Crypto Impact 100

Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation, has pioneered using Bitcoin to promote freedom, especially in regions facing authoritarian control. He views cryptocurrency as a tool to safeguard human rights, enabling financial access for those living under oppressive regimes. By organizing the Oslo Freedom Forum, he has amplified the use of crypto as a way to resist censorship and oppression, making significant contributions to the global “crypto for good” movement.

April Stallings serves as the Charitable Gaming and Creators Community Manager at Make-A-Wish International, where she engages the crypto community and connects the global gaming and creator communities with opportunities to help grant life-changing wishes for children worldwide. Through her role, April fosters partnerships and engages content creators, gamers, and their audiences in supporting Make-A-Wish’s mission. Her work bridges the excitement of digital communities with the impact of philanthropy, bringing the magic of wishes to children in need around the world.

Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, is known for revolutionizing crypto derivatives trading. Despite his focus on advanced trading products, he has been a prominent supporter of initiatives that use crypto to fund disaster relief and social programs globally. Through BitMEX, Arthur has promoted philanthropic efforts within the trading community, demonstrating the ability of crypto to be a driving force for good, especially during humanitarian crises.

AshleyDCan is an NFT creator who has used her art to support social causes, raising funds for nonprofits such as the American Cancer Society through her NFT collections. As an early adopter of crypto-based philanthropy, she created projects that share royalties with charity partners, demonstrating the potential of digital art to drive impactful change. Her projects have inspired a new wave of artists to use NFTs as a powerful tool for social good.

Azeem Khan, co-founder and COO of Morph, is at the intersection of philanthropy and blockchain. His current focus is bringing the Global South onchain using Morph. He led a pilot in decentralizing cancer research funding with the American Cancer Society. And he led a partnership with UNICEF and Gitcoin that created six figures in funding for members of the Digital Public Goods Allience. Azeem also currently consults with the UNICEF CryptoFund and has collaborated with Mercy Corps on their Gaza relief efforts. As a member of the World Economic Forum’s Crypto Sustainability Coalition, he champions blockchain solutions for global challenges.

Brian Armstrong, founder of Coinbase, has played a pivotal role in promoting crypto philanthropy through his platform and personal giving. He established GiveCrypto.org to distribute crypto to those in need globally, aiming to provide direct financial aid through decentralized assets. As a signatory of the Giving Pledge, Brian is committed to donating a substantial portion of his wealth to charity, solidifying his legacy as a crypto leader dedicated to social impact.

Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are the co-founders of Gemini, one of the world’s first cryptocurrency exchanges. They have donated millions of dollars to charity, including a $10M gift to Greenwich Country Day School, the largest philanthropic alumni donation in the history of the private school. They are also supporters of the Crypto Giving Pledge, committing a portion of their crypto assets to charity. Their influence has helped normalize crypto donations, demonstrating how digital assets can be used for positive societal impact.

Charlie Shrem is a pioneering figure in the crypto world, recognized as one of the original Bitcoin advocates and a founding member of the Bitcoin Foundation. As the founder of BitInstant, one of the first Bitcoin exchanges, Charlie helped pave the way for mainstream adoption of digital currencies. A dedicated supporter of crypto philanthropy, Charlie took the Crypto Giving Pledge and actively promotes charitable initiatives across his media platforms. Through his advocacy, participation in charity events, and commitment to raising awareness, Charlie has used his influence to highlight the potential of cryptocurrency as a tool for social good, inspiring others in the industry to engage in impactful giving.

Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple, is a prominent advocate for sustainable blockchain practices and one of the foremost voices in crypto philanthropy. Under his leadership, Ripple has committed substantial resources to address global challenges, including climate action, education, and public health. Chris has been instrumental in directing Ripple’s contributions toward initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of blockchain technology, including Ripple’s $100 million pledge to support carbon removal projects and advance the global carbon market. Through these efforts, Chris exemplifies how crypto and blockchain can drive meaningful social and environmental change, setting a standard for responsible innovation in the industry.

