Crypto goes to class: Ripple donates $25M in “Ripple USD” (RLUSD) to support education

Blockchain payments firm Ripple has announced a $25 million donation to education nonprofits DonorsChoose and Teach For America, primarily using its fiat-backed stablecoin Ripple USD (RLUSD). The move, detailed in an official company announcement, represents one of the largest stablecoin-powered philanthropic initiatives to date.

According to Ripple’s official statement, the donation has already funded 31,000 classroom projects through DonorsChoose, supporting over 21,000 teachers across 13,000 U.S. schools. Teach For America will use its portion to provide transition stipends for 2,500 new educators serving nearly 300,000 students nationwide.

Stablecoin solution addresses education funding gaps

The company emphasized that using Ripple USD enables faster, more transparent distribution of funds compared to traditional payment methods. “This initiative demonstrates how blockchain technology and stablecoins like Ripple USD can transform philanthropic giving,” the announcement stated.

Education advocates welcomed the news.

“Many teachers spend hundreds of dollars annually out of pocket for basic supplies,” said DonorsChoose CEO Alix Guerrier in Ripple’s release. “This Ripple USD donation helps eliminate that burden at an unprecedented scale.”

Teach For America CEO Elisa Villanueva Beard noted the funds will particularly help educators in low-income communities, where resource gaps are most acute.

Strategic partnership with The Giving Block

Ripple revealed it has partnered with cryptocurrency donation platform The Giving Block to facilitate the contributions. The collaboration allows both nonprofits to directly accept Ripple USD and XRP donations moving forward.

“The infrastructure we’re building with Ripple USD creates a model for future crypto philanthropy,” said The Giving Block co-founder Pat Duffy in the official announcement.

This isn’t the organizations’ first collaboration. As referenced in Ripple’s post, they previously worked together on California wildfire relief efforts.

Stablecoins emerge as philanthropic tool

Ripple’s announcement highlighted how Ripple USD combines the benefits of cryptocurrency – speed, transparency, and low costs – with the stability of fiat currency. The company projects this could revolutionize not just education funding, but humanitarian aid globally.

With this donation, Ripple has now contributed over $200 million to charitable causes since 2018. However, the use of Ripple USD marks a significant evolution in their philanthropic strategy.

Industry analysts suggest this could spark wider adoption of stablecoins in philanthropy. “Ripple’s Ripple USD initiative provides a working blueprint for crypto-powered giving,” said blockchain researcher Marcie Terman of Digital Asset Insights.