Share this article

American Cancer Society Now Accepting Bitcoin Donations Through BitPay

“Our mission is urgent and in order to accomplish it, we need to engage donors where they are.”

Updated May 9, 2023, 3:05 a.m. Published Dec 24, 2019, 8:15 p.m.
Credit: Shutterstock
Credit: Shutterstock

The American Cancer Society (ACS), a non-profit organization committed to funding cancer research, is now accepting bitcoin donations through BitPay.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters

“Cancer affects people from all walks of life, so it’s not surprising that we draw support from a broad cross-section of donors,” ACS exec Brant Woodward told CoinDesk. “Our mission is urgent and in order to accomplish it, we need to engage donors where they are.”

Founded in 2011 as a bitcoin payment solution, BitPay said it has handled more than $50 million in donations since 2017 with partners such as the Tony Hawk Foundation and the American Red Cross.

Over the same period, the average crypto donation has hovered around $10,000, according to BitPay statistics. BitPay processes donations at a 1 percent flat-rate fee, which can be picked up by donors as well if they wish.

Working similarly to stock donations, crypto donations are acknowledged for tax purposes, as heralded during this year’s rendition of Giving Tuesday.

“In accepting bitcoin donations, charitable organizations attract new donors without ever having to hold bitcoin,” BitPay CEO Stephen Pair said. “BitPay verifies the funds and accepts the bitcoin on behalf of the organization and settles the transaction in USD or the preferred fiat.”

The ACS relies mostly on grassroots fundraising, particularly among people in their forties and fifties, Woodward told CoinDesk. As crypto is a nascent financial technology, the ACS hopes working with BitPay will bring younger donors into the fold.

“The reality is that more and more people are utilizing cryptocurrency,” said Woodward. “This allows us to be relevant with younger donors and provide frictionless giving opportunities for them and for us to meet them where they are.”

More For You

State of the Blockchain 2025

State of the Blockchain 16:9

L1 tokens broadly underperformed in 2025 despite a backdrop of regulatory and institutional wins. Explore the key trends defining ten major blockchains below.

What to know:

2025 was defined by a stark divergence: structural progress collided with stagnant price action. Institutional milestones were reached and TVL increased across most major ecosystems, yet the majority of large-cap Layer-1 tokens finished the year with negative or flat returns.

This report analyzes the structural decoupling between network usage and token performance. We examine 10 major blockchain ecosystems, exploring protocol versus application revenues, key ecosystem narratives, mechanics driving institutional adoption, and the trends to watch as we head into 2026.

More For You

Solana treasury-focused Upexi files for up to $1 billion capital raise

Solana portfolio shown on a laptop (Amjith S/Unsplash)

The company manages a portfolio of consumer brands and holds about 2 million SOL, making it the fourth-largest solana treasury of any public company.

What to know:

  • Upexi, a crypto treasury firm focused on solana (SOL), filed a $1 billion shelf registration with the SEC to raise capital through various securities offerings.
  • The company manages a number of consumer brands and holds some 2 million SOL tokens, making it the fourth-largest SOL treasury of any public company.
  • The proceeds from potential securities sales could be used for purposes, including working capital, research and development and debt repayment, and come after the company's shares have lost over 50% of their value this year.