# RNLI’s early experiences of Bitcoin donations

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2014/09/11/rnli-early-experiences-accepting-bitcoin-donations/
- Published: 2014-09-11T07:00:15+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

In July this year the [RNLI announced that it was the first UK charity to accept donations in digital currency Bitcoin](https://www.fundraising.co.uk/2014/07/31/rnli-accept-donations-bitcoin/).
One month on, UK Fundraising asked about their early results and experiences.

We spoke to **Luke Williams**,** **Social Media Innovation Officer and Bitcoin Project
Lead for the [RNLI](http://www.rnli.org.uk).

## 1. Why did RNLI decide to test acceptance of Bitcoin now?

The idea came from our own research into future trends and changes that may impact
the RNLI. Basically, it looked likely that we would receive digital currency as 
a donation and/or as part of a legacy at some point and we wanted to be prepared
for that eventuality. While researching we also became aware that using Bitcoin 
could expose the RNLI to new audiences.

## Advertisement

 [⌊Posthub advert. You create the campaign. We'll handle the postal journey. Get started at post-hub.co.uk.⌉](https://fundraising.co.uk/ads/posthub-20261007-300x250/)

## 2. Have you received Bitcoin donations or legacy pledges?

There have been over 140 donations, the largest being two separate donations of 
about £300 each. The average Bitcoin donation we receive at the moment is around
£10.  No legacy pledges that I’m aware of, although we have had enquiries from supporters
about using Bitcoin to pay for membership and buy things in our online shop – features
that we don’t provide at the moment, but that we may look into providing in the 
future.

We have converted most of the donations so far – £1,300 – into sterling using a 
UK based exchange.

## 3. How do you expect to receive Bitcoin donations?

We’re accepting them using a wallet. This allows people to make entirely anonymous
donations if they wish to, as most have, and are one-off gifts.

## 4. Are you in touch with other UK (or overseas) charities accepting Bitcoin?

I’ve already spoken to three other large UK charities who had been considering accepting
donations in Bitcoin. All of them were aware of Bitcoin and were at varying stages
in evaluating if it was right for their supporters.

## 5. Has the announcement bought you anything more than good PR?** **

Actual donations! We’ve reached some new supporters and built some stronger knowledge-
sharing relationships with other UK charities.

I think it’s also been really good to make some people think about how a 190 year
old charity can also be innovative and forward thinking, as well as having a strong
heritage in saving lives at sea.

 

_Image: [Bitcoin logo](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-166883648/stock-photo-white-d-bitcoin-symbol-on-orange-background.html)
by Mom91 on Shutterstock.com_