BFTA Grant Guidelines
This document provides detailed guidelines for applying to BFTA’s Bitcoin-native micro-grant program. It expands beyond the online application form to include eligibility details, do’s and don’ts, evaluation rubrics, and more. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with processing beginning in Q3 2026. Grants are disbursed in Bitcoin (BTC).
- Applicants: open worldwide.
- Projects: funded activities must be US-based (performed in the United States).
- Paid in Bitcoin: grants are disbursed in BTC.
- Reviewed quarterly: processing begins Q3 2026.
- Transparency: post-award reporting is required.
1. Program Description
Bitcoin For The Arts (BFTA) funds sovereign art with Bitcoin-native grants, supporting artists with low time preference through censorship-resistant innovation, no gatekeepers, and radical transparency.
Our mission is to empower Bitcoin-aligned arts projects that explore themes like decentralization, sovereignty, financial freedom, privacy, and community resilience.
Projects can span disciplines such as visual arts, music, literature, performing arts, film/video, digital/media art, or interdisciplinary work. Examples include:
- Digital art NFTs exploring Bitcoin’s philosophy.
- Performances or installations highlighting censorship resistance.
- Educational content or tools promoting Bitcoin in creative ways.
Grants are micro-sized (typically 0.01–0.5 BTC, based on market value at disbursement) and disbursed in BTC to promote Bitcoin adoption. We prioritize projects with potential for long-term impact, transparency in execution, and alignment with our reserve model.
2. Eligibility Criteria
- Be individual artists, collectives, or organizations (no formal nonprofit status required, but must demonstrate artistic legitimacy via portfolio or prior work).
- Commit to projects aligned with Bitcoin themes (e.g., sovereignty, censorship resistance, innovation without gatekeepers).
- Provide a valid Bitcoin wallet address for disbursement (Lightning Network preferred for efficiency).
- Agree to post-grant reporting for radical transparency.
- Have a track record of artistic work (at least one prior project or portfolio sample). Emerging and aspiring artists without extensive experience may also apply on a case-by-case basis; applications will be evaluated based on demonstrated passion, potential, and alignment with our mission to ensure inclusivity across all levels of artistic development.
Artists/Applicants: open worldwide—no geographic restrictions. Artists from any country may apply.
Projects: all funded projects must be US-based. This means the primary activities, execution, deliverables, performances, exhibitions, releases, or impact must take place within the United States (including the 50 states, District of Columbia, or U.S. jurisdictions).
- A global artist creating artwork/installation that premieres in NYC.
- A digital project hosted on US servers with US-focused community engagement.
- A performance tour in US cities.
Rationale: this ensures compliance with U.S. regulations, simplifies tax and reporting (e.g., potential 1099 forms), and focuses impact on the American arts ecosystem during our launch phase.
Proof: applicants must describe in the application how the project is US-based (e.g., location of key activities, audience, or outputs). We may request additional details during review.
- Projects primarily taking place outside the US (even if applicant is US-based).
- Projects promoting illegal activities, hate speech, or non-Bitcoin cryptocurrencies without clear Bitcoin alignment.
- Applicants under 18 (or local age of majority).
- Organizations or individuals with a history of fraud or non-compliance in prior grants.
- Commercial ventures without an artistic focus (e.g., pure product development).
Multiple applications are allowed for distinct projects, but limited to one award per quarter per applicant.
Note on future expansion: as BFTA grows, we plan to evolve this policy (potentially allowing fully international projects). Check the website for updates.
3. Application Requirements and What to Submit
Applications are submitted via our online multi-step form (6 steps). Drafts save locally; reattach PDFs before submission.
All submissions must be original; plagiarism results in disqualification. No cost share/match required, but leveraging other funds strengthens applications.
4. Do’s and Don’ts: Tips for Successful Applications
- Align your project explicitly with Bitcoin principles (e.g., explain how it promotes decentralization).
