The adoption of cryptocurrency donations is swiftly growing in the UK nonprofit sector. According to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), approximately 2.3 million people in the UK hold cryptocurrency, and NatWest reports that around 20% of its 19 million customers are crypto holders. This exhibits the widespread use of digital assets and the significant opportunity for charities to expand their fundraising efforts by accepting cryptocurrency donations.
More and more UK charities are acknowledging the potential of crypto donations. Platforms like JustGiving now facilitate these contributions, and dedicated blockchain donation platforms for charities have become commonplace. These platforms offer transparency, security, and efficiency, making them an appealing option for both donors and nonprofits.
In this blog, we will explore the best blockchain donation platforms available for charities, highlighting their benefits and key features. If you’re a nonprofit looking to future-proof your fundraising strategy, read on to discover how blockchain can support your mission.
Why Are Charities Turning to Blockchain for Donations?
Charities are gradually embracing blockchain technology to improve transparency, security, and efficiency in donation management. Traditional fundraising methods often involve intermediaries, which can lead to delays and elevated transaction fees. In contrast, blockchain enables direct, peer-to-peer transactions, ensuring that more funds go straight to the intended cause.
The elevation of cryptocurrency philanthropy presents an effective opportunity for charities to tap into a global donor base. Crypto donors can contribute from anywhere in the world, without concerns about exchange rates or banking restrictions. Additionally, blockchain’s decentralised nature helps decrease fraud by providing an immutable record of all transactions, ensuring that donations are tracked effectively through blockchain donation tracking mechanisms. You can read more about how blockchain technology can help charities to reduce fraud and enhance trust with donors.
Furthermore, blockchain donation platforms allow nonprofits to verify the flow of funds in real time, giving donors greater confidence in how their contributions are used. As a result, many charities are using blockchain for donations to boost donor trust and enhance financial accountability.
How to Choose the Right Blockchain Donation Platform
As with any new technology adoption, choosing the appropriate blockchain donation platform requires careful consideration of key factors. Not all platforms are created equal and selecting the right one for your nonprofit can make a substantial difference in the success of your crypto fundraising efforts. Here are some essential aspects to evaluate:
- Security & Compliance – Ensure the platform meets UK regulatory requirements and follows best practices for fraud prevention and data protection.
- Ease of Use – A user-friendly interface is fundamental for both charities and donors. The simpler the process, the more likely donors are to contribute.
- Supported Cryptocurrencies – Some platforms accept only Bitcoin or Ethereum, while others support a broader range of digital assets. A wider selection increases accessibility for crypto donors.
- Transaction Fees – Platforms charge different fees for processing donations. Understanding these costs upfront helps charities maximise the funds they receive.
- Integration Capabilities – Consider how well the platform integrates with your existing fundraising tools and CRM systems to streamline donation tracking and donor engagement.
- Transparency Features – Blockchain’s primary advantage is transparency. The platform should provide clear tracking and reporting of donations, ensuring accountability and trust.
By carefully assessing these factors, charities can choose a blockchain donation platform that aligns with their fundraising goals while maintaining security and efficiency
Best Blockchain Donation Platforms for Charities
With the developing adoption of cryptocurrency donations, several blockchain donation platforms have emerged to cater particularly to the needs of nonprofits. These platforms provide secure, transparent, and efficient ways for charities to accept digital assets, track contributions, and engage with a global donor base. Below, we provide a complete breakdown of the top blockchain donation platforms for charities, including their key features and benefits.
- The Giving Block – A leading crypto donation platform designed for nonprofits, offering seamless integration with fundraising tools.
- Every.org – A donor-advised fund (DAF) that enables nonprofits to accept crypto donations without handling digital assets directly.
- Engiven – A high-security crypto donation platform focused on regulatory compliance and large-scale donations.
- BitGive – One of the first blockchain-based charity platforms, known for its transparent tracking of donations.
- Binance Charity – A philanthropy initiative by Binance that leverages blockchain for social impact projects worldwide.
Let’s explore each platform in more detail.
The Giving Block
Overview:
The Giving Block is one of the most well-recognised platforms designed for nonprofits to accept cryptocurrency donations easily. It provides comprehensive fundraising tools and connects charities with a growing community of crypto philanthropists.
