Ripple is extending the real-world impact of its blockchain technology, unveiling new partnerships with global nonprofits to accelerate humanitarian aid delivery.
World Central Kitchen, Water.org, GiveDirectly, and Mercy Corps are now using Ripple Payments and the Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin to move funds faster, more transparently, and with lower costs across borders.
Nonprofits have long struggled with outdated financial infrastructure that slows the movement of funds in crisis situations. Ripple’s licensed payment platform enables instant, around-the-clock cross-border transfers without relying on traditional banking systems. Combined with RLUSD—a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin—the technology offers a frictionless way to deliver emergency aid, expand access to financial tools, and foster inclusion in underserved regions.
Monica Long, President of Ripple, highlighted how these collaborations embody the intersection of technology and purpose. She said the initiatives show “how blockchain can reshape the systems behind global relief and unlock lasting impact at scale.”
World Central Kitchen Accelerates Relief Distribution
World Central Kitchen (WCK), founded by Chef José Andrés, is using Ripple Payments and RLUSD to fund local partners more rapidly during emergencies. The system enables near-instant payments to restaurants and suppliers in regions without established banking access—reducing wait times from days to mere hours and helping the organization serve more communities in crisis.
Water.org Expands Ripple Pilot Across Latin America
After a successful pilot using Ripple Payments in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru, Water.org plans to move all Latin American transactions onto Ripple’s platform, with further expansion to Africa and Asia under consideration. Co-founder Gary White said the collaboration allows Water.org to “move funds more efficiently to our local partners—unlocking capital faster so more families can access safe water and sanitation.”
Mercy Corps Tests Blockchain Insurance in Kenya
Ripple and Mercy Corps Ventures are piloting the use of RLUSD for parametric insurance and anticipatory cash transfers in Kenya, exploring how blockchain can help families access emergency funds more quickly. GiveDirectly is also preparing similar pilots to test the use of stablecoins for crisis response.
Scott Onder, Chief Investment Officer at Mercy Corps, noted that in emergencies, even small delays can be critical. “For families waiting on emergency cash or insurance payouts, even a few hours can make a difference—and blockchain-enabled payments are helping us close that gap,” he said.
Ripple’s Broader Vision for Global Inclusion
These initiatives illustrate the growing utility of enterprise-grade stablecoins in humanitarian and financial systems. RLUSD, which surpassed a $900 million market cap less than a year after its launch, is positioning Ripple as a key player in the evolution of transparent, efficient, and inclusive financial solutions.
By merging blockchain innovation with humanitarian impact, Ripple aims to demonstrate that stablecoins can do more than just power payments—they can help rebuild lives and communities.
