Greenpeace will become one of the first major international charities to accept bitcoin.

"As a completely independent organization, we do not take money from corporations or governments and rely primarily on individual donations,” said Ben Kroetz, Greenpeace USA Director of Online Strategy. “BitPay’s reputation as a trusted and secure third party bitcoin payment processor made it easy for us to begin accepting bitcoin thus opening us up to new markets and donors.”

When a donation is made using a credit card or other payment provider, a significant percentage of each gift, around 3%, is lost to the process. There is no fee associated with a bitcoin donation through BitPay securing the entire donation goes towards Greenpeace campaigns.

Founded in 1971, Greenpeace has established itself as a leader in environmental preservation. From its efforts to end nuclear testing to its protection of the Arctic, the organization’s protests have been key in promoting awareness and discussion of environmental issues.

Since its inception, BitPay has offered bitcoin payment processing to non-profit organizations for free, no transaction or monthly fees. It has a team member dedicated to teaching non-profits about bitcoin and fostering relationships with them.

“BitPay strives to bring bitcoin to nonprofits like Greenpeace,” said Elizabeth Ploshay, BitPay Non-Profit Account Manager. ”For each bitcoin donation Greenpeace gets 100% of what is being donated increasing the amount of each donation received."