How NGOs Can Accept Bitcoin Donations

One of the secrets of a successful organization is its ability to change with the times. NGOs are no exception. Nonprofits need substantial funds to accomplish their goals. As such, it is important to diversify their fundraising sources. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are the next frontier for non-profit fundraising. This article will highlight how NGOs can accept Bitcoin donations.

Nonprofits Accepting Bitcoin

The number of nonprofit organizations around the world that accept cryptocurrency donations has increased in the recent past. The 2019 Global NGO Technology Report showed that Africa has the largest number of Non Profits Organizations in the world accepting cryptocurrency.  However, most NGOS still haven’t embraced this trend. One [survey] indicated that NGOs that accept crypto in Africa, Asia, and Latin America represent 5%, 4%, and 1% respectively. Such entities include:

• Africa Development Promise

• Human Rights Foundation

• Red Cross

• TunaPanda

• The Water Project

• Save the Children

Beneficial Features of Bitcoin

Bitcoin transactions are highly secure compared to fiat money because of blockchain technology. They also have lower transfer charges compared to bank transfers and are easy to transfer since the entire process takes place digitally. There are no limits on how many Bitcoins you can send or receive. However, for security and regulatory compliance, some Bitcoin exchanges may have additional requirements for transferring large amounts. Lastly, Bitcoin is a borderless currency. Bitcoins can be transferred to a person in any part of the world, at any time of day or night.

Benefits of Bitcoin Donations for Donors

Bitcoin donors enjoy tax benefits. For example, the Internal Revenue Service in the United States classifies Bitcoin as an asset, and an asset intended for donation is not subjected to capital gains tax. With this exception, you are in a position to send donations without worrying about tax deductions. In addition to being exempted from capital gains tax, crypto donations will attract reduced transaction fees compared to traditional means of payment like PayPal and debit card. With Bitcoin, you can donate anonymously. For some donors, anonymity is an important aspect.

Benefits of Bitcoin Donations for Nonprofit Organizations

Bitcoin donations allow your NGO to expand your pool of donors based on the fact that different people have different preferred means of payment. For instance, most African NGOs get their funds from the West where there are many donors who are used with Bitcoin payments. When you have time-sensitive projects or need rapid response funds, Bitcoin donation may be an ideal option because transfers take minutes unlike international bank transfers that may take days. Bitcoin transaction fees are usually low. This allows your project to benefit from the value of donations without having to worry about the huge deductions made by banks each time someone donates to you.

Platforms to Use to Accept Bitcoin Donations

In this era when Bitcoins have been widely accepted, there are various platforms that nonprofits can use to accept bitcoin donations. This includes:

• OpenNode

• CoinPayments

• Bitpay

• Coinbase Commerce

• Giving Block

• BTCPay Server

• CoinGate

Note that Bitpay and Coinbase have consistently shown to have strong disregard for users and bitcoin's decentralization. Use them with some caution. Follow [#DeleteCoinbase] for more information.

How to Convert Bitcoins into Cash

Bitcoins have been in existence for over a decade. During this time, the system has become more comprehensive and there are now several ways that you can convert the cryptocurrency into cash. There are two main reasons why you would want to exchange Bitcoin for cash. To start with, the currency has volatile prices. If you think that its prices will decrease significantly, it makes sense to sell it as a way of protecting yourself from hefty losses. Moreover, even with the global acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a means of trading, there are relatively few establishments that accept it. After receiving Bitcoins, your best option is to convert into cash to fund your programs.

There are several ways that you can use to convert Bitcoin, or any other cryptocurrency, to cash. This includes:

Sell Bitcoins through a Cryptocurrency Exchange

To do so, you will need to create an account with one of the well-established cryptocurrency exchange. There are numerous such platforms including Kraken, Coindirect, LocalBitcoins, Paxful, and Remitano. You can sell the Bitcoins by stipulating the amount of currency you intend to sell and then transfer the returns to the NGO’s bank account.

Bitcoin ATMs

These are usually physical centers where you can sell Bitcoin in exchange for fiat currencies. However, a huge limitation of this method of cashing out cryptocurrencies is its relatively high transaction charges, which are usually between 7% and 12%. You can use the Coin ATM Radar to identify a Bitcoin ATM around you.

Peer-to-peer Transactions

Instead of using a cryptocurrency exchange, you can decide to sell Bitcoins directly to another individual. If you use this route, ensure that you get proof of ID as well as proof of payment before transferring the Bitcoins to the buyer.

Crypto Cards

There are various platforms that allow individuals to get a crypto card. You are able to use this debit card just like you would with the ordinary debit card. What’s interesting is that the card is usually powered by MasterCard or VISA. As such, you are able to use it for various transactions both offline and online.

Conclusion

In today’s world, it is paramount for organizations to change with the times. Embracing technological advancements is a necessary strategy for businesses as well as nonprofit organizations. For NGOs, accepting cryptocurrency donations is one of the effective strategies that will increase their pool of resources. Indeed, donations made through virtual currencies such as Bitcoin are beneficial to both the donors and the organizations.