Save the Children has expanded its offering of accepting cryptocurrency donations with the introduction of its Bitcoin Fund.
Developed with digital asset company Fortris, the initiative allows the organization to hold bitcoin. donations for up to four years, giving donors more control over when contributions are converted and used, the charity said Thursday.
Although many nonprofits accept crypto donations, most immediately convert assets to fiat currency. Save the Children’s Bitcoin fund stands out by holding donations long-term and piloting blockchain-based distribution tools, signaling a shift in how NGOs could manage digital assets to maximize impact and speed during crises.
The Bitcoin-powered fund aims to overcome delays common in traditional foreign aid systems. By holding crypto assets, Save the Children can unlock resources more quickly during crises and test new forms of direct assistance, including stablecoin transfers and digital wallet-based vouchers.
“This innovation integrates the speed, cost-effectiveness and financial inclusion of blockchain-based tools to strengthen Save the Children’s emergency response and long-term development programs,” said Janti Soeripto, Save the Children U.S. President and CEO.
The fund’s design reflects growing interest in decentralized finance as a way to reduce costs and increase transparency in humanitarian aid. “Our bitcoin donors have asked for the flexibility to choose when to convert in order to maximize the impact of their generosity, and this fund delivers exactly that,” said Antonia Roupell, head of innovation and partnerships at Save the Children.
Save the Children has been accepting bitcoin donations since 2013 and has raised millions of digital assets through its Hodl Hope campaign.
