Read Crypto as Donor Behavior, Not Hype

Cryptocurrency has moved beyond novelty in philanthropy. In 2023, nonprofits received more than USD 1 billion in digital assets, with average contributions significantly higher than those made through traditional online channels (The Giving Block, 2024). The figure is not simply a headline about emerging technology; it signals the arrival of a donor segment whose behaviour is distinct and whose preferences need to be understood if organizations are to capitalize.

Recognize Crypto as a Donor Profile

Crypto donors are younger, more globally distributed, and more likely to give at scale. The Giving Block reports that the average donation in digital assets exceeded USD 10,000 in 2023, a level influenced both by the demographics of the community and by the tax treatment of digital assets in markets such as the United States, where the IRS classifies them as property (IRS, 2024). These contributions represent a defined segment with identifiable motivations and repeatable behaviour, demanding the same level of attention as any other donor group.

Update Your Payments Infrastructure

The best payments processors provide immediate conversion to fiat currency, fraud screening, and compliant receipting. They remove the risks of custody and enable organiaations to account for contributions with the same assurance as other payment channels. The question becomes not whether to accept crypto, but whether your payments stack is ready for the next generation of giving.

What Leaders Should Do Next

Adopt formal policies that govern valuation, receipting, and reporting of digital assets. Select payments partners that convert assets at the point of receipt and provide audit-ready records. Finally, ensure that communications with crypto donors reflect the same professionalism offered to all supporters, positioning the channel as part of mainstream infrastructure rather than as an experimental add-on.