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This week’s devastating Los Angeles wildfires spread by hurricane-force winds across the county have decimated large areas of LA including Pacific Palisades and Altadena, and forced more than 180,000 residents to flee their homes.
According to the latest information from Southern California officials, the death toll currently stands at 10 with authorities expecting this figure to rise in the coming days.
With the situation still ongoing at the time of writing, there are nonprofit charities accepting crypto donations that can help during this catastrophic crisis.
Nonprofit charities
An emergency response fundraiser from crypto donation platform The Giving Block allows people to select from seven Los Angeles nonprofits to donate crypto to:
- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
- San Diego Humane Society
- All Hands and Hearts Smart Response
- The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
- First Responders Children’s Foundation
- Direct Relief
- Global Empowerment Mission.
Supporting the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation (LAFD Foundation) plays a critical role in equipping firefighters with essential tools and technology.
Budget constraints leave only 3% of the fire department’s annual allocation available for equipment, from fire engines to safety gear.
Accepted cryptocurrencies include BTC, ETH, ChainLink (LINK), Aave (AAVE), Basic Attention Token (BAT), and many others. Each contribution directly impacts the over 3,500 firefighters working to protect Los Angeles.
The LAFD Foundation’s high ratings on platforms like Charity Navigator and GuideStar assure donors their funds are used effectively. Whether contributing Bitcoin or lesser-known tokens like Audius (AUDIO) or Bancor Network Token (BNT), your crypto can make a tangible difference.
Food supplies
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank also accepts cryptocurrency donations to ensure food supplies. This organization sources and distributes food to vulnerable populations in Los Angeles County.
Support through crypto-driven platforms
Platforms like Givepact connect donors with additional foundations that accept digital assets. These include:
- Baby2Baby: Assists families with essential items for children affected by the wildfires.
- Wildland Firefighter Foundation: Provides support to injured firefighters and their families.
- California Fire Foundation: Offers financial assistance to firefighters and fire victims.
- Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation: Aids animals displaced by the fires.
- California Community Foundation: Addresses broader community needs stemming from the disaster.
By offering donations in cryptocurrency, these organizations can tap into a global pool of contributors, amplifying relief efforts.
How crypto donations work
Digital contributions are a way to support affected communities, firefighters, and essential services.
Donating crypto is tax-efficient and impactful. The IRS treats crypto contributions as property, which means donations are not subject to capital gains tax. This classification allows donors to deduct the fair market value of their crypto, often resulting in significant tax savings.
Platforms like The Giving Block streamline crypto donations, ensuring funds are directed to verified organizations. Just ensure you send the specified cryptocurrency to the correct blockchain address. Unsupported tokens, such as NFTs or unlisted ERC-20 assets, may be lost if sent in error.
Why crypto donations are critical
Traditional fundraising methods often involve delays, but crypto transactions are nearly instantaneous. This speed is crucial during emergencies, enabling organizations to deploy resources without delay.
Moreover, crypto’s decentralized nature allows for a broader donor base. You can contribute from anywhere in the world, ensuring global participation in local relief efforts.
How to get started
If you want to donate crypto, start by verifying the organization’s blockchain and token requirements. For tax guidance, consult a crypto-savvy tax professional. Platforms like The Giving Block provide detailed FAQs to address common concerns.
Donating Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital currencies isn’t just a tax-smart choice — it’s a direct way to aid communities and responders on the front lines of the LA wildfire crisis. Every crypto contribution counts, helping organizations deliver the resources needed to recover and rebuild.
Whether you’re supporting firefighters or aiding displaced animals, crypto donations offer a fast and impactful way to help.
