BitPay to Match 1 BTC in Donations for BitGive Clean Water Campaign

BitGive's latest charitable endeavor finds it joining with The Water Project to raise money for clean water in Africa.

AccessTimeIconApr 22, 2014 at 5:20 p.m. UTC
Updated Mar 6, 2023 at 3:15 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Update: (10th September 18:30 BST): The BitGive Foundation has announced that it has surpassed its $10,000 fundraising goal, raising more than $11,000 for The Water Project.


Georgia-based bitcoin merchant processor BitPay has announced plans to support the BitGive Foundation in its efforts to raise money for The Water Project, a non-profit that seeks to provide for safe drinking water in Africa.

BitGive is aiming to raise $10,000 in BTC, and kickstarted the campaign by donating the first 2 BTC earlier this year. Now, BitPay has pledged to match 1 BTC, provided bitcoin users first donate the equivalent amount.

The second major project headed by the BitGive Foundation, this effort aspires to fund an entire water project for one community in Sub-Saharan Africa, and was first launched on 24th February. To date, BitGive has raised $3,739.81 toward its $10,000 goal.

Said Connie Gallippi, BitGive's executive director:

“We are excited to launch this first project with BitPay and get the support of the Bitcoin community. Their donations will directly improve the lives of those in the Sub-Saharan Africa.”

The effort notably follows a similar campaign launched by the Dogecoin Foundation in March. That effort ultimately raised more than $50,000 to fund the creation of two water wells in support of World Water Day.

BitGive previously raised more than $4,500 for Save the Children's Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Children’s Relief Fund.

About BitGive Foundation

Announced in July 2013, the BitGive Foundation soon made its first appearance at the inaugural Inside Bitcoins NYC. It has thus far received significant donations from major bitcoin companies such as ButterflyLabs, KnCMiner and BitPay, its website says.

The BitGive Foundation's Board of Directors include general counsel for the Bitcoin Foundation Patrick Murck; nonprofit industry veteran Madeline Finch; and software systems expert Stephen Pair.

Connie Gallippi, the sister of BitPay founder Tony Gallippi, also serves on its staff.

About The Water Project

The Water Project first began accepting bitcoin for donations on 23rd January, when its president, Peter Chasse, authored a detailed post on its site about the decision.

The message embraced all manner of digital currency donations, mentioning dogecoin, worldcoin and litecoin, among others.

However, The Water Project, which uses Coinbase as a processor, is not accepting donations in these currencies directly. First, those who wish to donate altcoins of their choice are encouraged to convert their holdings into bitcoin.

Disclaimer: CoinDesk founder Shakil Khan is an investor in BitPay.

Image via BitGive

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.