In a pioneering move to strengthen the Bitcoin ecosystem, OpenSats, a non-profit organization focused on Bitcoin development and advocacy, announced a Long-Term Support (LTS) program for Bitcoin Core developers and other vital contributors to the Bitcoin network. This grant program is designed to offer a sustained financial lifeline to developers involved in the critical infrastructure of the Bitcoin network, ensuring stability and growth for the cryptocurrency’s backbone.
Distinct from OpenSats’ regular grant program and website listings, the LTS program is tailored to offer extensive financial support specifically for developers dedicated to enhancing and securing open-source infrastructure in and around Bitcoin. This move signals an increased commitment by OpenSats to bolstering the Bitcoin development community’s resilience, empowering them to devote more time to their mission without fretting over financial constraints.
OpenSats has set a minimum grant duration of 12 months under the LTS program, with potential extensions of up to two years or more, providing developers with a long-term safety net. The new program prioritizes applicants who exhibit a history of quality contributions, embody a mission-driven and self-motivated attitude, can work in public, and are Bitcoin-centric.
To kick off the new initiative, OpenSats has awarded the first LTS Grant to Marco Falke, a Bitcoin Core contributor and maintainer with an impressive track record of contributions over many years. Falke is known for his unwavering commitment to quality assurance, maintenance, and review, and his ongoing efforts will continue to fortify the robustness of Bitcoin Core software.
OpenSats’ new program underscores its recognition of the vital work involved in building and maintaining crucial open-source infrastructure, a challenging and often underappreciated endeavor. The non-profit aims to close the funding gap for Bitcoin’s open-source development, promising a brighter future for contributors working on these vital projects.
As part of its mission, OpenSats envisions becoming an integral pillar of the increasingly solid funding landscape around Bitcoin. Inspired by successful grant programs from Brink, Spiral, Chaincode, and HRF, OpenSats aims to support the architects of the tools that safeguard individual liberties in the digital world.
OpenSats’ LTS program is set to become a game-changer for those devoted to Bitcoin development. By offering sustainable support to the creators, maintainers, testers, researchers, and reviewers of critical software, OpenSats is reinforcing its commitment to the Bitcoin development community and ultimately, to the strength of the Bitcoin network.
OpenSats invites all eligible developers to apply for the LTS program as it envisions a united effort to build a stronger and more resilient Bitcoin network. As the Bitcoin landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the LTS program underscore the enduring commitment of organizations like OpenSats to the global Bitcoin community and the promise of open-source development.
