MARA Expands Bitcoin Role with Foundation Amid 28.8% Hashrate Drop, BTC at $76,780

MARA Holdings launched the independent MARA Foundation on April 28, 2026, to fund Bitcoin's network resilience, quantum-resistant tools, self-custody, and sustainable fee market, starting with a $100,000 community-voted grant amid a 28.8% hashrate decline since September. Announced at the Bitcoin 2026 conference on April 27, coverage evolved to highlight MARA's strategic shift beyond mining, including March's sale of 15,133 BTC for $1.1 billion to cut convertible debt 30% and diversification into AI/HPC. Bitcoin rose 2.96% to $76,780, while MARA shares ended flat at $11.18 after volatility.