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Writer's pictureFriends of Bonobos

Crypto Impact Report: How Crypto Donations Are Saving Bonobos

Three years ago, we took a leap of faith. In 2021, when a loyal donor asked if we accepted cryptocurrency, we had no idea the journey that simple question would set us on. It led us to embrace the world of crypto donations through The Giving Block, opening doors to a whole new community of generous, tech-savvy supporters.


Here’s a look at the numbers and the real-world difference crypto donations have made.


Two bonobos sit, hugging at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DR Congo. Information for donating crypto is provided, reading "Save Bonobo with crypto! Friends of Bonobos accepts crypto donations via The Giving Block. Donate at: bonobos.org/crypto "

The Impact of Nearly a Quarter of a Million Dollars in Donations


Since we started accepting crypto, our crypto donors have contributed over $240,000 for bonobo conservation. Let that sink in. Every Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC donation has gone directly to saving lives and securing a future for bonobos and their rainforest home.


What does that mean in real terms? Here’s how these contributions had significant impact:


  • $61,200 provided food and health care for 34 bonobos at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary for an entire year. These gentle, intelligent beings rely on us to survive, and you made it possible.

  • $60,000 funded salaries for 15 forest guards in Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve, ensuring the safety of rewilded bonobos and protecting the lush rainforest they call home.

  • $54,000 enabled us to maintain security at Ekolo and engage nearby communities in conservation.

  • $10,000 equipped our forest guards with the tools they need—radios, motorized canoes, and solar-powered charging stations—to keep bonobos safe from poachers.


Our crypto donors have provided food, shelter, health care, and security for bonobos while empowering local communities to join us in this mission.

2 Bonobo wade in the water and eat fruit at the Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary. Photo by Lara Zanutto

Bored Ape Yacht Club Logo

A Highlight: The $77,500 Bored Ape Yacht Club Donation


One of the most remarkable moments in our crypto journey came shortly after launching our program: a $77,500 gift from the Bored Ape Yacht Club. This unexpected donation became our largest crypto contribution to date, proving the power of blockchain philanthropy.

This single donation provided critical funding for sanctuary care, security efforts, and educational outreach, exemplifying how crypto can drive immediate and meaningful change.


A bonobo climbs a tree at Ekolo ya Bonobo Community Reserve.

Why Crypto Donations Matter


The crypto community is uniquely positioned to make a difference. By accepting crypto, we’ve connected with forward-thinking supporters who understand the importance of long-term solutions and innovation in conservation.


Cryptocurrency donations are one of the most tax-efficient ways to give, enabling donors to avoid capital gains taxes and deduct the full value of their contribution. This means your crypto goes further in saving bonobos and their rainforest home.


And with The Giving Block’s EcoGift program, each donation is carbon neutral, furthering our commitment to the environment. 


Crypto Donations - Impact That Goes Beyond Today


Crypto donations can do more than address today’s needs; they can strengthen key initiatives:


  • Rewild bonobos: $65,000 reintegrates one group of bonobos into the wild, where they can thrive as nature intended.

  • Sustain sanctuary operations: $200,000 a year supports salaries and operational costs, ensuring Lola ya Bonobo remains a safe haven.

  • Inspire future conservationists: Education programs funded by crypto donations are reaching thousands of children, teaching them the values of kindness and conservation.


Join the Crypto Philanthropy Movement

Crypto Giving Tuesday

Crypto donations have already raised $240,000 for bonobo conservation. Together, we’re proving the power of #CryptoForGood—turning blockchain generosity into real-world conservation.


Every Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDC donation helps us create a brighter future for bonobos. With continued support from crypto philanthropists, we can expand rewilding efforts, enhance sanctuary care, and inspire future generations to protect these incredible primates.


If you’ve been considering a crypto donation, now is the time.

Let’s keep this ripple of generosity growing.



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