The rise of cryptocurrency philanthropy has opened up a new and impactful way for nonprofits to engage with a growing and generous donor base. With over $1 billion in crypto donations made in 2024 alone, the crypto community has proven to be a powerful force for good. But how can nonprofits effectively engage with crypto donors to maximize their impact?
To answer this, we turn to insights from Josh Herring, CEO of the Longevity Science Foundation, who recently spoke about the importance of crypto-friendly fundraising and building meaningful relationships with crypto donors.
Create a Crypto-Friendly Giving Experience
In our conversation with Josh, he emphasizes that nonprofits should not just accept crypto but actively showcase their crypto-friendliness. He highlights that the Longevity Science Foundation prioritizes crypto donations and makes it easy for donors to give:
How Nonprofits Can Do This:
- Prominently feature crypto donation options on your website.
- Use a trusted crypto donation platform like The Giving Block to make donating seamless.
- Provide tax resources explaining the benefits of donating crypto (e.g., avoiding capital gains tax).
Build Strong Relationships with the Crypto Community
Crypto donors are unique—they value decentralization, innovation, and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of being present in crypto circles and forming genuine connections.
We’ve got a great relationship with The Giving Block. We attend crypto events all over—from DC to Miami to New York. Some of our original founders are crypto enthusiasts and practitioners themselves.
How Nonprofits Can Do This:
- Attend crypto conferences (e.g., Permissionless, ETHGlobal, Consensus).
- Engage on Web3-native platforms like X (Twitter), Discord, and Telegram.
- Collaborate with crypto influencers and projects that align with your mission.
Educate Donors About the Impact of Crypto Giving
Many crypto holders are new to philanthropy, and many traditional donors are new to crypto. Bridging this knowledge gap is key. Herring highlights the importance of education in driving donations:
For the people that come [to our events], we want them to really understand what our mission is—funding research and then decentralizing and democratizing it.
How Nonprofits Can Do This:
- Publish blogs and reports on how crypto is transforming philanthropy.
- Host educational webinars on the benefits of crypto giving.
- Share impact stories showcasing how crypto donations support your mission.
Align with the Values of the Crypto Community
Crypto donors are drawn to projects that decentralize power, promote transparency, and increase access. Herring notes that his organization’s focus on democratizing health research naturally resonates with crypto donors:
For the Longevity Science Foundation, our mission is very similarly aligned to the same core fundamentals of the crypto community—democratization of information, accessibility, decentralizing.
How Nonprofits Can Do This:
- Highlight transparency and accountability in your work.
- Consider using blockchain for impact tracking (e.g., on-chain donations, transparent funding).
- Emphasize the power of decentralization in your mission (e.g., community-driven decision-making).
Host Crypto-Focused Fundraising Events
Events are an excellent way to connect with crypto donors, investors, and Web3 innovators. Herring shares how the Longevity Science Foundation’s Miami summit brings together leaders from crypto, venture capital, and science to drive donations:
We’re bridging the gap between venture capital folks, private equity folks, crypto folks, and the scientific community to figure out how we can help one another achieve our shared goals.
How Nonprofits Can Do This:
- Host crypto fundraising campaigns during big market events (e.g., Bitcoin halving, NFT drops).
- Create matching gift challenges funded by crypto whales.
- Organize networking events that connect crypto donors with your cause.
Watch the Full Interview with Josh Herring 🎙️
For an even deeper dive into how nonprofits can connect with the crypto community, watch the full podcast episode featuring Josh Herring on This Week in Crypto Philanthropy.
Herring shares powerful insights about the intersection of crypto, philanthropy, and longevity science, making this episode a must-watch for nonprofits looking to expand their fundraising efforts.
The Future of Crypto Philanthropy is Bright
As crypto adoption continues to grow, nonprofits that embrace Web3, build strong relationships, and educate donors will thrive in this space. The crypto community is eager to support impactful causes—they just need the right opportunities to give.
By following these strategies, your nonprofit can tap into one of the fastest-growing donor bases in the world and make a lasting impact.
Want to start accepting crypto donations? Get started with The Giving Block today. 🚀
