LA charitable contribution made by Binance in 2018 has resurfaced after a startling revelation that the funds—now worth $39 million—remain unclaimed. Coinbase executive Conor Grogan disclosed that unclaimed Binance donations meant for Malta’s terminal cancer fund have yet to be accessed, urging the Maltese government to take action.
The unclaimed Binance donations were initially valued at $200,000 in BNB, contributed by Binance and members of the crypto community to assist terminally ill cancer patients. However, due to BNB’s substantial price increase over the years, that donation has ballooned to a staggering $39 million.
Grogan took to social media platform X on October 13 to raise awareness, emphasizing the urgent need for Maltese citizens to alert authorities.
“Any Malta citizens, please let your government know that these funds are accessible,” — Conor Grogan, Coinbase executive, in a post on X.
He noted that the unclaimed Binance donations could finance full salaries for medical specialists and significantly improve cancer care infrastructure across Malta.
Legal delays and forgotten crypto charity funds
The unclaimed Binance donations trace back to a philanthropic initiative by Binance and its users in 2018. The funds were earmarked for the Malta Terminal Cancer Patients Fund, but procedural and legal hurdles delayed their withdrawal.
A lawsuit surrounding the donated assets was dropped in 2021 after the funds were located, yet they have since remained untouched. Despite being secure, no official government effort has been made to access or utilize the funds for their intended purpose.
“The funds could have a significant impact on Malta’s healthcare system, especially in oncology,” Grogan added, expressing optimism that increased public attention could drive governmental intervention.
The unclaimed Binance donations highlight broader challenges within crypto philanthropy—particularly around fund management, regulatory clarity, and the custodianship of blockchain-based donations.
BNB’s market surge amplifies the value of unclaimed funds
At the heart of the story lies the dramatic appreciation of BNB, Binance’s native cryptocurrency. Once valued modestly, BNB has now surged beyond $1,200, with its market capitalization placing it among the top-performing digital assets.
The unclaimed Binance donations have thus multiplied nearly 200 times in value, reflecting both the volatility and potential of crypto assets in long-term holdings.
“BNB’s strong performance is driven by genuine market demand, without market maker intervention,” Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Founder, Binance, during a recent update.
BNB recently reached an all-time high of $1,357.88, before stabilizing at around $1,275, marking a 46% gain in 30 days and 135% over the past year. This growth underscores the widening role of cryptocurrencies not only as investments but also as tools for transparent, traceable charitable giving—when managed properly.
Crypto philanthropy’s growing influence
The revelation about the unclaimed Binance donations comes amid a surge in crypto-backed charitable initiatives. Binance’s founder CZ recently pledged $11 million in BNB to support the Giggle Academy, a global education initiative providing free learning resources for children.
According to the Giggle Academy’s concept paper, the program aims to fund community-driven educational content, creator incentives, and ecosystem expansion—all powered by crypto donations.
These developments illustrate the expanding scope of crypto-based philanthropy while also emphasizing the risks of neglect and bureaucratic inaction. The case of Malta’s unclaimed Binance donations stands as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for better coordination between blockchain donors, governments, and beneficiaries.
If claimed, the $39 million could transform cancer care in Malta—turning a forgotten digital wallet into a beacon of hope for patients and a powerful example of crypto’s humanitarian potential.
Moses Edozie is a writer and storyteller with a deep interest in cryptocurrency, blockchain innovation, and Web3 culture. Passionate about DeFi, NFTs, and the societal impact of decentralized systems, he creates clear, engaging narratives that connect complex technologies to everyday life.