Case Studies & Testimonials » Oceanic Society

Ripples of Change: Oceanic Society’s Crypto-Powered Conservation Journey

Oceanic Society, America’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation, has been empowering people to take action for healthier oceans for 55 years. The organization embraced cryptocurrency as a new revenue stream in 2020, and the results have been transformative, raising more than $100,000 – an important milestone on the path to achieving an ambitious $600,000 goal by their 60th anniversary in 2029 as part of the Ripples of Change Campaign.

$100K

Crypto donations raised to support ocean cleanups and species conservation.

155.5 Tons

Marine debris removed from 18 critical coastlines through crypto-funded efforts.

1,035 Youth

Underserved youth engaged in free educational at-sea programs.

This financial momentum is fueling efforts to protect endangered species, reduce ocean plastic pollution, increase access to nature, and empower coastal communities around the world. Beyond the numbers, crypto philanthropy has unlocked the potential of a vibrant, engaged community that is passionate about the ocean—people we might not have reached through traditional channels.

Why Every Community Counts for Ocean Conservation

The health of the ocean hinges on what humanity puts into and takes out of it. As the heart of our planet, the ocean provides more than 50% of the world’s oxygen, covers 70% of Earth’s surface, regulates the climate, supports 80% of the world’s biodiversity, and sustains the livelihoods of billions of people. Yet, humanity continues to act as though the ocean is too vast to fail, pushing it to its limits.

Despite its critical importance, less than 1% of global philanthropy is directed toward ocean conservation. Addressing the immense challenges facing the ocean will require collective action from as many people and communities as possible. By engaging the cryptocurrency community, Oceanic Society has tapped into a network of forward-thinking donors eager to make a difference. This community brings fresh energy, innovative ideas, and valuable resources that amplify conservation efforts on a global scale.

Oceanic Society’s Crypto Fundraising Journey

2020: Launched a one-year crypto fundraising pilot, raising $40,000 and connecting with hundreds of crypto projects.
2021-2023: Expanded efforts by engaging web3 developers, NFT creators, and digital communities, raising an additional $60,000.
2025 and beyond: Aim to raise $600,000 through the Ripples of Change Campaign by 2029, enabling the expansion of critical programs.

Expanding Impact Through Crypto

Crypto donations have enabled the Oceanic Society to scale vital initiatives that protect sea turtles, clean up oceans, expand access to nature, and empower communities. Thanks to these contributions, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones, including:

155.5 tons (311,000 lbs) of marine debris removed from 18 ecologically significant coastlines through our Global Ocean Cleanup and Plastic Pollution Offset program.
160 small grants awarded to frontline sea turtle organizations addressing critical conservation issues, benefiting 125 applicants across more than 60 countries and territories.
1,035 underserved youth engaged in free at-sea educational programs through our Conservation Scholars Program.

These accomplishments reflect the power of collective action—individual contributions, amplified by a united community, create ripples of change that extend across the globe.

A Future Built on Collaboration

“Crypto fundraising has been an exhilarating journey,” says Rosie Jeffrey, Partnership Manager at Oceanic Society. “Crypto donors aren’t just funding projects—they are redefining what’s possible for ocean conservation and how we rally global communities to protect our planet.”

Oceanic Society’s Ripples of Change campaign aims to raise $600,000 by 2029 to:

Expand Ocean Plastic Pollution Removal: Collect 100,000 pounds of debris annually and establish circular economy programs in key regions.
Support Frontline Conservationists: Increase annual grants for sea turtle conservation from $20,000 to $50,000, more than doubling their impact.
Engage More Youth: Reach 1,000 underserved youth annually through the Conservation Scholars program, fostering the next generation of ocean stewards.
Amplify Coastal Voices: Share the stories of coastal communities through the award-winning State of the World’s Sea Turtles (SWOT) publication.

“Philanthropy is vital for keeping Oceanic Society thriving as an institution. But what we value even more is the passion and commitment of our supporters, whose generosity serves as an example to others and foments the kind of visceral commitments to healthy oceans that are critical to the future of life on Earth,” said Roderic Mast, President and CEO.

Fuel the Ripple Effect: Donate Today

You can make a difference. Every action you take, no matter how small, contributes to a ripple effect that spreads across communities and ecosystems, inspiring others to join in creating a healthier, more sustainable planet.

Our collective action can create waves of transformation, ensuring a thriving ocean for generations to come. Be part of the ripple effect—start your impact today.