(image from pexels.com)
Cryptocurrency giving isn’t about chasing a trend. It’s about meeting donors where they are already. Donor expectations are evolving, with more than 800 million global crypto users projected at the end of 2025, including 65 million U.S. adults.
Fundraisers must adopt policies and processes to reflect this shift.
“The future of donor-centricity includes digital assets,” Jason Wyssmann, CFRE, bCRE at HonorHealth Foundation, told attendees at the recent Association for Healthcare Philanthropy annual conference. “You’re not changing the mission. You’re changing the access point.”
You don’t need to be a crypto expert to recognize donor behavior patterns. Digital adoption is accelerating across industry — payment platforms, merchant services, investment portfolios and even government engagement. Philanthropic data mirrors this trend: online revenue continues to grow, GivingTuesday results climb year-over-year and multi-generational donors increasingly use smartphones for giving. Digital behaviors are strengthening, not slowing.
Crypto donors, in particular, give differently. Their gifts are often larger — averaging $10,000 to $15,000, far surpassing typical online donations. Accepting crypto also offers significant tax advantages by avoiding capital gains on appreciated assets for many donors. By enabling crypto giving, you’re not just adding convenience — you’re offering donors a smarter financial tool to amplify their impact.
Your first step is governance, not technology. A clear gift acceptance policy signals readiness and ensures alignment across development, finance, compliance and legal teams. HonorHealth Foundation took a 10-month approach involving board committees, legal counsel, IT, information security and vendor negotiations. You can mirror this by:
- Defining which complex gift types you will accept;
- Understanding expectations around crypto liquidation;
- Identifying potential vendor partners and experts; and,
- Ensuring IRS-compliant tax forms and appraisals.
Change management isn’t easy. Remember Tuckman’s five stages of group development: forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning. Through it all, leadership must set the tone: steady, transparent and forward-thinking.
Your goal is simplicity. The right vendor partner handles complexities so your team doesn’t have to. Look for:
- Strong sector reputation and security;
- Transparent subscription and processing fees;
- White-glove donor support;
- Automated liquidation; and,
- Tax form and appraisal facilitation.
A resilient vendor lets you integrate crypto giving just like stock gifts or donor-advised funds — efficient, compliant and low-lift.
Turning on crypto acceptance isn’t the finish line. Donor engagement drives results. Consider:
- Educating gift officers with talking points and tailored donor forms;
- Building targeted campaigns for crypto-engaged audiences;
- Featuring donor testimonials to normalize behavior;
- Leveraging matching opportunities to increase urgency; and,
- Activating communities where digital-native donors already gather
Trust grows and generosity follows when donors see you understand their motivations and speak their language
Digital currency isn’t replacing philanthropy, it’s expanding it. By updating policy, preparing your team, selecting the right technology partner and engaging donors intentionally, you can future proof your fundraising program and strengthen donor trust. The currency of philanthropic relationships is trust. Let’s remember that the currency of the future is digital.
