One of the oldest UK charities accepts Bitcoin donations.
By Alberto Mata
On July 31, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) began accepting Bitcoin. The RNLI was founded in 1824, and is a major charity based in the UK and Ireland. RNLI considers taking bitcoin donations a pilot scheme, and does not have expectations as to how many bitcoins will be donated. The ability to accept bitcoin does not replace but rather it complements existing donation mechanisms.
Donating bitcoin to the cause is as easy as visiting the RNLI website, and sending to their Bitcoin wallet.
Now accepting donations in bitcoin, RNLI has joined a handful of charities like The Water Project, Teach Africa, and Virtual Doctors that accept bitcoin donations and have a presence in the UK and Ireland.
RNLI was the first charity to accept street donations in 1891. They lead a history of innovation in fundraising, and have a dedicated focus group that researches future trends. The idea is credited to Luke Williams, part of the charity’s innovation team.
“…from our research into future trends, it looks likely that we will receive digital currency as a donation and/or as part of a legacy at some point and we want to be prepared for that eventuality.”
RNLI is dedicated to saving lives at sea. According to their online site, RNLI provides lifeboat search and rescue services 24 hours a day around the UK and Ireland. They also provide seasonal lifeguard services and are rescuing 23 people every day. They currently patrol 200 beaches and have rescued more than 140, 000 lives since its founding. In the early 19th century the sea was claiming about 1,800 ships every year. The RNLI was first organized by Sir William Hillary to preserve the lives and property of the people from shipwrecks.
Photo Source: Royal National Lifeboat Institution Online
