Revolutionizing Philanthropy with Cryptocurrency

McDonogh proudly received its first cryptocurrency donations in December from Hunter Orrell ’13 and Dylan Orrell ’16. Embracing this innovative form of giving, the brothers are excited to support their alma mater and share the inspiration behind their contribution.

What inspired you to make your gift to McDonogh?

Dylan: Throughout my 12 years at McDonogh, I learned the importance of giving back and making a positive impact within the community. When I first learned that the McDonogh Fund was accepting donations in crypto, my brother and I felt compelled to act. With this donation, I hope to encourage other recent graduates to consider donating in crypto to support McDonogh’s strong tradition of philanthropy. 

Hunter: McDonogh played an instrumental role in shaping who we are today. We wanted to give back to a place that provided us with such a strong foundation, both academically and personally. Supporting the School felt like the perfect way to express our gratitude and contribute to its continued success. 

Why did you choose crypto as your donation method?

Dylan: Donating to my alma mater in crypto is extremely symbolic for me and somewhat of a full-circle moment. I became involved in crypto shortly after graduating from McDonogh in 2016 and have witnessed a nascent industry evolve into a multi-trillion-dollar asset class. It hasn’t been a simple path from A to B—over the past several years, the crypto industry has faced significant challenges, particularly through regulatory uncertainty and a policy of enforcement by regulation. Despite these setbacks and uncertainty, today, the future has never been brighter. A favorable regulatory environment should foster further innovation and create an influx of builders and a tidal wave for adoption among retail participants, financial institutions, Fortune 500 companies, and nation-states across the globe. With over 50 million Americans owning some form of digital currency, there has never been a better time for McDonogh to adopt, advocate for, and educate students and faculty about crypto. 

Hunter: We’ve been deeply involved in the crypto space as investors, builders, and stewards and believe in its potential to revolutionize the financial sector as well as philanthropy. Using crypto as our donation method felt natural and aligned with our commitment to advancing adoption and innovation in this space. We also hope that it sparks a conversation around the industry and how McDonogh and its donors can use it going forward.

What was the benefit of using crypto to make your gift?

Dylan: Crypto is more than just a speculative asset—and one of its many applications is supercharging philanthropy through the freedom to transact in a permissionless manner. Crypto enables fast, secure transactions—no matter the size of the transaction or the destination. Beyond practicality, donating in crypto represents support for innovation and the belief in its potential to drive meaningful change.

Hunter: Crypto offers a seamless and efficient way to transfer money with potential tax advantages and the ability to transfer assets quickly. It’s also a way to demonstrate how modern technology can integrate with traditional institutions like McDonogh, inspiring others to explore innovative ways such as crypto to give back. Regardless of the size of our donation it was quick and confirmed in a matter of seconds—no waiting days for a wire to clear or bank to approve.

If you are holding appreciated crypto, consider leveraging those gains to make an impact at McDonogh. Crypto donations allow you to avoid capital gains taxes while maximizing your charitable contribution. It’s simple, secure, and tax-smart! Make a crypto gift.