Open-source Blender Foundation now welcomes bitcoins

The Blender Foundation, which is behind the free and open-source 3D computer graphics program Blender, has joined the community of websites that accept bitcoin donations. While not much fanfare accompanied the decision, Blender's website now features a bitcoin address -- 17orEh51ab8HoU7g8Ezwcp76jCpeL7PabJ -- for supporters who want to throw a bit of digital currency its way.

"Amazing!"

wrote reddit user Annihilia. "I'm a huge proponent of Blender. Easily one of my most used tools for work."

"Excellent to see," added redditor AD-Edge. "I'm a long time user of Blender. When I get some BTC of my own, I'll have to throw some their way."

As of press time, according to Blockchain.info, the Blender Foundation had received a total of 0.4894 bitcoins -- around $53.64 -- in donations.

First released in 1995, the Blender software can be used for 3D modeling, animation, video editing and more. It also features a built-in game engine. The software has been used to help create such movies as Spider-Man 2 and The Secret of Kells, along with several "Open Movie" projects by the Blender Foundation.

The Blender Foundation is led by Ton Roosendaal, Blender's initial author. The organization is based in Amsterdam.