Anthony “Pomp” Pompliano is the founder of Pomp Investments, a firm focused on investing in disruptive technologies and digital assets. Known for his influential voice in the cryptocurrency space, Pomp has played a major role in educating the public and advocating for Bitcoin’s adoption through his popular podcast, The Pomp Podcast, and extensive social media presence. A passionate believer in the transformative potential of blockchain, he has invested in a range of crypto-related projects and companies, bringing widespread attention to the benefits of digital assets. Pomp is also a supporter of crypto philanthropy, leveraging his platform to promote initiatives that use digital assets to drive social impact and empower communities worldwide.

Charles Cascarilla is the co-founder and CEO of Paxos, a leading blockchain infrastructure platform dedicated to transforming the financial system through regulated digital assets. A prominent advocate for cryptocurrency, Charles has pioneered efforts to bridge traditional finance and blockchain, making it possible for institutions to adopt digital assets securely and compliantly. Under his leadership, Paxos introduced one of the first regulated stablecoins, Paxos Standard (PAX), and launched partnerships with major financial institutions like PayPal to bring crypto access to millions of users. Charles’s commitment to advancing crypto within a secure, regulated framework highlights his vision for a more open and efficient financial ecosystem driven by blockchain technology.

Chris Maurice, CEO of Yellow Card, has worked to expand crypto accessibility across Africa, bringing financial tools to underserved communities. Through Yellow Card’s initiatives, Chris has supported education and local economic empowerment, believing in crypto’s potential to uplift communities. His efforts have driven crypto’s adoption as a force for good in regions with limited financial infrastructure.

Christie Garton is an award-winning social entrepreneur and the founder of the 1,000 Dreams Fund, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting high-potential women through scholarships, mentorship, and critical resources. Her latest initiative, the “Future Fund: NextGen Women in Web3,” is the first grant and fellowship program designed to empower women in blockchain and crypto by providing mentorship, funding, and career opportunities. Christie’s mission is to break down barriers and create opportunities for young women, helping them realize their full potential in emerging fields like Web3.

Dan Matuszewski, co-founder of CMS Holdings, has been a prominent figure in crypto philanthropy, dedicating a portion of his crypto profits to charitable causes. As an early signer of the Crypto Giving Pledge, Dan supports initiatives that leverage blockchain for positive impact, focusing on projects that provide financial aid to those in need.

Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, launched The Barstool Fund to support small businesses affected by COVID-19, including a crypto donation component encouraged by Anthony Pompliano. The campaign raised over $1 million in crypto donations, demonstrating how digital assets can provide rapid support in times of crisis and highlighting crypto’s role in community-driven philanthropy.

Dennis Porter is the CEO and co-founder of Satoshi Action Fund, a leading advocacy organization focused on advancing Bitcoin policy and changing the narrative around Bitcoin’s role in society. Known for his active role in Bitcoin advocacy, Dennis regularly testifies in support of Bitcoin and digital asset policies across the United States. Under his leadership, Satoshi Action Fund develops and introduces innovative, first-of-its-kind policies that support Bitcoin mining and promote a positive regulatory environment for Bitcoin. Dennis’s work is dedicated to moving the needle on Bitcoin acceptance and education, fostering a more informed and supportive policy landscape for digital assets.

Edwin played a pivotal role in growing the crypto fundraising program at United Way Worldwide, one of the biggest global charities. As the organization’s Director and then Vice President of Innovation, Edwin helped grow their crypto donation volume by 350% in one year. Today, Edwin continues to embrace crypto philanthropy and is recognized as a thought leader who has been quoted in outlets like USA Today.

Ettore Rossetti is the Head Advisor for Emerging Technology, Innovation & Partnerships at Save the Children, where he has pioneered the nonprofit’s early adoption of cryptocurrency. Since first accepting bitcoin donations in 2013, Save the Children has received over $10 million in crypto contributions, funding initiatives that improve the lives of children worldwide. Ettore’s leadership has made him one of the nonprofit sector’s foremost thought leaders in crypto philanthropy, showcasing the potential of digital assets to expand donor engagement and drive impactful change on a global scale.

