Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin continues to emphasize his commitment to using proceeds from token sales for charitable causes and ecosystem support. On September 5, Buterin clarified his intentions regarding Layer 2 (L2) tokens and other project tokens, stating that all proceeds will be directed to public goods within the Ethereum ecosystem or broader charitable efforts, such as biomedical research. This announcement came after a similar statement in which Buterin noted that none of his sales since 2018 were kept as profits but instead used for supporting valuable projects.
Buterin has also stated that he has no plans to invest in Layer 2 tokens or other token projects in the near future. His focus remains on donating funds to initiatives he believes are undervalued by the broader ecosystem, underlining his long-term vision for supporting causes he deems important. Notably, this aligns with his ongoing philanthropic efforts, which have been a recurring theme in his public addresses.
Donation of “Animal Coins” to Charity
In mid-August, Buterin made headlines when he donated over $530,000 worth of so-called “Animal Coins” to charity. This donation followed requests from the community after Buterin liquidated a portfolio of NEIRO tokens that had been gifted to him by the project’s team.
He used the proceeds to support the Effective Altruism Funds’ Animal Welfare Fund, further solidifying his commitment to charitable causes. This donation is part of a larger trend, as Buterin has previously suggested that gifted tokens should be directed toward charitable organizations rather than remaining in individual wallets.
Buterin has also proposed the creation of tokens for public funding, citing examples such as AntiCancerCoin and ClimateCoin for specific causes like cancer research and environmental protection. This idea promotes using token sales as a tool for public goods funding, offering a new approach to how cryptocurrencies can be leveraged for social impact.
Vitalik Buterin’s Vision: Hybrid City Governance ModelSignificant Ethereum Transfers
Recent activity on Buterin’s Ethereum wallet has raised questions about the nature of several large transactions. On August 9, his wallet transferred 3,000 ETH, valued at over $8 million, to a multi-signature wallet. Observers speculated that this could indicate a donation. However, some noted that the three signatories of the receiving wallet are linked to Buterin, suggesting it could be an internal reallocation rather than a donation.
Additionally, Buterin’s wallet moved another 199.9 ETH, worth approximately $521,469, to a different address. These transactions continue to fuel discussions around Buterin’s financial movements, with mixed interpretations on whether these represent donations or internal transfers. However, the consistent pattern of transfers indicates ongoing wallet activity.
