October 4th How do I start a Bitcoin fundraiser?
education
Cryptocurrency-based crowdfunding can be a powerful force in directing capital to a variety of purposes because it allows people around the world to raise and donate funds without relying on centralized institutions. These platforms leverage decentralized peer-to-peer technology and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to give individuals in underserved regions access to global funding and support. This will allow creators, activists and innovators to freely pursue their own projects and promote greater financial inclusion and autonomy. Below we will look at three crowdfunding tools.
What is the Geyser Fund?
Geyser Fund is a crowdfunding platform built on the Bitcoin Lightning Network that allows creators around the world to raise funds for their projects directly from a global audience without the barriers of traditional financial systems. Launched in 2022, Geyser has grown rapidly, supporting over 1,800 projects in 190 countries and raising over 34 Bitcoins. The platform leverages the power of Bitcoin to enable direct peer-to-peer payments and ensures that funds are transferred to creators immediately, without the delays and limitations found in traditional crowdfunding platforms.
One of Geyser’s most important characteristics is its censorship-resistant nature. Unlike traditional crowdfunding sites, which are sometimes subject to government restrictions, financial regulations, and third-party controls, Geyser allows users to fund projects anonymously, bypassing many of the restrictions imposed on centralized platforms. This is particularly powerful because it allows individuals around the world, including the unbanked and those in sanctioned areas, to participate in the global economy.
Bitcoin’s decentralization and censorship resistance make it a natural fit for crowdfunding. Geyser’s reliance on the Lightning Network ensures that donations can be made quickly and at low cost with minimal friction. This is especially important in regions where access to traditional financial systems is limited or creators are unable to raise funding through traditional channels due to political or financial exclusion. Geyser uses Bitcoin to empower creators around the world by allowing individuals to bypass these obstacles and receive funds directly.
Geyser aims to expand its platform by incorporating additional features such as Nostr profiles, subscription-based funding, and access to Bitcoin-backed lending and equity tools. These developments further strengthen Geyser’s role in democratizing crowdfunding, giving creators more ways to sustain and grow their projects without relying on centralized financial systems. As Geyser continues to evolve, it is establishing itself as a powerful tool for individuals and communities to access funds without the restrictions and censorship inherent in traditional finance.
What is a BTCPay server?
The BTCPay server crowdfunding app is a powerful tool for creators looking to raise funds for a variety of projects while receiving donations directly through Bitcoin or Lightning Network. Unlike some traditional crowdfunding platforms, BTCPay servers allow project creators to maintain complete control over their campaigns, ensuring all funds raised go directly to their wallets without any third-party fees. This self-hosted approach provides creators with a decentralized alternative, making it ideal for projects that might face barriers or limitations on existing platforms.
One of the key strengths of crowdfunding using Bitcoin and the Lightning Network lies in its ability to bypass traditional financial intermediaries. This allows a global audience to fund projects, regardless of location or financial infrastructure. For individuals in areas with limited access to banking services or those facing financial hardship, Bitcoin provides a quick and efficient path to obtaining funds outside the constraints of centralized institutions. This decentralized structure aligns with the broader ethos of Bitcoin, promoting financial freedom and accessibility for everyone.
Censorship resistance is another important advantage of Bitcoin-based crowdfunding. On existing platforms, creators may face restrictions on the types of projects they can launch or restrictions due to government regulations or platform policies. With BTCPay, these concerns are eliminated as the platform gives creators the power to raise money without the risk of their campaigns being blocked or their funds frozen. This ensures that projects rooted in activism, controversial ideas or underrepresented causes receive financial support without outside interference.
By integrating Bitcoin and Lightning Network into the crowdfunding space, BTCPay servers also improve transaction speed and efficiency. Donations are processed instantly, so creators can access their funds in real time without delay. This is especially useful for creators who need immediate access to resources to bring time-sensitive projects or ideas to life. Ultimately, BTCPay Server maximizes the potential of Bitcoin, providing a transparent, secure, and censorship-resistant crowdfunding solution that empowers creators and funds groundbreaking ideas around the world.
What is Cuno?
The Kuno crowdfunding platform allows users to raise money for a variety of causes using Monero, an anonymous, censorship-resistant cryptocurrency. Kuno allows individuals, charities and projects to fundraise globally without a bank account or government ID, ensuring complete financial privacy. Donations are sent directly to the recipient’s Monero wallet without any intermediaries and there is no risk of funds being frozen. Kuno’s commitment to anonymity and decentralization makes it an attractive alternative to traditional crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter, especially for those seeking privacy or facing financial censorship.
Monero’s role in crowdfunding is particularly strong. Transactions are private by default, allowing both donors and recipients to remain anonymous. This is especially important in regions with repressive governments or strict financial regulations, where individuals and organizations could otherwise be blocked from receiving funds. The peer-to-peer nature of Monero transactions eliminates the risk of deplatforming, a common problem with traditional crowdfunding sites subject to regulatory or platform-based restrictions.
Crowdfunding with Monero highlights the potential for truly decentralized and borderless finance. Without the need for banks or centralized platforms, Kuno allows fundraising to operate globally, giving individuals access to funds regardless of their location or financial status. This could be especially helpful for communities in economically disadvantaged areas who may have limited access to traditional banking services. Additionally, the platform’s zero fees mean fundraisers receive 100% of their donations, making it a very efficient way to raise financial support.
In a world where financial censorship and surveillance are increasingly prevalent, Monero-based crowdfunding through platforms like Kuno offers a unique alternative for individuals seeking financial freedom. The privacy and security provided by Monero allows fundraisers to operate without fear of interference, and donors can contribute to causes they believe in without sacrificing anonymity. The combination of censorship resistance, privacy, and global accessibility highlights Monero’s power as a tool for decentralized crowdfunding and financial empowerment.