Key Features:
- Supports major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more.
- Offers automated tax receipting for donors.
- Integrates with existing donation systems.
- Access to The Giving Block’s fundraising campaigns and NFT giving options.
Why Charities Use It:
- Simplifies compliance with regulations.
- Helps charities reach a broader audience of crypto donors.
- Reduces fundraising costs compared to traditional methods.
| User Review:
“Simplified cryptocurrency donations – 5.0* – Digital Manager, Nonprofit Organisation Management, 11–50 Employees Comments: The Giving Block have been incredibly helpful about integrating and promoting the product. Always very generous with their support and encouragement which has been really helpful as I venture into this new revenue stream. In particular, the advice they provided about the page set-up etc, it really has been notably better than other plugins. Pros: The software makes it easy for new donors to donate crypto on their own schedule and it also allows the donors to remain anonymous which is an appealing element for this community. Cons: The vast majority of it was very easy, the hardest part was getting the details required for the Gemini bank account. Everything else was like the classic web plug-in.” |
Every.org
Overview:
Every.org is a donation platform that helps nonprofits accept crypto donations while making it simple to convert them into fiat currency. It provides a seamless giving experience for both donors and charities.
Key Features:
- Accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies.
- Automatically converts crypto donations into GBP.
- No fees for nonprofits—Every.org covers transaction costs.
- Provides donation matching opportunities through partner programs.
Why Charities Use It:
- Allows hassle-free conversion to fiat, minimising financial risks.
- Easy for donors who want to remain anonymous.
- Supports both crypto and traditional donation methods.
Engiven
Overview:
Engiven is a high-security donation platform trusted by nonprofits and religious organisations. It prioritises regulatory compliance and financial reporting, making it a trustworthy choice for charities handling large-scale crypto donations.
Key Features:
- Supports multiple cryptocurrencies.
- Automatically converts donations into fiat currency.
- Provides compliance tools and detailed financial reporting.
- HMRC-compliant tax receipting for UK charities.
Why Charities Use It:
- Offers a legally compliant solution with automated reporting.
- Reduces administrative burden with easy tracking.
- Ensures security through blockchain encryption.
| User Review:
“Great option for any Non Profit” Overall: Engiven has a great customer support team to make things easy to set up and build with Pros: the greatest value of using Engiven is just how easy and simple it is for people to donate their crypto. Also the automatic appraisal for donations over $5k is a great feature Cons: there has been a couple instances where either the donor did not receive confirmation of donation, or we didn’t on our admin end – Business Admin, Religious Institutions, 51–200 Employees (Source: Capterra Engiven) |
BitGive
Overview:
BitGive is the first nonprofit organisation focused on leveraging blockchain for transparent donations. Through its groundbreaking GiveTrack platform, it allows donors to see exactly how their contributions are being used.
Key Features:
- Provides the GiveTrack platform for transparent tracking of donations.
- Allows charities to set fundraising goals and share real-time impact updates.
- Supports Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies.
Why Charities Use It:
- Donors can track where their money is going in real-time.
- Helps increase donor trust and engagement.
- Reduces the risk of mismanagement of funds.
Binance Charity
Overview:
Binance Charity is a nonprofit arm of Binance that uses blockchain to support humanitarian efforts worldwide. It confirms that 100% of donations go directly to beneficiaries, with Binance covering operational costs.
Key Features:
- 100% of donations go directly to beneficiaries—Binance covers operational costs.
- Blockchain-powered transparency ensures all funds are tracked.
- Has supported over 1 million beneficiaries globally.
Why Charities Use It:
- Ensures complete transparency in fund distribution.
- Ideal for large-scale charity projects and disaster relief efforts.
- Backed by one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges.
While specific Binance Charity reviews are not available on Capterra, general reviews for Binance can be found here.
Each of these platforms gives charities an opportunity to embrace blockchain technology for fundraising, ensuring excellent transparency, security, and efficiency in their donation processes.
