TLDR
- DEF launches 501(c)(3) nonprofit to boost DeFi education and advocacy.
- New DEF nonprofit expands DeFi lobbying with tax-deductible donations.
- DeFi Education Foundation gains nonprofit status to strengthen policy push.
- DEF’s new nonprofit arm aims to protect DeFi and attract tax-advantaged gifts.
- Nonprofit launch empowers DEF’s DeFi advocacy amid rising U.S. regulation.
The DeFi Education Foundation (DEF), a major lobbying group in Washington, has launched a new nonprofit organization to support decentralized finance (DeFi) education and advocacy. The DEF will operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to expand its mission and attract tax-deductible donations. This move aims to empower DeFi supporters and encourage policy development that protects open-source software developers and noncustodial protocols.
Today, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the DeFi Education Foundation — a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to furthering DEF’s mission of educating lawmakers about DeFi, protecting software developers, and advocating for sound DeFi policy. pic.twitter.com/Faw5myR7sw
— DeFi Education Fund (@fund_defi) August 13, 2025
DEF continues its core operations while benefiting from new legal and financial advantages. The nonprofit status allows donors to make in-kind crypto or fiat contributions that may reduce capital gains taxes. By strengthening its advocacy structure, DEF intends to broaden its influence on cryptocurrency regulations across Congress and federal agencies.
The organization has adjusted its strategy to ensure stronger and more stable long-term funding. While DEF retains its direct lobbying mission, the foundation will now accept charitable donations under new tax-advantaged terms. This added flexibility is expected to increase donor engagement and policy impact.
Foundation Launch Comes Amid Heightened Scrutiny of DeFi
The formation of the DeFi Education Foundation arrives at a critical moment for digital asset legislation and rulemaking. Federal agencies and lawmakers have intensified debates over how to classify and regulate DeFi platforms and developers. Several ongoing court cases and enforcement actions have placed open-source contributors under pressure.
Recently, a federal jury found Tornado Cash creator Roman Storm guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. In response, DEF reiterated that noncustodial DeFi developers do not manage user assets and should not be treated as financial intermediaries. This case has further accelerated DEF’s campaign for clearer regulatory protections.
DEF has also urged Congress to avoid overregulation and to distinguish between custodial services and peer-to-peer protocols. The group has recommended that lawmakers create legal safeguards for blockchain developers, especially those building permissionless financial applications. In particular, DEF has lobbied for a legislative safe harbor to shield certain projects during early development stages.
Nonprofit Offers New Tools for Donor Support and Policy Advancement
With its nonprofit arm now in place, DEF is introducing new channels for both fiat and crypto contributions through its official site. Donors can support DeFi advocacy while enjoying potential deductions at fair market value for eligible assets. The new structure makes DEF’s mission more accessible to philanthropists and ecosystem stakeholders.
The foundation will be led by DEF Executive Director Miller Tuminelli, alongside legal and crypto industry professionals. Board members include Michael Mosier from Arktouros PLLC and Greg Xethalis from Multicoin Capital. Their combined expertise will help steer DEF’s efforts as crypto policy continues to evolve.
