Gemini Gives Back started as an employee-led initiative in 2017 by members of #TeamGemini who wanted to give back to the local community and help improve the lives of those who need it, even if just for a day. What started as small groups volunteering locally, has now grown into an organized effort that fosters community, both inside and outside of the Gemini offices. It has been an incredible initiative to be a part of and watch grow.

Here is a snapshot of some of the nonprofits we work with and ways you can get involved:

Crypto Community Project

Founded by Carlos Acevedo, a veteran high school teacher in the South Bronx, Crypto Community Project is a crypto-first education initiative aimed at increasing crypto-awareness and adoption in underserved communities. Gemini is proud to be able to work with the Crypto Community Project and help educate the youth on the potential of crypto industry. If you are a crypto experts and wanted to get involved, visit their website:

http://cryptocommunityproject.com/

Global Kids

Global Kids educates, activates,and inspires youth from underserved communities in New York City to take action on critical issues facing our world. Their mission is to empower youth to become human rights activists and community leaders, equipping them with the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to build a sustainable and just world. Our team is lucky to have had the opportunity to invite Global Kids students to our headquarters, as well as to participate in their local volunteering events. Global Kids offers many ways to give back, which you can find here:

https://globalkids.org/#

The Bowery Mission

The Bowery Mission serves men, women, and children in New York City caught in the cycles of poverty, hopelessness and dependencies of many kinds. The mission has been helping homeless and hungry New Yorkers since the 1870s by helping its participants regain sobriety, reconnect with family, and prepare for work and independent living. Our team has had the chance to grow our relationship with The Bowery Mission by volunteering at their NYC headquarters throughout the years and we look forward to continuing to build this relationship in the new year Explore how you get involved here:

https://www.bowery.org/get-involved/

#BitcoinTuesday

This Giving Tuesday, we were proud to collaborate with The Giving Block on their #BitcoinTuesday initiative by donating $10,000 worth of our trading fees to the participating nonprofits. You don’t have to wait until the next #BitcoinTuesday to donate cryptocurrency through The Giving Block. Find the list of all the participating non-profits and ways to get involved here:

https://bitcointuesday.org

New York Cares - Winter Wishes

Winter Wishes focuses on providing gifts to children and teens from low-income families. One in ten NYC students experience homelessness every year. New York Cares believes everyone deserves to experience the joy of receiving a special gift during the holiday season. In 2019, Winter Wishes granted wishes of 35,000 children and teens. Winter Wishes submissions are now closed for the year, but you can find all the ways you can get involved in 2020 here:

https://www.newyorkcares.org/winter-wishes

New York Cares - Coat Drive

What if you couldn't get to work, pick up your prescriptions from the pharmacy, or send your child to school this winter? All because you didn't have a decent coat to wear. This is the reality for many New Yorkers right now. Every year New York Cares organizes a coat drive to give the gift of warmth to those who are in need. Have a coat you want to donate? Find ways you can donate here:

https://www.newyorkcares.org/coat-drive

Looking Ahead:

We look forward to growing our relationship with nonprofits we started working with this year, and continuing to expand our relationship with the organizations that have helped shape #GeminiGivesBack.

Onward and Upward,

Marjorie Rainone, Associate Director of Treasury Operations

Marjorie spearheads Gemini Gives back and has focused on building internal community service and volunteering capabilities throughout her career. She has done an outstanding job of moving Gemini Gives Back to the next level.