Donate Crypto to Save the Children

If you want to reduce the capital gains tax on your crypto this tax season, consider donating to Save the Children. Crypto donations help this 100-year-old charity provide vital care and services to impoverished and displaced children and their families. Donors also receive favorable tax advantages in several jurisdictions, including the US.

> “Save the Children is the largest independent child rights organization in the world,” explains Antonia Roupell, Partnership and Innovation Lead at Save the Children. “We work in over 100 countries.” The organization was the first international NGO to accept a Bitcoin donation back in 2013, in response to a typhoon that struck the Philippines.

Fast forward 12 years, and crypto donations have become commonplace. Most major US charities accept crypto, and according to a 2024 report by The Giving Block, over $2 billion has been donated in the last five years. Organizations have realized the need to simplify the donation process. Save the Children accepts anonymous donations without the burdensome KYC and AML checks. “It takes you less than 30 seconds to donate crypto,” Antonia states.

> “There is also a massive tax incentive to donate if you are a US taxpayer because you reduce your capital gains.”

Save the Children accepts not only Bitcoin, but has adapted to include various DeFi tokens, meme coins, fan tokens, and more. “As long as your crypto is accepted by Gemini exchange, Save the Children will thank you for it,” Antonia confirms.

Save the Children’s crypto donations campaign, HODLhope, launched in 2021 and has raised more than $8 million, predominantly in Bitcoin, Ether, and stables, with some DOGE, SHIB, and other altcoins in the mix.

> “Save the Children also accepts stock and DAF donations. We are agnostic when it comes to what coin you want to donate because we directly convert all donations into a positive impact for children.”

Save the Children Beyond Crypto Donations

The funds raised through crypto and other donations allow Save the Children to reach millions of children each year, providing vital services such as safe zones in conflict areas, access to education, healthcare, mental health, and psychosocial support. The charity’s efforts also extend beyond crises to promote economic inclusion.

> “From community banking to emergency financial support, a big part of Save the Children’s efforts focuses on empowering families through cash grants, providing parents with funds for immediate needs. They may be fleeing from conflicts or in remote areas without bank access.
> We understand the necessity of innovating with the latest technologies to reach more families efficiently and sustainably. Bitcoin is a technology that humanitarian and human rights workers cannot ignore,” Antonia explains.

Empowering People to Become Self-Sufficient

> “In the humanitarian context, it’s not about Bitcoin as an asset or store of value. We see Bitcoin as a technology—a decentralized medium of exchange. The people Save the Children supports often lack bank accounts and cannot pay high transfer fees or wait for third-party permissions to access funds during emergencies. They understand the value of this technology better than anyone else as it addresses significant problems.”

Save the Children does not expect the people it serves to know about Bitcoin or maintain funds in Bitcoin. Being able to convert easily into local cash is vital. “Our role is to deliver aid faster and more efficiently to enable financial independence.”

The charity is working with Bitcoin Layer 2s and announced a partnership with Fedi in 2024 to test on-chain cash assistance to community wallets using Bitcoin and Lightning. “We are very early in the process, but we will be testing community custody,” she says. “This approach has enormous potential in small communities with a high level of trust.”

Why Bitcoin?

> “One reason is the liquidity in the market compared to other cryptos. Bitcoin is open-source and the most secure blockchain. Fedi integrates with other applications, allowing compatibility with mobile money platforms like M-Pesa in Kenya.”

Antonia elaborates, “Education is one of the biggest barriers to adoption. At Save the Children, providing financial literacy, especially in the digital realm where scams are prevalent, is crucial. We recognize Bitcoin as a powerful tool for financial inclusion.”

> “We can’t resolve today’s issues using yesterday’s solutions. The old financial system is inadequate for financial inclusion, particularly for those in emergencies.”

You can donate crypto to Save the Children. Your contribution helps provide essential resources, education, and hope to those who need it most, efficiently and effectively. For inquiries, email Antonia’s team at [email protected].