Fereshteh Forough is the founder and CEO of Code to Inspire, the first coding school for girls in Afghanistan, dedicated to empowering young women through education and technology. By providing a supportive environment where Afghan girls can learn coding and digital skills, Code to Inspire helps students achieve financial independence and unlock new career opportunities. Fereshteh was one of the earliest nonprofit leaders to fully embrace cryptocurrency, accepting crypto donations to fund the organization’s programs and create sustainable support for her students. Her pioneering approach has made Code to Inspire a model for how digital assets can fuel social change and expand access to education in underserved communities.

Foteini Valeonti and Alex Estorick co-curate reGEN, an initiative that supports generative artists in fighting degenerative diseases. Through NFT art sales, they have raised significant funds for medical research organizations, demonstrating the potential of crypto art in philanthropy. Foteini and Alex have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in crypto donations for organizations like Cure Parkinson’s, The ALS Association, and Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.

Gary Vaynerchuk, known as “Gary Vee,” is a visionary entrepreneur and investor recognized for his influence at the intersection of technology and social trends. When he launched VeeFriends, his first NFT collection, Gary committed a portion of proceeds to support five charities and fund educational scholarships, demonstrating his dedication to leveraging Web3 for social good. His consulting firm, Vayner3, has helped major brands transition into the Web3 space, including an impactful NFT charity auction with Stella Artois that raised over $270,000 for Water.org. Gary’s efforts underscore his commitment to using digital innovation to support meaningful causes and expand the impact of philanthropy in the Web3 ecosystem.

Hayden Adams is the CEO and founder of Uniswap, a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange that has transformed the way users trade digital assets on the Ethereum blockchain. Uniswap’s protocol allows users to swap tokens directly from their wallets without relying on traditional intermediaries, promoting transparency, security, and decentralization in the financial ecosystem.

Helen Hai leads the Binance Charity Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. Under her leadership, the foundation has launched several blockchain-powered initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges such as poverty, education, and health. Helen’s work has been instrumental in demonstrating how blockchain technology can be leveraged for transparent and efficient charitable giving.

Jack Butcher is a designer and creator renowned for his unique approach to digital art and innovative NFT fundraisers, which blend creativity with social impact. Through his work, Jack has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for prominent organizations such as CARE, Doctors Without Borders, and Feeding America. By leveraging NFTs to engage donors and support critical causes, Jack has redefined the role of art in philanthropy, pioneering a new paradigm where digital assets and charitable giving intersect to drive meaningful change.

Jack Dorsey is a visionary entrepreneur celebrated as the co-founder of Twitter and Block, where he has continually championed the transformative power of Bitcoin and decentralized finance. A strong advocate for financial empowerment through digital assets, Jack is committed to fostering global financial freedom by promoting Bitcoin as an alternative to traditional financial systems. Under his leadership, Block has integrated Bitcoin into its products, from payments to peer-to-peer transfers, making cryptocurrency accessible to millions and reinforcing Jack’s dedication to decentralization and economic independence for individuals worldwide.

Jake Chervinsky has consistently been one of the most trusted legal experts in the crypto industry. Jake currently serves as the Chief Legal Officer at Variant, an early-stage crypto venture capital firm. He has been a vocal supporter of the crypto industry’s potential to drive social good and has worked to ensure that regulatory frameworks enable innovation while protecting consumers.

Jared Isaacman is a committed advocate for crypto philanthropy and innovative fundraising. Through partnerships with The Giving Block, Jared has provided substantial matching funds for impactful campaigns like Caring With Crypto and the Maui Emergency Relief Fund, using his influence to elevate crypto’s role in charitable giving. A notable achievement in his philanthropic journey was commanding Inspiration4, the first all-civilian mission to orbit, which raised over $200 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Jared’s efforts exemplify his dedication to leveraging both technology and space exploration to drive meaningful change and support critical causes.

