How can I Start a Bitcoin Fundraiser?

Crypto-based crowdfunding has the potential to be a powerful force for directing capital to different causes as it allows people worldwide to raise and contribute funds without relying on centralised institutions. By leveraging decentralised P2P technology and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, such platforms enable individuals in underserved  regions, to access global funding and support. This empowers creators, activists, and innovators to pursue their projects freely,  promoting greater financial inclusion and autonomy. We look at three different crowdfunding tools below.

What is Geyser Fund?

Geyser Fund is a crowdfunding platform built on the Bitcoin Lightning Network, allowing creators worldwide to raise funds for projects directly from their global audience without the barriers of traditional financial systems. Launched in 2022, Geyser has quickly grown, supporting over 1,800 projects across 190 countries, and raising more than 34 bitcoins. The platform leverages the power of Bitcoin to enable direct peer-to-peer payments, ensuring that funds are transferred instantly to creators without the delays and restrictions seen in conventional crowdfunding platforms.

One of Geyser’s most significant features is  its censorship-resistant nature. Unlike traditional crowdfunding sites that are sometimes subject to governmental restrictions, financial regulations, and third-party controls, Geyser allows users to fund projects anonymously, bypassing many of the limitations imposed by centralised platforms. This  is particularly powerful because it enables individuals from all over the world, including the unbanked and those in sanctioned regions, to participate in the global economy.

Bitcoin’s decentralisation and censorship-resistant properties make it a natural fit for crowdfunding. Geyser’s reliance on the Lightning Network ensures that donations can be made quickly and at a low cost, with minimal friction. This is especially important in regions where access to traditional financial systems is limited or where creators may be unable to raise funds through traditional channels due to political or financial exclusion. By using Bitcoin, Geyser allows individuals to bypass these obstacles and receive funding directly, empowering creators globally.

Geyser aims to expand its platform by integrating additional features such as Nostr profiles, subscription-based funding, and access to Bitcoin-backed lending and equity tools. These developments could further enhance Geyser’s role in democratising crowdfunding, offering creators even more ways to sustain and grow their projects without relying on centralised financial systems. As Geyser continues to evolve, it positions itself as a powerful tool for individuals and communities to access funding without the limitations and censorship inherent in traditional finance.

What is BTCPay Server?

The BTCPay Server Crowdfunding App is a powerful tool for creators looking to raise funds for various projects while receiving donations directly in Bitcoin or via the Lightning Network. Unlike some traditional crowdfunding platforms, BTCPay Server allows project creators to retain full control over their campaigns, ensuring that all funds raised go directly to their wallets without any third-party fees. This self-hosted approach offers a decentralised alternative for creators, making it ideal for projects that might otherwise face barriers or restrictions on traditional platforms.

One of the key strengths of crowdfunding with Bitcoin and the Lightning Network lies in its ability to bypass traditional financial intermediaries. This ensures that projects can be funded by a global audience, regardless of their location or financial infrastructure. For individuals in regions with limited access to banking services or for those facing financial hurdles, Bitcoin provides a pathway to secure funding that is fast, efficient, and free from the constraints of centralised institutions. This decentralised structure aligns with the broader ethos of Bitcoin, promoting financial freedom and access for all.

Censorship resistance is another significant advantage of Bitcoin-based crowdfunding. In traditional platforms, creators may face restrictions on the types of projects they can launch or limitations based on government regulations or platform policies. With BTCPay, these concerns are eliminated, as the platform empowers creators to fundraise without the risk of their campaigns being blocked or funds being frozen. This ensures that projects rooted in activism, controversial ideas, or underrepresented causes can find financial backing without external interference.

By integrating Bitcoin and the Lightning Network into the crowdfunding space, BTCPay Server also enhances the speed and efficiency of transactions. Donations are processed instantly, allowing creators to access their funds in real-time without delays. This is especially beneficial for time-sensitive projects or for creators who need immediate access to resources to bring their ideas to life. Ultimately, BTCPay Server offers a transparent, secure, and censorship-resistant crowdfunding solution that maximises the potential of Bitcoin to empower creators and fund groundbreaking ideas across the globe.

What is Kuno?

The Kuno crowdfunding platform enables users to raise money for various causes using Monero, an anonymous and censorship-resistant cryptocurrency. Kuno allows individuals, charities, and projects to fundraise globally without the need for bank accounts or government IDs, ensuring complete financial privacy. Donations are sent directly to the recipient’s Monero wallet, bypassing intermediaries and eliminating the risk of funds being frozen. Kuno’s commitment to anonymity and decentralisation makes it an appealing alternative to traditional crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and Kickstarter, particularly for those seeking privacy or facing financial censorship.

Monero’s role in crowdfunding is particularly powerful as transactions are private by default, ensuring that both the donor and recipient can maintain their anonymity. This is especially crucial in regions with oppressive governments or strict financial regulations, where individuals and causes might otherwise be blocked from receiving funds. The peer-to-peer nature of Monero transactions also eliminates the risk of deplatforming, a common issue on traditional crowdfunding sites that are subject to regulatory or platform-based restrictions.

Crowdfunding with Monero also highlights the potential of truly decentralised and borderless finance. Without the need for banks or centralised platforms, Kuno allows fundraisers to operate globally, giving individuals access to funds regardless of their location or financial standing. This can be particularly beneficial for communities in economically marginalised areas where access to traditional banking services may be limited. Furthermore, the absence of fees on the platform means that fundraisers can receive 100% of the donations, making it a highly efficient way to gather financial support.

In a world where financial censorship and surveillance are becoming more prevalent, Monero-based crowdfunding through platforms like Kuno offers a unique alternative for individuals seeking financial freedom. The privacy and security provided by Monero ensure that fundraisers can operate without fear of interference, while donors can contribute to causes they believe in without sacrificing their anonymity. This combination of censorship resistance, privacy, and global accessibility underscores the power of Monero as a tool for decentralised crowdfunding and financial empowerment.

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