Philanthropy & Activism
November 27, 2025
Updated

Crypto Altruists Episode 228 - Beyond the Crypto Hype - 8 Real World Stories of How Blockchain is Driving Global Impact

By:
Drew Simon
For episode 228 of the Crypto Altruists podcast, we highlight eight powerful real-world stories of blockchain in action, from refugee aid and rural payments to disaster relief, healthcare support, and climate resilience. This episode cuts through the noise to show how Web3 is already improving lives and expanding access across the globe.
Crypto Altruists Episode 228 – Beyond the Crypto Hype - 8 Real World Stories of How Blockchain is Driving Global Impact - Cover with 4 "blocks" representing philanthropy, financial inclusion, community building, and climate solutions

For episode 228, we have something special in store. In Web3, we spend a lot of time talking about potential: what blockchain could unlock for climate, aid, finance, or human rights. And those conversations matter because they help shape the future.

But today, I want to cut through the noise and focus on what’s happening right now.

All around the world, builders, nonprofits, and communities are already using crypto rails to move money faster, more transparently, and more equitably than ever before. Real people are feeling the impact. Lives are changing. And these stories often go unheard.

So in this special episode, I’m sharing eight powerful clips from past conversations; moments that highlight the human stories behind the tech, and the tangible impact being made today.

You’ll hear from:

  • 🏘️ Marie from Empowa, on how blockchain is supporting climate-resilient, affordable housing in Mozambique and beyond.
  • 💸 Arda from Elliptic, on bypassing Myanmar’s military junta to get disaster aid where it was needed most.
  • 🩺 Joe from Sostento, on how the crypto community stepped up during the PPE crisis to support frontline health workers.
  • 🏀 Lindsay from Stellar, on how Hoops Sagrado used blockchain to replace cash-based systems in rural Guatemala — improving safety, access, and speed.
  • 🔆 Coleen from The Solar Foundation, on how crypto funding helped bring solar power to a school in Uganda.
  • 📱 Bill from Web3 Foundation, on how Encointer brought financial inclusion to underserved communities in Tanzania.
  • 💵 Marc from Algorand, on how HesabPay enabled life-saving cash transfers in Afghanistan while bypassing the Taliban.
  • 🌐 Anna from Stellar, on delivering humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees using stablecoins.

Between each clip, I’ll share a short transition, so you get a sense of the context, impact, and the broader trend these stories point to.

Because when we talk about “Web3 for good,” these are the stories that prove it’s real and already driving meaningful change.

In today’s episode you’ll learn:

  • 🌍 Eight real-world stories of how blockchain is driving impact right now, far beyond theory and hype.
  • 💸 How crypto rails are strengthening healthcare access, supporting refugees, and powering local economies.
  • ⚡ How communities around the world, from Guatemala, Ukraine, Tanzania, and more are already feeling the benefits of decentralized tools.
  • 🏡 How innovators around the world are using Web3 to build resilience, increase financial inclusion, and support those most often left behind.

Key Takeaways

🌍 A Community That Shows Up: Across every story, one truth stands out: the crypto ecosystem rallies fast. Whether it’s raising emergency funds, supporting frontline workers, or powering local innovations, Web3 communities mobilize talent, capital, and creativity in ways traditional systems rarely can.

🔗 Global Connection, Local Impact: Blockchain rails make it easier than ever to move value across borders, linking donors, builders, and communities instantly. From refugee aid to rural payments, crypto connects people who would otherwise be separated by distance, bureaucracy, or broken financial infrastructure.

⚡ Bypassing Barriers, Reshaping Power: Crypto empowers individuals and communities to work around traditional gatekeepers and outdated institutions. These stories show how decentralized tools can deliver aid faster, expand financial access, and unlock opportunity where legacy systems have failed.

Links to Full Episodes:

Episode 227 - Sostento’s Crypto Advisory Board - Bringing Blockchain Into the Fight for Healthcare Equity

Episode 225 - Stellar and Hoops Sagrado - How Basketball and Crypto Are Powering Financial Inclusion in Guatemala

Episode 212 - Elliptic - From Myanmar to Ukraine: How Crypto Is Powering Humanitarian Relief in Conflict and Disaster Zones

Episode 205 - Web3 Foundation - Governance, Education, and Innovation: Pioneering Decentralized Impact with Polkadot and Kusama

AutoPGF Episode 4 - Decentralizing Humanitarian Aid: Crypto-Powered Global Impact with Stellar and Coala Pay

Episode 202 - Algorand: Blockchain Innovations for Humanitarian Aid, Sustainability, and Scientific Integrity

Episode 171 - Piloting Change Part 1: Exploring Web3 Innovations for Real-World Impact, ft. Mercy Corps Ventures, Empowa, and Atlantis

The Web3 Nonprofit Episode 6 - The Solar Foundation

Thank you Pipe gDAO!

Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruists podcast! 🙏

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market. By joining the Pipe Associate Network (aka PAN), associates can create a profile highlighting their skills, be notified of opportunities, and then contribute fractional work to pre-IPO companies in return for equity and tokens.

Check out their Linktree for links to all of their socials so you can get involved and join this growing community!

Episode Time Stamps:

02:45 - Marie of Empowa

07:15 - Arda of Eliptic

10:05 - Joe of Sostento

13:00 - Lindsay of Stellar & Hoops Sogrado

16:50 - Coleen of Solar Foundation

19:15 - Bill of Web3 Foundation

20:50 - Marc of Algorand Foundation

25:20 - Anna of Stellar Development Foundation

🎙️ This podcast was recorded on Zencastr! Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

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DISCLAIMER

While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More available HERE.