AboutGovernance
Governance & Transparency.
How we structure decision-making, safeguard integrity, and steward long-term sustainability—aligned with uncensorable money and uncensorable minds.
Nonprofit status
Bitcoin For The Arts, Inc. has a 501(c)(3) determination pending. We will publish updates here as status changes.
Brief overview of governance for Bitcoin For The Arts, Inc.
Based on our conversations (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026), content from bitcoinforthearts.org, and our Bitcoin-aligned ethos of uncensorability, radical transparency, and long-term sustainability, this is a synthesized overview of how BFTA approaches governance as an early-stage nonprofit.
Core governance principles
- Mission-driven focus: Governance ensures decisions align with “Uncensorable money • Uncensorable minds”— funding sovereign creators through Bitcoin micro-grants, workshops, residencies, and productions.
- Transparency & accountability: Public reporting and verifiability are central—allocations (55% grants / 30% programs / 10% ops / 5% reserve) and on-chain tracking support a no-gatekeepers culture.
- Board structure: As BFTA matures, the goal is a diverse board of 5–9 members (artists, Bitcoin experts, legal/finance) with clear terms and responsibilities. Founding trustees include Avi Burra (Treasurer) and Cheryl McGinnis (Secretary).
- Decision-making: Clear agendas, documented votes, hybrid meetings, and strong policies (conflict-of-interest, ethics, whistleblower) tailored to Bitcoin realities (e.g., secure wallet management).
- Committees & operations: Grants, Education/Programs, and Finance/Endowment committees help keep operations lean and mission-aligned.
- Risk management & compliance: Responsible Bitcoin stewardship and nonprofit compliance (e.g., IRS filings) to protect the mission across cycles.
- Community involvement: Governance is not top-down— artist input is invited through newsletters, workshops, and partnerships.
Governance documents
Governance document
Bylaws (PDF)
Board structure, voting, officer roles, and organizational rules.
If a link opens a 404, the PDF is still being uploaded or renamed.
Governance document
Conflict of Interest Policy (PDF)
Disclosures, recusals, and integrity safeguards for decision-making.
If a link opens a 404, the PDF is still being uploaded or renamed.
Governance document
Endowment / Reserve Management (PDF)
How BFTA manages reserves with transparency and long-term stewardship.
If a link opens a 404, the PDF is still being uploaded or renamed.
Governance document
Curatorial Manifesto (PDF)
Our curatorial principles for sovereign art in the Bitcoin era.
If a link opens a 404, the PDF is still being uploaded or renamed.
Board member nominations
Nominate a board member
Help us build a diverse board of sovereign creators, Bitcoin experts, and arts advocates. Nominations are reviewed internally; nominees are contacted only if shortlisted.
Submissions are routed to trustees@bitcoinforthearts.org.
Prefer to ask questions? Email hello@bitcoinforthearts.org.