COLUMBIA, Md.—The Foundation Fighting Blindness, a leading private funding source for retinal degenerative disease research, has announced the expansion of its giving platforms. In partnership with The Giving Block, the Foundation has broadened access to donor-advised funds (DAFs) and stock donations, while also introducing cryptocurrency as a new donation option. This expanded offering enables the Foundation to reach new donors globally, the group said, providing supporters with more convenient ways to contribute to research for blinding retinal diseases.

"As part of our commitment to embracing new technologies, we've enhanced our giving platforms by making it easier for donors to contribute through donor-advised funds and stock donations alongside cryptocurrency," said Jeff Klaas, chief strategy and innovation officer at the Foundation Fighting Blindness. "Our partnership with The Giving Block allows us to streamline the donation process with a simple widget that connects donors directly to their accounts, giving them a seamless way to support our mission. Additionally, this expansion helps us reach new donors around the world who share our mission of finding treatments and cures for blinding diseases."

Through its partnership with The Giving Block, the Foundation Fighting Blindness has made it easier for supporters to contribute via donor-advised funds and stock donations. According to the announcement, the new donation widget allows donors to quickly and securely connect their accounts to make a gift, offering a convenient and tax-efficient way to contribute to the Foundation's mission. These expanded giving opportunities are crucial in advancing research into treatments and cures for retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease, Leber congenital amaurosis and age-related macular degeneration, according to the group.

"We're thrilled to provide more accessible ways for our donors to give," added Klaas. "With this enhanced capability, not only are we making it easier for current supporters to contribute, but we're also expanding our reach to new donors around the globe."

In addition to DAFs and stock donations, the Foundation said it is embracing the future of philanthropy by accepting cryptocurrency donations. Donors can now make contributions through the website using a wide array of digital currencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), USD Coin (USDC) and more. With cryptocurrency classified as property by the IRS, donors may also benefit from tax advantages, such as exemption from capital gains taxes and potential tax deductions.

To support the Foundation's mission, visit the appropriate donation pages for cryptocurrency, donor-advised funds or stocks.