Jarrett Carpenter is the host of the Future Signal podcast, where he delves into and highlights the people, communities, and ever-changing landscape of the blockchain industry and beyond. Through his platform, Jarrett brings attention to projects and individuals harnessing the power of crypto for good, sparking conversations about the transformative potential of blockchain.

Jason Lau is the Chief Operating Officer of OKCoin and a founding member of the Crypto Giving Pledge. A champion for crypto philanthropy, Jason has supported initiatives that highlight the charitable potential of digital assets, including the “Crypto vs. COVID” charity poker game, which raised significant funds for nonprofits. His commitment to using crypto for social impact has helped expand the visibility and influence of crypto philanthropy.

Jeremy Allaire is the co-founder and CEO of Circle, the global financial technology company that issues USD Coin (USDC). A proponent of using crypto for social impact, Jeremy has supported initiatives leveraging USDC for humanitarian aid and disaster relief, showcasing how digital assets can address real-world challenges and facilitate rapid, effective aid.

Jeremy Gardner is a pioneering entrepreneur in blockchain, having co-founded Augur and later founded Ausum Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on blockchain projects with social impact. Jeremy is committed to supporting ventures that use decentralized technology to tackle real-world issues, bridging innovation with purpose and advancing blockchain’s role in creating positive social outcomes.

Jerry Brito recently announced his plans to step down after serving 10 years as the Executive Director of Coin Center, a leading nonprofit research and advocacy center focused on public policy issues facing cryptocurrency technologies. During his time at Coin Center, he has been instrumental in educating policymakers and the public about the benefits of crypto, including its potential for charitable giving.

Julius has the distinction of being the first NFT Twitter avatar to represent a nonprofit. Julius is a Bored Ape from Yuga Labs’ legendary Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection. After receiving generous donations from the Yuga Labs team, Orangutan Outreach’s founder, Richard Zimmerman, embraced the crypto and NFT communities authentically. Recently, Julius has starred in an animated video series that raises awareness for orangutan rescue and rehabilitation.

Kevin Owocki is the founder of Gitcoin, a platform that funds open-source projects through cryptocurrency. Gitcoin has facilitated millions in funding for public goods and supported various charitable initiatives, exemplifying how crypto can support community-driven projects and social impact.

Kimbal Musk is the founder of Big Green DAO, a decentralized autonomous organization dedicated to supporting sustainable food initiatives through a transparent, community-driven funding model. By involving both nonprofits and donors in funding decisions via governance proposals, Big Green DAO fosters community involvement and enhances accountability in philanthropy. Additionally, Kimbal co-founded Big Green, a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower schools, families, and communities across the U.S. to grow their own food. Through training, grants, garden bed donations, and essential materials, Big Green provides critical resources directly to teachers, parents, nonprofit leaders, and local advocates, supporting food education and sustainable food movements nationwide. Kimbal’s work reflects his commitment to reshaping food access and promoting sustainable practices through innovative models of community engagement.

Laura Shin is a leading crypto journalist, author, and host of the popular Unchained podcast, where she explores the transformative power of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Her book, The Cryptopians, offers a unique look into the origins and impact of Ethereum, highlighting crypto’s potential to reshape finance, technology, and culture.

Marc Sepulveda leads Web3 and crypto fundraising initiatives at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, integrating crypto donations to expand donor engagement. His work supports St. Jude’s mission to advance pediatric research and treatment, helping to secure vital funding for groundbreaking research.

Meltem Demirors is Chief Strategy Officer at CoinShares and a pivotal figure in crypto philanthropy. A signatory of the Crypto Giving Pledge, she has advocated for crypto as a force for good and made significant contributions to charity, including a 1 BTC donation to charity: water.