How to Get Started with a Blockchain Donation Platform
Integrating a blockchain donation platform can open new fundraising opportunities for charities, but it’s crucial to approach the process tactically. Here are the key steps nonprofits should take to ensure a smooth and effective implementation:
- Choose the Right Platform
- Work with an IT Specialist
- Educate Donors and Internal Stakeholders
- Train Relevant Stakeholders
- Set Up a Secure Wallet
- Ensure Compliance
- Promote Your Crypto Donation Option
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Choose the Right Platform
Select a blockchain donation platform based on key factors such as security, ease of use, supported cryptocurrencies, transaction fees, and integration capabilities. Consider the platforms outlined above to find the best fit for your charity’s needs.
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Work with an IT Specialist
Collaborate with a specialist nonprofit-managed IT partner to guarantee a seamless end-to-end implementation. Expert IT support can help with platform integration, security, and compliance, reducing the risk of errors or vulnerabilities.
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Educate Donors and Internal Stakeholders
Many potential donors and charity staff may be unfamiliar with cryptocurrency donations. Offer educational materials and workshops to explain how crypto giving works and the benefits it offers.
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Train Relevant Stakeholders
Confirm that fundraising teams, finance departments, and other relevant personnel are trained in handling cryptocurrency donations, including tracking, reporting, and compliance requirements.
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Set Up a Secure Wallet
If the chosen platform does not automatically convert crypto donations into fiat currency, charities will need a secure cryptocurrency wallet to receive and store digital assets securely.
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Ensure Compliance
Stay up to date with local regulations and tax reporting requirements related to cryptocurrency donations. Ensure the charity retains proper records and provides donors with appropriate tax receipts.
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Promote Your Crypto Donation Option
Once everything is in place, charities should actively market their ability to accept cryptocurrency donations. Update websites, social media, and donor outreach materials to attract crypto donors and boost fundraising potential.
By following these steps, charities can successfully integrate blockchain donation platforms and leverage cryptocurrency giving as a robust new fundraising tool.
Challenges & Considerations for Charities Using Blockchain Donations
While blockchain donation platforms offer several benefits, there are also challenges that charities should be aware of and take steps to mitigate. Understanding these considerations can help nonprofits make educated decisions and implement efficient strategies for managing cryptocurrency donations.
- Regulatory and Tax Implications
- Volatility of Cryptocurrency
- Cybersecurity Risks
Regulatory and Tax Implications
Cryptocurrency regulations vary by country, and charities must ensure compliance with relevant tax laws and reporting requirements. In the UK, HMRC treats crypto donations as non-cash gifts, meaning they must be correctly documented for tax purposes. Working with financial and legal experts can help charities navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure proper accounting for crypto donations.
Volatility of Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies are known for their price fluctuations, which can effect the value of donations. To manage this risk, charities may choose platforms that automatically convert crypto donations into fiat currency or establish policies for holding or liquidating digital assets based on financial goals.
Cybersecurity Risks
As with any digital financial transaction, cryptocurrency donations present cybersecurity risks. Fraudsters may attempt phishing attacks, wallet hacks, or impersonation scams targeting nonprofits. Charities must stay informed about common charity cybercriminal fraud tactics and execute robust security measures to protect donor funds and sensitive data.
To further mitigate risks, charities can engage with a specialist managed cyber security provider to bolster their digital defences against threats such as hacking, ransomware, and data breaches. Additionally, funding support is available through various grants for cyber security for charities, helping nonprofits enhance their security infrastructure without straining their budgets.
By addressing these challenges proactively, charities can safely and effectively integrate blockchain donations into their fundraising strategies while preserving trust with donors and stakeholders.
Closing Thoughts
Blockchain donation platforms offer charities an innovative way to develop their fundraising efforts, providing increased transparency, security, and access to a global donor base. As more nonprofits embrace cryptocurrency donations, choosing the right platform is important to ensure seamless integration, regulatory compliance, and donor trust.
While the benefits are significant, charities must also consider challenges such as regulatory requirements, cryptocurrency volatility, and cybersecurity risks. Working with a specialist IT and cybersecurity provider can help nonprofits direct these complexities, ensuring a smooth implementation and a secure donation process.
Get in Touch
Would your charity like to learn more about blockchain technology and how Qlic can help you? Get in touch with the team at Qlic here.
