onboarding

Approved grantees are contacted for further discussion. We work with you to finalize scope, milestones, and payment structure.

Build in Public

All funded projects are developed in public and released under an approved open-source license. We may feature your work on the foundation website and social channels.

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application and join the developers building the open-source future of Bitcoin mining.

Apply for a Grant