Photo by Mei-Ling Mirow on Unsplash
Remember the early days of Bitcoin? It was just starting to make its mark, used here and there for transactions , not yet the powerhouse it is today. Back then, the nonprofit organization WikiLeaks, known for its news leaks and classified media publications, made headlines by announcing that it would accept Bitcoin donations. This move came after the U.S. government pressured payment gateways to cut ties with the organization.
This incident gave Bitcoin the initial push it needed, drawing more attention and proving to the world that cryptocurrency, with its immutability, transparency, and security, could serve as a viable financial source.
Since then, many nonprofit organizations have embraced cryptocurrencies as an easy way to attract funds.
For crypto holders looking to make a positive impact on the world, donating to nonprofits is not only a way to effect change but also offers potential tax benefits.
If you’re eager to use your crypto for good but not sure where to start, look no further! This post has got you covered with a list of nonprofits that accept crypto donations.
Ready to make a difference? Let’s dive in and see how crypto can change lives for the better!
1. Giving Block
Giving Block is not a nonprofit accepting crypto payments. Instead, it works as the platform listing many nonprofits that accept crypto donations.
It started back in 2018 when the crypto market was booming and the IRS treated cryptocurrencies as property that could be taxable.
At that time, Giving Block came up with a solution to allow crypto holders to donate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies directly to nonprofits while providing tax benefits. In short, if donated directly to a nonprofit, they would not be liable for capital gains tax and could write it off on their taxes (similar to a stock donation).
Now, Giving Block has become the go-to platform for raising crypto donations.
Also, for many crypto donors like you, the platform makes it easy to donate crypto and get tax benefits.
With Giving Block, you can donate Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Zcash (ZEC), Gemini Dollar (GUSD), Chainlink (LINK), and Basic Attention Token (BAT).
At the time of donating, Giving Block lets you remain completely anonymous and sends you the tax receipt via email.
2. Red Cross
Red Cross is a famous, large, and powerful nonprofit with more than 97 million volunteers around the world.
With such a massive number of volunteers, the Red Cross’s main mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering — whether it’s donating blood, responding to natural disasters, or training first responders for emergencies.
They first started accepting crypto donations in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash in 2014 — initially through the American National Red Cross. During the COVID pandemic, other Red Cross branches around the world also began accepting crypto donations.
You may not find a donation page directly on their main website, but you can search online for their BitPay page to donate crypto.
3. Free Software Foundation
Digital privacy is a hot topic now, and software like Tor provides privacy protection by accepting crypto donations. You’ll also find Tor and other privacy-focused projects listed on Giving Block.
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) has a similar mission — emphasizing digital freedom by letting users run, copy, study, change, improve, and distribute software.
Started back in 1985 to support the free software movement, FSF has been championing the idea of “free software” as in “free speech.”
They began accepting Bitcoin donations in 2011, added Litecoin in 2013, and now accept both via their donation page. If you donate directly to the wallet address mentioned in their blog, you won’t receive a receipt unless you email them for one.
4. Tunapanda
Founded in 2013, Tunapanda is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization operating in East Africa, offering training to disadvantaged young people.
They run 3-month technology, design, and business training courses and also provide free, open-source educational resources offline.
Tunapanda currently accepts Bitcoin donations through their website via QR code or wallet address.
5. Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
EFF is a leading nonprofit defending digital privacy, free speech, and online innovation for over 30 years.
Their mission includes:
Providing legal defense for online privacy casesSupporting technologies that preserve personal freedomsExposing government overreachPublishing helpful digital rights content like whitepapers and explainers
To support EFF’s mission, you can donate Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Ethereum (ETH) through their donation page.
6. United Way
United Way is the largest nonprofit on this list that accepts Bitcoin donations.
This U.S.-based nonprofit’s main goal is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.
Even though United Way doesn’t actively promote crypto donations on their main website, you can still find their Bitcoin donation page with a quick online search.
7. Save the Children Fund
Save the Children Fund was founded in London in 1919, over a century ago, and it’s still making a huge impact today.
They work to improve children’s lives through education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
They’re also active in crisis zones like Gaza, Ukraine, Somalia, and Afghanistan, offering food, medical aid, and shelter.
In 2013, Save the Children became the first iNGO (international Non-Governmental Organization) to accept Bitcoin.
Now they accept various cryptocurrencies and even NFTs, thanks to a partnership with The Giving Block and Gemini. You can donate using any crypto supported on the Gemini Exchange.
8. Antiwar
Antiwar.com has been a trusted source for antiwar news and analysis since 1995.
Their mission is to raise awareness about globalist and interventionist agendas, advocating for peace and individual liberty.
They rely on public support and accept donations in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash through their website.
9. Internet Archive
Last but not least, the Internet Archive is a digital library of historic and modern web content, including books, software, music, and videos.
This nonprofit allows users to upload and download digital content while its automated web crawlers archive the public web.
They began accepting Bitcoin donations in 2011 and have since added Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, XRP, and Zcash.
You can donate crypto by visiting their donation page or sending it directly to their wallet address listed in the FAQ section.
Final Thoughts…
These are ten different nonprofits currently accepting cryptocurrency donations.
As I mentioned earlier, giving a portion of your crypto earnings to nonprofits is one of the best ways to create real-world impact.
It also helps promote the crypto space in a positive light, showing that blockchain and digital currencies aren’t just about profits, but about purpose too.
Now it’s your turn: pick one (or more) of these amazing organizations and donate a part of your crypto to bring positive change into the world.
9 Different Nonprofits That Accept Cryptocurrency was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.