- MARA Foundation focuses on Bitcoin security, open-source support, self-custody, policy advocacy, and education initiatives.
- Initiative includes research on quantum computing risks, aiming to protect Bitcoin’s long-term resilience and infrastructure.
- $100K grant launched with community voting as MARA aligns foundation efforts with broader strategic and financial changes.
MARA Holdings launched the MARA Foundation at the Bitcoin 2026 conference in Las Vegas, outlining a plan to support Bitcoin’s long-term resilience. The initiative targets open-source development, policy work, and security research. CEO Fred Thiel said the move addresses risks, including quantum threats, while expanding global access to Bitcoin tools.
Foundation Targets Security and Open-Source Support
The MARA Foundation will focus on five areas tied to Bitcoin’s infrastructure. These include long-term security, open-source development, and self-custody systems. It will also support policy advocacy and education for users, developers, and policymakers.
According to Fred Thiel, MARA’s role in securing Bitcoin creates responsibility beyond mining operations. He said the company must invest in the protocol’s long-term health. Notably, the initiative includes research into emerging risks, including quantum computing threats.
Community Vote to Allocate Initial Funding
To mark the launch, the foundation introduced a $100,000 grant program. The funding will go to one of three pre-selected organizations. Voting remains open online and at the Bitcoin 2026 event until 3:00 PM PST on April 29.
The shortlisted groups include SateNet, the 256 Foundation, and Libreria de Satoshi. Each focuses on different areas, including connectivity, mining tools, and technical education. The results will be announced after voting closes, according to MARA.
Initiative Aligns With Broader Company Changes
The launch follows recent operational shifts within MARA Holdings. In March, the company sold 15,133 Bitcoin for about $1.1 billion. It used the proceeds to repurchase $1 billion in convertible notes, reducing debt by roughly 30%.Meanwhile, MARA also reduced its workforce by about 15%. It expanded into data infrastructure through a majority stake in Exaion. Additionally, it signed a deal with Starwood to convert mining capacity into AI processing, reflecting broader changes in strategy.