Spiral Bitcoin & Open-Source AI Grants
By Spiral
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Quick Answer
Grants from Spiral, Block's public-good initiative, for independent developers and designers improving open-source bitcoin or open-source AI. Amounts not published.
About this grant
Spiral Bitcoin & Open-Source AI Grants come from Spiral, a Block initiative for the public good that funds open-source bitcoin and open-source AI. The grants are for independent developers, designers and anyone with a substantial idea for improving either field. The source sets no country restriction, no deadline and no grant amount, and the listing is open now. Spiral says it has given hundreds of grants to projects and individual contributors in more than a dozen countries.
What the program offers
Spiral funds both projects and individual contributors. The point of a grant is to let people work on open-source bitcoin or open-source AI that benefits everyone, rather than on a closed product. Spiral's view is that no single team is big enough to build open-source bitcoin or AI alone, which is why it supports outside contributors.
The page does not publish grant amounts, a payment method, a currency, or a length of support. It does say that many grantees went on to work at major companies or to start their own, so the impact continues after a grant ends. The list of past and current grantees on the page includes work on Bitcoin Core, Lightning Dev Kit, Bitcoin Design, BTCPay Server, the BDK Foundation, Mempool, ZeroSync and BTC Map, plus many individual contributors across several years.
Who can apply
Spiral invites independent developers and designers, and anyone passionate about bitcoin or open-source AI who has a substantial idea for improving either. The page lists no other eligibility rules, no country restriction and no age or organisation-type requirement. Grantees in more than a dozen countries show the program is international, and the grantee list includes several people with names and projects from different regions.
For an Indian applicant, this means you can send a proposal as an individual or small team. It suits developers, designers and researchers whose work is open source and relevant to bitcoin or open-source AI. It does not suit a closed commercial startup or a project that has nothing to do with bitcoin or open-source AI.
How to apply
There is no fixed round. You send a detailed proposal to Spiral using the contact route on the grants page, either through the Apply Now button or by email, whenever you are ready. The source does not give a template, length, or list of attachments. A practical tip: explain what you will build or improve, why it matters for open-source bitcoin or AI, how you will keep it open, and what you will deliver over what period, since the page asks for a detailed proposal.
How applications are judged and what happens next
The source does not describe how proposals are judged, who decides, how long it takes, or how grantees are paid. It says only that you send a detailed proposal. Treat any timeline you read elsewhere as unconfirmed.
About Spiral
Spiral is an initiative of Block focused on open-source bitcoin and AI for the public good. It publishes a blog and a list of its current grantees and alumni, organised by the year each was funded, going back to 2019. It says it is not even sure how many grants it has given in total and would gladly give more.
Things to check before you apply
- No grant amount is published, so you cannot plan a budget in advance.
- The source does not state whether grants are paid in bitcoin, dollars or another form. Ask before you commit.
- The page has no FAQ, no selection criteria and no deadline.
- A practical tip: if you will receive money from abroad as an Indian resident, ask an adviser about tax and foreign-remittance treatment before accepting.
- The work needs to benefit open-source bitcoin or open-source AI; a closed product will not fit.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
What You Get
Spiral gives grants to independent developers, designers and projects that improve open-source bitcoin or open-source AI. It does not publish a grant size.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The source does not describe how proposals are judged, who decides or how long it takes. It only asks for a detailed proposal.
Application Process
- 1
Send proposal
Email a detailed proposal or use the Apply button.
You - 2
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Spiral grants?
Independent developers, designers and anyone passionate about bitcoin or open-source AI who has a substantial idea for improving either can apply. The page lists no other conditions.
Can Indian developers and startups apply for Spiral grants?
The page sets no country restriction, and Spiral says it has funded people in over a dozen countries. An Indian developer or designer can therefore send a proposal. A closed commercial startup would not fit.
How much is a Spiral grant?
Spiral does not publish grant amounts. Ask during the application conversation.
How does Spiral pay grants?
The source does not say how, when or in which currency grants are paid. Ask Spiral and check Indian tax treatment with an adviser.
What is the deadline for Spiral grants, and what if I miss it?
There is no fixed round or deadline; you can send a proposal whenever you are ready. Spiral says it would gladly give more grants.
Is a Spiral grant a grant or equity?
It is described as a grant to projects and individual contributors. The source mentions no equity.
What do I need to prepare to apply to Spiral?
A detailed proposal is the only requirement named. A practical tip: cover what you will build, how it stays open source, who benefits and what you will deliver.
What does Spiral fund?
It funds work that improves open-source bitcoin or open-source AI, including projects such as Bitcoin Core, Lightning Dev Kit, BTCPay Server and BTC Map, and individual contributors.
Do I have to travel for a Spiral grant?
The source mentions no travel or in-person requirement. You apply by sending a proposal.
Is it free to apply to Spiral, and when are results announced?
The source mentions no fee and gives no results date or review timeline.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
