ABOUT
The Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund (BLDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to provide legal defense resources to Bitcoin developers, node operators, and individuals who face legal action related to their work on or use of Bitcoin. The fund was created in response to increasing legal pressure on open-source Bitcoin developers from regulators and private litigants. BLDF accepts Bitcoin donations and focuses on funding legal representation for cases that set important precedents for Bitcoin development rights. As of May 2026, the organization has not made a public statement about whether it holds Bitcoin as a treasury reserve or converts donations to fiat. Its holding policy is unverified.
BITCOIN POLICY
- ▸Accepts Bitcoin donations for legal defense funding
- ▸No public statement on Bitcoin holding vs fiat conversion policy
- ▸Holding policy unverified as of May 2026
- ▸501(c)(3) public charity — donations are tax-deductible
- ▸Focus: Legal defense for Bitcoin developers and node operators
TREASURY TIMELINE
WHY THIS MATTERS
The Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund addresses a critical infrastructure need in the Bitcoin ecosystem: protecting developers and node operators from legal attacks that could chill open-source development. While its Bitcoin holding policy is unverified, its role in defending Bitcoin's technical infrastructure makes it strategically important. A confirmed holding policy would move it to a higher tier.
RESEARCH CITATIONS
SHOWING 4 OF 4 CITATIONS
Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund - Official Website
The Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund provides legal support to Bitcoin developers facing litigation. Founded in 2022 by Jack Dorsey and Alex Morcos. The fund accepts Bitcoin donations but has not publicly disclosed a treasury holding policy.
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund (EIN 87-3631882)
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer confirms Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund EIN 87-3631882 as an active 501(c)(3) public charity. Annual Form 990 filings available for review.
IRS EO Select Check - Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund 501(c)(3) Verification
IRS Exempt Organizations Select Check confirms Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund (EIN 87-3631882) is an active 501(c)(3) organization eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Bitcoin Magazine: Jack Dorsey Launches Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund
Bitcoin Magazine coverage of the launch of the Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund in January 2022. Co-founded by Jack Dorsey and Alex Morcos to defend Bitcoin developers against legal attacks.
HOW TO DONATE
- 1.Visit legaldefense.fund/donate to donate Bitcoin
- 2.Donations are tax-deductible as a 501(c)(3) organization
- 3.Holding policy not confirmed — contact BLDF directly for treasury policy details
CATEGORY
UNKNOWNAccepting Bitcoin — Holding Unverified
IRS FINANCIALS
SOURCE: PROPUBLICA NONPROFIT EXPLORER (IRS FORM 990)
IRS 990 FINANCIALS
SOURCE: PROPUBLICA NONPROFIT EXPLORER · FY2023 · 2 FILINGS ON RECORD
QUICK LINKS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions about Bitcoin Legal Defense Fund's Bitcoin holdings, donation process, and verification status.
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