Long delays in disbursing humanitarian funds have consistently hampered swift aid delivery during crises. Save the Children, an international nonprofit, is embracing cryptocurrency innovation to overcome these challenges, announcing the launch of a Bitcoin fund aimed at accelerating cash assistance in emergencies.
Why the Bitcoin Fund is a Game-Changer
In collaboration with digital-asset platform Fortris, Save the Children’s Bitcoin fund allows the organization to accept and hold donations in Bitcoin, stablecoins, and other digital assets for up to four years. This solution aims to bypass traditional banking systems, which often experience breakdowns or become inaccessible during natural disasters and conflicts—major causes of delays in aid delivery.
Antonia Roupell, Save the Children’s innovation and partnerships lead, explained, “Many nonprofits accept Bitcoin today, but few hold these donations or leverage the technology’s peer-to-peer nature. Our Bitcoin donors wanted flexibility in choosing when to convert donations, and this fund delivers on that request to maximize the impact of their generosity.”
How Cryptocurrency Enhances Humanitarian Efforts
Save the Children has been a pioneer in embracing digital assets since 2013, using its “Hodl Hope” initiative to raise millions in crypto for children affected by global crises, including conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan. The introduction of the Bitcoin fund further equips the organization to respond quickly and effectively when traditional funding channels falter.
“Out-of-the-box solutions like this ensure we continue to reach children when they need us most,” said Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children U.S. She emphasized that blockchain technology’s speed, cost efficiency, and global financial inclusion potential strengthen both emergency and long-term programming.
Crypto Donations on the Rise
The launch of this Bitcoin fund comes at a pivotal time for the nonprofit sector, as cryptocurrencies have increasingly been used to support global causes. For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the crypto community donated over $50 million to humanitarian efforts.
In 2024 alone, over $1 billion worth of cryptocurrency was donated globally, according to The Giving Block’s annual report. Organizations like the American Red Cross, United Way, and GiveDirectly have also embraced crypto donations, signaling a shift towards more adaptive and decentralized funding mechanisms.
A Suggested Tool for Donating
If you’re inspired to contribute, consider using The Giving Block, a trusted platform for donating cryptocurrency globally. It simplifies the process and ensures your donations go directly to the causes that matter most.
With this innovative fund, Save the Children is not only addressing immediate needs but is also pioneering a new standard for humanitarian aid using cutting-edge technology.
