Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, founder of Binance, announced an $11 million BNB donation to Giggle Academy, aiming to provide free education worldwide and highlight the positive impact of cryptocurrency. Zhao made this statement on X.
"$11,000,000 in hard currency (BNB) donated to Giggle Academy in less than 20 days to spread free education to the world," said Zhao. "Power to crypto for good, Power to giggle."
Giggle Academy is an educational initiative established by Zhao, the former CEO of Binance. The project seeks to offer free, gamified, high-quality online learning for children globally. While still under development, the platform focuses on global access, volunteer teaching, and curriculum innovation rather than a direct affiliation with Binance. Its mission is outlined on its website as making education "100% free, forever," supported by donations and technology.
According to Crypto.news and verified by BscScan blockchain data, Giggle Academy’s donation wallet received approximately 8,722 BNB, valued at around $11 million USD as of October 10, 2025. This transaction was publicly confirmed following a social media post from Zhao confirming the donation address and its community-driven funding model. This information underscores the transparency and scale of early support for the project.
Crypto philanthropy has seen significant growth globally. The Giving Block’s 2025 Annual Report indicates that total crypto donations surpassed $1 billion in 2024 and are expected to reach $2.5 billion in 2025. Most donations occur in December and are primarily led by stablecoins like USDC and USDT. The report also identifies education and disaster relief as leading beneficiary categories, highlighting increasing institutional adoption of crypto-based giving.
Forbes describes Changpeng Zhao as a visionary entrepreneur who founded Binance in 2017 and rapidly expanded it into the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. He is recognized for his leadership in advancing blockchain technology and promoting financial inclusion worldwide, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in the crypto industry. Zhao's innovative strategies have earned him a reputation as a pioneer in digital finance.
Wikipedia notes that Binance was founded in 2017 and has become one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume. It offers services ranging from spot trading to blockchain research and charity initiatives. Initially headquartered in China before relocating internationally, Binance faced significant regulatory scrutiny that resulted in a U.S. settlement totaling $4.3 billion in 2023. Additionally, Binance operates Binance Charity, which supports global education and crisis-relief programs.