Blockchain philanthropy is gaining momentum, with Blockchain For Impact (BFI) surpassing $90 million in allocations toward healthcare, biomedical research, and climate resilience.
The initiative, founded by Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal, has also earmarked an additional $200 million for future efforts, signaling the growing role of cryptocurrency in global giving.
Crypto Donations Gain Mainstream Traction
BFI’s expansion aligns with broader trends in cryptocurrency-based philanthropy. According to a recent report by The Giving Block, global crypto donations exceeded $1 billion in 2024. For the most part, clearer regulations and increasing nonprofit acceptance of digital assets drove the surge.
Currently, over 70% of major US charities accept crypto donations. Healthcare and medical initiatives account for 14% of contributions. Analysts predict crypto philanthropy could reach $2.5 billion by the end 2025.
BFI is leveraging this shift by integrating blockchain’s transparency and decentralized funding model to address systemic challenges in healthcare and climate action. The initiative aims to ensure funds reach their intended targets efficiently, avoiding bureaucratic delays that often hinder traditional charitable efforts.
Among BFI’s notable projects is its partnership with the SELCO Foundation. The venture saw a $6 million investment accelerate the solarization of 25,000 public health centers in India. The initiative, which might have taken a decade to implement through conventional means, has significantly improved medical service reliability.
In a statement shared with BeInCrypto, BFI revealed plans to launch large-scale programs to sustain its impact. Its flagship initiative, the BFI-BIOME Virtual Network Program, aims to support 46 startups through grants, fellowships, and partnerships with 15 medical colleges over three years. The program is expected to engage over 600 researchers in more than 50 projects.
The European Biomedical Exchange Program will also help Indian startups navigate international regulations and secure venture capital investment.
“We’re building scalable systems to transform healthcare for generations by combining blockchain’s transparency with collaborative funding,” read the announcement, citing Nailwal.
With an additional $200 million set aside for upcoming projects, BFI aims to expand its reach in medical research, startup development, and climate resilience. Meanwhile, the challenges surrounding crypto philanthropy are becoming more pronounced.
Challenges for Crypto Philanthropy
However, crypto donations also raised concerns regarding illicit funding. According to a report from Chainalysis, the HTS rebel group in Syria received crypto donations before claiming victory in the Syrian Civil War.
This case highlights the dual-edged nature of crypto philanthropy, where digital assets can be used for humanitarian causes and nefarious activities.
In South Korea, universities have struggled with managing cryptocurrency donations due to regulatory uncertainties and tax complexities. This has led to hesitancy in accepting digital asset contributions despite their potential to fund research and scholarships.
Adding to the complexities, embattled crypto exchange FTX recently ramped up its legal actions, filing 20 lawsuits targeting political donations and fraudulent transactions linked to the FTX collapse. This reflects the broader risks associated with unregulated crypto donations and the need for transparency in digital asset philanthropy.
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