Starter Grants
New to Bitcoin open-source? Apply for a Starter Grant
Full-time . Remote
Current Bitcoin open-source grants focus on experienced developers with a long history of contributions and a concrete proposal.
But how does a new contributor get to the stage where they are suitable for a grant?
There is a funding gap for software developers aspiring to ramp up their open-source contributions and pinpoint the area where they can add value long-term.
This issue is particularly acute for developers from the Global South, who face financial obligations and the prospect of lost income during the transition to open-source development.
The Btrust Starter Grant provides full-time funding to qualified software engineers to start contributing to open-source Bitcoin projects, with a goal to identify a focus/niche for long-term contribution.
This grant program sets the stage for engineers to contribute meaningfully, build credibility and find direction through sustained contributions to open-source projects, without worrying about livelihood.
Alongside grantee’s work contributing to open source projects, they will engage in the following:
Mentoring - Regular meetings with mentors who are experienced Bitcoin open-source contributors
Standups- Regular stand-ups with peer cohorts for enhanced collaboration, accountability, and mutual support
Proposal Development - Support to prepare and submit competitive proposals for long-term contribution grants
Periodic Reviews - Scheduled reviews and feedback sessions to assess progress, address any concerns, and provide constructive criticism for continuous improvement.
Each starter grant will run for a period of six months with a number of benefits for the grantees, including:
in BTC
in the form of concrete Bitcoin open-source projects contributions
including internet access, video, audio equipment, etc., to ensure consistent contribution
for guidance and support
to share regular updates on open-source exploration and contributions
to put together competitive proposals for more extensive support on the Bitcoin project (s) selected
The starter grant is open to developers across Africa, the MENA region, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Although these regions are the primary focus, developers from other areas in the Global South may also be considered on a case-by-case basis, contingent on their Proof of Work.
Applicants must:
have a minimum of three years of experience as a software developer in a production environment, substantiated by an active GitHub/GitLab account.
have a record of building or contributing to Bitcoin-related projects.
be willing to commit full-time to contributing to open-source projects during the six-month grant period.
be able to work collaboratively and constructively with other open-source contributors.
be self-motivated and driven to work independently without direct supervision
be committed to transparency and accountability by giving periodic public updates on their and its impact within the broader Bitcoin ecosystem.
be dedicated to build their skills and portfolio as open-source Bitcoin developers, with a focus on identifying areas for sustained, valuable contributions long-term.
be eager to learn and grow within the open-source Bitcoin development community.
The selection process is completely merit-based.
Stage 1: Application & Initial Screening
Applications for the starter grant will be exclusively accepted via the application form, and go through an initial screening to assess eligibility and alignment with grant objectives.
Stage 2: Reviews
At the close of the application window, we will conduct a detailed evaluation of all eligible applications. Only the top applicants will advance to the next stage of the selection process as finalists.
Stage 3: Interviews
Finalists will be scheduled for brief interviews with the team to further assess their suitability for the grant.
Stage 4: Selection & Notification
Successful candidates from the interview stage will be chosen as grant recipients and notified within two weeks of the application windows' closure.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but reviewed in specified quarterly windows.
Application and Review Window - Q4, 2024
Opens - September 1, 2024
Closes - October 31, 2024
Application and Review Window - Q1, 2025
Opens - November 1, 2024
Closes - December 30, 2024
₿trust is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
₿trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to decentralizing the development of Bitcoin software. It focuses on fostering developer talent and supporting the free and open-source Bitcoin ecosystem by locating, educating, and remunerating Bitcoin open-source engineers from the Global South