Crypto industry conferences are golden opportunities for learning, networking and—sure, why not—a dose of after-hours fun. They can also showcase the generosity of the crypto community.
Crypto Philanthropy’s impact was on full display at CoinDesk’s inaugural MetaGala, an event at the news platform’s annual Consensus conference, which was held in Austin, TX, this year.
Organizers billed the stylish evening event as “A Gala for Good” and an occasion to “party, show off, and show up for a good cause.”
Ticket sales and sponsorships for the MetaGala raised over $160,000 for several nonprofits supporting blockchain education, which was donated in USDC, a leading stablecoin pegged to the US Dollar.
The Inaugural MetaGala at #Consensus2022 is excited to announce that we have raised $160,345 for charities supporting blockchain education for underserved communities! 🧵 pic.twitter.com/jUjGwtKk1f
— #Consensus2023 (@consensus2023) June 14, 2022
“The MetaGala is a great representation of thoughtful and collaborative corporate fundraising marrying profit and purpose,” said Pietro Moran, Director of Partnerships at The Giving Block.
“Events like this illustrate the genuine enthusiasm in the crypto industry for charitable initiatives that allow nonprofits to participate in the wealth creation of the ecosystem and adopt technology that bridges the digital gap between crypto holders and a previously antiquated nonprofit sector.”
The four charities that received donations were Code to Inspire, Girls Who Code, Crypto Kids Camp and Crypto Tutors.
Zooming Out: The Crypto Community’s History of Supporting Education
Savvy crypto users know that donating crypto directly to a charity is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give back. When it comes to which causes they support, education is near the top of the list.
Data from The Giving Block’s 2021 Annual Report shows that, out of fifteen cause-themed Impact Index Funds—which divide crypto donations evenly among participating nonprofits—donors gave the most to the fund for education charities.
More recently (in October 2022), Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin made a $9.4 million donation in USDC to a higher education institution, the University of Maryland, to support pandemic research.
These are just a few of the many examples of crypto heroes who have stepped up to better the world through charitable giving to educational charities.
Donating Crypto to Educational Nonprofits is Easy
From funding scholarships to early childhood education programs to nonprofits that advocate for education policy and reform, there are countless ways to empower the next generation by donating to a charity.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more about the benefits of donating crypto or stocks, or make a donation to a charitable organization today.
