Freedom of Press Foundation Starts Accepting Crypto, Sees $550K Donation on First Day

Nonprofit organization the Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) began accepting cryptocurrency donations June 18, opening its doors to Bitcoin and four altcoins.

FPF, which formed in 2012, aims to support and protect free speech in the media, as well as campaign through whistleblower projects and raise awareness of threats to media publications.

We are excited to launch a cryptocurrency donation page for @FreedomofPress, where we can now accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Zcash to support press freedom. https://t.co/P8q6aEZJ14

“Your support enables us to protect journalists and whistleblowers worldwide, and will help further projects like SecureDrop, the US Press Freedom Tracker, and the archival of threatened news outlets,” the donations page explains.

FPF lists addresses for five cryptocurrencies - Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin and ZCash - while officials say they will also consider donations in using other coins.

The move appeared to receive a warm reception in some circles, with decentralized message routing network Mainframe donating 1000 ETH ($542,000) to the FPF.

“Public advocacy becomes that much more powerful when coupled with innovation and better choices. Both organizations plan to work towards the mutually beneficial goal of tipping the scales in favor of the fight for freedom of information,” Mainframe wrote in a blog post explaining the impetus behind its decision.