- Clearly describe how the project is US-based (e.g., location of key activities, audience, or outputs).
- Provide clear, measurable milestones (e.g., “Complete artwork by Q4 2026 and release as open-source”).
- Demonstrate low time preference (e.g., focus on long-term cultural impact over quick trends).
- Use attachments to showcase prior work—high-quality samples boost scores.
- Commit to radical transparency in reporting (e.g., public X threads on progress).
- Test your Bitcoin wallet and understand BTC volatility before applying.
- Submit vague descriptions (e.g., avoid “I’ll make cool Bitcoin art”—be specific).
- Request funds for non-project expenses (e.g., general living costs, unrelated hardware).
- Ignore the form’s required fields or fail to explain US-based project elements—incomplete applications are rejected.
- Promote scams, rug pulls, or non-Bitcoin assets (e.g., no altcoin-focused projects).
- Apply without a portfolio—evidence of past work is crucial.
- Forget to reattach files when resuming drafts.
- Underestimate BTC risks—applicants assume volatility responsibility.
Tip: review successful past grants (if available on our site) and attend any webinars for guidance.
5. Review Criteria and Evaluation Rubric
Applications are reviewed quarterly by a panel of Bitcoin and arts experts. We use a rubric scoring 1–5 (1 = poor, 5 = excellent) across categories, with a total possible score of 30. Minimum for consideration: 20.
| Category | Weight | Description | Rubric examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin Alignment | 20% | How well the project embodies BFTA’s mission (censorship resistance, sovereignty, transparency). | 5: Deep integration (e.g., uses Bitcoin tech in art); 3: Loose connection; 1: No alignment. |
| Artistic Excellence | 20% | Quality of concept, innovation, and feasibility based on portfolio. | 5: Original, high-impact idea with strong samples; 3: Solid but unoriginal; 1: Weak or unclear. |
| Impact Potential | 15% | Potential for long-term cultural/economic benefits in the Bitcoin/arts ecosystem. | 5: Measurable outcomes (e.g., community engagement metrics); 3: Some potential; 1: Minimal. |
| Budget & Timeline | 15% | Realism of funding request and milestones. | 5: Detailed, efficient breakdown; 3: Basic plan; 1: Unrealistic or vague. |
| Transparency Commitment | 15% | Strength of post-grant reporting plan. | 5: Public, detailed updates (e.g., on-chain proofs); 3: Basic report; 1: No plan. |
| Overall Feasibility | 15% | Applicant’s background and resources. | 5: Proven track record; 3: Emerging artist; 1: No evidence. |
Panel discussions reconcile scores; top-scoring projects are funded based on available reserves. Feedback is provided upon request post-review.
6. Award Information
- Grant Amounts: $500–$25,000 in BTC per project.
- Number of Awards: variable, based on quarterly reserves (target: 10–20 per quarter).
- Disbursement: in BTC to the provided wallet; no fiat options.
- Period of Performance: up to 12 months from award date.
- Notifications: within 4 weeks of the quarterly deadline.
- Risks: BTC value fluctuations are the recipient’s responsibility; no adjustments for market changes.
7. Post-Award Reporting Requirements
- Interim updates (e.g., quarterly X posts or blog entries on progress).
- Final report within 90 days of project end: summary of outcomes, budget usage, impact metrics, and public artifacts (e.g., artwork links).
Maintain records for 3 years; available for BFTA audit. Failure to report may disqualify you from future grants. Emphasize radical transparency—share failures and lessons learned.
8. Legal Assurances
By applying, you certify:
- Compliance with applicable laws (e.g., AML, IP rights, and U.S. federal/state laws relevant to US-based projects).
- No discrimination in project execution.
- Funds used solely for the described project.
- Responsibility for BTC tax implications.
- Ownership of IP; no infringement.
- Ethical standards and record-keeping.
Non-compliance may result in grant termination/repayment. See full assurances in the application form.