Opportunities
Apply for funding
Through the paystand.org Fund, we award nonprofits to drive positive change within underserved communities by advancing the potential of Bitcoin-based Circular Economies (BCEs).
We look for big bet projects that leverage Bitcoin to create self-sustaining economic models that operate independently of traditional financial systems. Selected organizations may receive from $3,000 to $25.000 in funding and access to technical support from Paystand, including one-on-one advice, access to mentors, and support from Paystand Corporate Volunteers.
Applications are now closed.
-
Application Period (Nov. 14, 2024 – Jan. 14, 2025): Organizations are invited to submit their general information and project details. Paystand.org will evaluate submissions to confirm they meet basic requirements and determine eligibility for funding access.
-
Selection Period (Jan. 15 – Feb. 17, 2025): Eligible organizations will be invited to submit complete project proposals. Proposals should include a detailed narrative, budget, and results framework for review.
What funding is available?
Our fund supports specific projects that leverage the benefits of Bitcoin-based Circular Economies (BCEs) and align with the Foundation’s three focus areas: Technology Adoption, Economic Empowerment, and Education. Awards typically span one year and vary in size, ranging from $3,000 to $25,000.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Foundation is open to receiving proposals from nonprofit organizations around the globe that embody the principles of being grassroots, high-impact, and sustainable.
-
Grassroots: We prioritize organizations deeply rooted in and driven by the communities they serve. Such organizations should have a strong local presence and focus on developing solutions tailored to specific community needs through active local involvement.
-
High-impact: Eligible organizations should have a significant and positive effect on the issues or areas they target, despite not necessarily being large in size. The impact should be profound and measurable in the community or sector addressed.
-
Sustainable: We seek to support organizations that demonstrate the ability to sustain their operations over time. This includes having strategies for long-term funding, efficient resource management, and plans for continued relevance and adaptability.
Please note, the Foundation generally does not provide funding to nonprofits in the seed stage. In the United States, most grants are awarded to entities recognized as tax-exempt under sections such as 501(c)(3) and other similar classifications.
How it works?
1. Open call
Organizations are invited to submit their general information and project information. The Foundation evaluates these to ensure basic requirements are met, and eligibility to access funds is established.
2. Development of full project documents
Selected organizations proceed to submit full project proposals, including a narrative, budget, and results framework.
3. Grantee Announcement
After carefully reviewing all eligible applications, chosen applicants are contacted, and fund disbursement begins.
4. Project implementation and monitoring
Awarded organizations can receive grant funding ranging from $3,000 to $25,000, access to Paystand technical support, including one-on-one advice, access to mentors, and support from Paystand Volunteers.
5. Project implementation and evaluation
Once projects commence, the Foundation provides ongoing support and guidance to ensure effective implementation. Regular evaluation is requested to assess progress and impact, facilitating adjustments to optimize project outcomes.
Selection Criteria
Our grant selection process considers various factors, but priority consideration will be given to project proposals that can demonstrate:
-
Advancement of Bitcoin-based Circular Economies (BCEs): We strongly encourage projects that promote BCEs, contributing to decentralized, inclusive, and sustainable finance systems that benefit communities. Applicants should articulate how their projects will support BCE principles and their positive environmental and societal impact.
-
Tangible Benefits: Projects should address financial inclusion by leveraging Bitcoin Circular Economies (BCEs) through Technology Adoption, Economic Empowerment, and/or Education. Proposals must demonstrate measurable and concrete benefits to the target communities.
-
Use of Bitcoin: Preference will be given to innovative ideas focusing on blockchain technology, particularly Bitcoin, to tackle societal challenges effectively. Proposals should outline how Bitcoin will advance the project's objectives.
-
Transformative ideas: We prioritize proposals with potential global impact, supported by data and research that indicate the proposed solutions' transformative potential.
-
Collaboration and scalability: We value collaborations between diverse stakeholders and projects demonstrating scalability, ensuring that solutions can be expanded and replicated to reach a broader audience.
-
Realistic execution plans: Successful proposals will outline realistic execution plans supported by the necessary resources, expertise, and timelines required for effective implementation.
Past grantees
Examples of supported projects in the past include:
Empowering children's financial literacy and technology adoption in El Salvador
Questions?
If you have inquiries about the Fund or application process, please contact us at Paula@paysatnd.com. Explore our webpage for further knowledge enhancement in technology-driven financial inclusion.
Apply now to make a difference!