Simply put
- Save the Children has introduced a Bitcoin fund that can hold donations for up to four years.
- The organization believes Bitcoin and stablecoins can minimize delays in fund transfers during crises.
- Other nonprofits like the American Red Cross, United Way, and GiveDirectly also accept cryptocurrency donations.
Delays in transferring humanitarian funds can severely hinder the swift delivery of aid. In response, Save the Children is leveraging cryptocurrencies to enhance their operational efficiency. They’ve launched a Bitcoin fund specifically meant for holding cryptocurrency donations for up to four years.
In collaboration with digital asset firm Fortris, this fund enables nonprofits to accept donations in Bitcoin and stablecoins, along with other digital assets. The initiative seeks to circumvent traditional banking systems that often become unreliable during disasters and conflicts—frequent causes of aid delays.
Antonia Ruppel, head of innovation and partnerships at Save the Children, noted that while many nonprofits do accept Bitcoin, few actually retain those donations or utilize the underlying technology in their operations. “Our Bitcoin donors wanted the flexibility to choose when to exchange to maximize the impact of their generosity, and this fund delivers just that,” she added.
The organization has previously raised significant amounts through its “Hodl Hope” initiative, which has been instrumental in collecting millions for children impacted by conflict in regions like Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. This new fund aims to offer vital financial agility in situations where established aid channels may falter.
“Ready-to-use solutions are crucial for ensuring we can be there for children when they need help the most, especially as traditional foreign aid funding diminishes,” stated Janti Soeripto, the president and CEO of Save the Children US. This innovation is intended to merge the speed and cost efficiency of blockchain tools with support for emergency and long-term programs worldwide.
While the fund aims to simplify Bitcoin adoption in crisis-affected areas, it raises important questions about how it will operate, including governance, decision-making about converting volatile assets to fiat currency, and strategies to handle extreme price fluctuations.
Save the Children has not yet responded to inquiries for additional comments.
The announcement comes as crypto donations are on the rise. Historically, the crypto sector has made considerable contributions to global causes, including over $50 million in donations to Ukraine during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the Russian invasion in 2022.
According to The Giving Block’s 2025 Annual Report, it’s estimated that more than $1 billion in cryptocurrencies will be donated in 2024.
