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