California Baptist University is now accepting donations via cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin and Ethereum.

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Cryptocurrency Donation FAQs

 

WHAT IS CRYPTOCURRENCY?

Cryptocurrency, also known as Virtual Currency or “Crypto,” is a digital asset designed to function as an alternative to sovereign fiat currency (US Dollars, for example) whereby transactions between two parties are verified through a public, distributed ledger, also known as a blockchain. Most people think of Bitcoin and/or Ether when they hear the word “Crypto,” and while Bitcoin is the original cryptocurrency and most widely followed, there are a number of cryptocurrencies currently available.

IS IT LEGAL FOR CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY TO ACCEPT DONATIONS OF CRYPTOCURRENCY?

Yes. It is lawful for a nonprofit to accept a donation in the form of a cryptocurrency. In March 2014, the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ruled that Bitcoin is treated as property for tax purposes (IRS Notice 2014-21).

HOW ARE CRYPTOCURRENCY DONATIONS TREATED FOR FEDERAL TAX PURPOSES?

For U.S. tax purposes, transactions using virtual currency must be reported in U.S. dollars. Therefore, taxpayers will be required to determine the fair market value of virtual currency in U.S. dollars as of the date of donation. If a virtual currency is listed on an exchange and the exchange rate is established by market supply and demand, the fair market value of the virtual currency is determined by converting the virtual currency into U.S. dollars (or into another real currency which in turn can be converted into U.S. dollars) at the exchange rate, in a reasonable manner that is consistently applied. Donors who give cryptocurrency donations to California Baptist University will receive an electronic charitable gift receipt (through the donation platform) with comprehensive details about each transaction.

IS THE PROCESS OF GIVING CRYPTOCURRENCY SAFE AND SECURE?

As with any form of electronic payment or transaction, there are risks, however, our vendor has created certain safeguards they believe are needed to ensure that the transaction is secure. With the transfer of cryptocurrency from donor to nonprofit, CBU believes the transaction can actually be more secure than many other forms of payment, provided certain protocols are followed: 1) By using the provided platform, both CBU and the donor are required to undergo a simple but effective Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) screening which provides a high level of background security to ensure both parties are properly screened. 2) As with any cryptocurrency transaction, when transferring your tokens to CBU’s wallet to make a donation, do not expose or share your wallet’s private keys at any time.

HOW CAN I DESIGNATE MY GIFT TO A SPECIFIC PROGRAM OR SERVICE?

If you would like to designate your cryptocurrency gift to a specific California Baptist University program, school or college, please contact Kim Cunningham at kcunningham@calbaptist.edu or 951.343.4227.

Contact University Advancement

Development
Email: givetocbu@calbaptist.edu
Phone: (951) 343-4226
Text to Give: Text CBUFUND to 41444

Alumni and Parent Relations

Email: alumni@calbaptist.edu
Email: parents@calbaptist.edu
Email: events@calbaptist.edu
Phone: (951) 343-4439

8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504