Nic Carter is a General Partner at Castle Island Ventures, a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting companies building in the blockchain and crypto ecosystem. Widely regarded as one of the most respected VCs and thought leaders in the industry, Nic combines a deep understanding of crypto economics with a strategic vision for the future of decentralized technology. Through Castle Island Ventures, he has helped nurture and fund groundbreaking projects that advance blockchain adoption and innovation. Nic is also a prominent writer and speaker, offering insightful analysis on the intersection of crypto, policy, and technology, solidifying his reputation as a trusted voice in the crypto space.

Peter Chasse founded The Water Project to provide access to clean, safe water in sub-Saharan Africa. After receiving a $1 million bitcoin grant from The Pineapple Fund in 2017, he fully embraced crypto donations. Since then, Peter has positioned The Water Project as a leader in crypto philanthropy, raising over $12 million in crypto and continues to create sustainable funding to advance access to clean water across the globe.

The founders of PubKey—Thomas Pacchia, Greg Minasian, Marshall Mintz, Greg Proechel, Peter Richardson, and Andrew Newman—have created a unique space in Greenwich Village, New York, blending hospitality with Bitcoin culture. PubKey serves as a community hub, hosting educational events, meetups, and discussions about digital assets while welcoming a diverse clientele, including skeptics and enthusiasts alike. With a mission to foster inclusivity and bridge gaps in the Bitcoin ecosystem, the bar features a subtle “Buy Bitcoin” sign as a nod to its identity but remains open to all. Recently making headlines, PubKey hosted former U.S. President Donald Trump, who completed a historic Bitcoin transaction, further solidifying its role as a pioneering venue in the digital asset space.

Quinn Thompson is the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Lekker Capital, a discretionary macro hedge fund at the forefront of global financial markets and digital assets. With a strategic focus on the intersection of traditional finance and cryptocurrency, Quinn leads Lekker Capital in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities that arise from the rapidly evolving digital asset space. His expertise in navigating both macroeconomic trends and the unique dynamics of digital assets positions Lekker Capital as a pioneer in the fusion of traditional and crypto finance. Through his leadership, Quinn is shaping a forward-thinking investment approach that bridges conventional financial markets with the transformative potential of digital assets.

Richard Zimmerman leads Orangutan Outreach, a nonprofit focused on protecting orangutans and their habitats. Under his guidance, Orangutan Outreach became one of the first wildlife nonprofits to accept cryptocurrency, enhancing transparency and attracting new donors.

Congressman Ritchie Torres advocates for a regulatory framework that encourages crypto innovation while protecting consumers. He recognizes crypto’s potential for financial inclusion and promotes policies that support the responsible growth of crypto philanthropy.

Satoshi Nakamoto is the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin and author of the original Bitcoin whitepaper. By developing the Bitcoin protocol, Satoshi introduced blockchain technology to the world, enabling peer-to-peer transactions and fostering transparency, security, and decentralization. Although Satoshi’s identity remains unknown, their creation has sparked a global movement, transforming finance and advancing digital inclusion.

Anonymous crypto donors play a pivotal role in crypto philanthropy, making gifts of all sizes. Their generosity is a testament to the values of privacy and security within the crypto community, as they contribute to impactful causes without seeking recognition.

The Crypto Voters emerged in 2024 as a vital advocate for sound policy and innovation in digital assets in the US, thanks in large part to Stand with Crypto. In the recent election, they made their voices heard, supporting leaders (on both sides of the aisle) who promise to enact responsible crypto policies. By engaging across party lines and building consensus, the Crypto Voter exemplifies the power of bipartisan collaboration in driving positive change for all.

Congressman Tom Emmer is a vocal supporter of the crypto industry, advocating for a regulatory framework that encourages innovation while protecting consumers. He promotes policies that support the responsible growth of crypto philanthropy.

Zach Norman serves as the Development Strategist and Web3 Lead at Love Justice International, an organization fighting human trafficking and caring for vulnerable populations. Zach leverages Web3 technologies to enhance Love Justice’s mission, combining innovative solutions with impactful humanitarian efforts.