Achieving a longer life is an ancient desire humanity keeps pursuing through numerous types of research. With the transparency, fast settlement times and low costs they offer, cryptocurrencies can serve as efficient tools for funding such initiatives.
By contributing to research that extends health span, not just lifespan, cryptocurrency donors can help usher in a new era of preventative medicine, improved quality of life and unprecedented collaboration between investors, scientists, and biotech entrepreneurs.
As 2024 is coming to an end, the window to make tax-advantaged, year-end donations is closing fast as well. The crypto community has a unique chance to leverage its gains for global good with the Longevity Science Foundation (LSF), a nonprofit organization that funds aging research with cryptocurrency donations.
The NGO recently appointed Joshua Herring as the new president and CEO. With a background in wealth management and tax strategy, Herring stands at the intersection of finance, philanthropy and cutting-edge biomedical research. Under his guidance, LSF aims to channel crypto into transformative healthcare innovations—advancing artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics, personalized treatments and longevity science.
In this exclusive interview, Herring discusses the urgent opportunity facing crypto investors as the year-end approaches, the tax benefits that come with giving and the life-changing research that donations can fuel.
Cointelegraph: As 2024 comes to a close, why do you believe this is a particularly important moment for cryptocurrency investors to consider philanthropy?
Joshua Herring: Cryptocurrency investors have a unique opportunity right now to make a profound impact. The gains from crypto investments can be more than just financial—they can fuel innovation and transform healthcare globally. By donating appreciated assets before Dec. 31, 2024, you can avoid capital gains taxes, claim significant tax deductions and contribute to groundbreaking research in human longevity. It’s a chance to align financial planning with a mission to create a future of longer, healthier lives.
CT: Can you explain how donating crypto can help reduce tax bills?
JH: Absolutely. Donating appreciated cryptocurrency allows you to bypass capital gains taxes while claiming a tax deduction for the asset’s full market value. It’s one of the most efficient ways to support a cause you care about. At the LSF, we’re encouraging investors to leverage this strategy not only for their financial benefit but also to support transformative healthcare research. With many cryptocurrencies at or near all-time highs, now is an opportune time to consider this strategy.
We accept over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and stablecoins like USD Coin (USDC) through an easy, online form with The Giving Block. The transaction is complete within seconds and you receive a tax receipt to offset your gains.
We not only embrace cryptocurrency to democratize giving, we’re also creating an ecosystem where donors can engage directly with leading scientists, entrepreneurs and thought leaders in the longevity and biotech industries. Through our parent organization, LongeVC, donors gain access to a network shaping the biotech landscape.
Today is #GivingTuesday! Join the LSF in supporting impactful and innovative research on biological aging.
— The Longevity Science Foundation (@longescience) December 8, 2024
Together, we can extend healthy lifespans and make longevity-focused care accessible to all. Make your impact today by donating at least $25: https://t.co/GD4pfWFM81 pic.twitter.com/SmQOLTWTvr
CT: You bring extensive experience in tax strategy from your previous role. How does that expertise shape your approach at the Longevity Science Foundation?
JH: In my previous role in ultra-high-net-worth wealth management at AllianceBernstein, I worked closely with clients and their accountants to optimize tax strategies. Two key methods, making charitable donations before year-end and tax-loss harvesting, have proven particularly effective. At LSF, I’m applying this knowledge to help donors maximize their impact.
This work is personal for me as well. Both of my parents were diagnosed with cancer, my mother with Sarcoma cancer and my father with prostate cancer, and they are alive today because of dedicated, fundamental research. I’m deeply committed to ensuring more people globally can share similar success stories through early diagnosis and prevention.
CT: How is the Longevity Science Foundation advancing global healthcare through longevity science?
JH: We focus on four transformative areas that have the potential to reshape healthcare globally. By leveraging AI, we’re accelerating diagnoses, personalizing treatments and driving drug discovery to make healthcare more efficient. Predictive diagnostics tools shift the emphasis from treatment to prevention, enabling earlier and more effective disease management.
Right now we’re on a mission to raise $250,000 to support Female Fertility & Longevity Research. This grant would allow us to support an area of research that is historically underfunded. Recently, we granted to the University of Oxford to uncover how diet impacts heart aging, focusing on reversing harmful effects caused by elevated methionine levels. This study aims to identify practical dietary interventions that could slow or prevent cardiac aging. The findings have the potential to improve heart health and promote longer, healthier lives globally.
We're excited to announce a grant to @OxfordDPAG for their study on “Metabolic Mechanisms of Ageing in the Heart.”
— The Longevity Science Foundation (@longescience) October 21, 2024
The research explores how diet-related metabolic changes impact heart aging, aiming to find therapies for heart disease: https://t.co/C8GrjuFfJx pic.twitter.com/GP5pKwg1ym
These are just a few examples of areas of our transformative work, and we want the crypto community to be part of it.
CT: What message do you have for crypto investors considering a donation before year-end?
JH: This isn’t just about tax savings — it’s about fueling innovation that can transform lives worldwide. Your crypto donation can advance AI, predictive diagnostics, personalized medicine and therapeutics, creating a world where diseases are prevented, not just treated. But the clock is ticking. To qualify for a 2024 tax deduction, donations must be made by Dec. 31. I urge investors to consult a tax professional and visit our donation page to take action today.
CT: What inspires you most about the work being done at LSF?
JH: The potential to create a future where everyone lives longer, healthier lives inspires me every day. This isn’t just about research. It’s about hope, innovation and the chance to change lives for the better. Together, we can tackle the biggest challenges in healthcare and unlock a healthier future for everyone.
Disclaimer. The views and advice expressed in this interview are those of the individual and do not reflect the views of AllianceBernstein or its affiliates, and no longer come from a professional associated with a financial services institution. Readers are advised to consult a certified public accountant (CPA) for any tax-related matters.
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