Ripple, a leading enterprise blockchain and cryptocurrency company based in San Francisco, has expanded the use of its regulated RLUSD stablecoin beyond traditional payments. In a partnership with nonprofit Hire Heroes USA, Ripple recently funded a grant program supporting U.S. businesses owned by military veterans and their spouses.
Ripple’s nationwide veteran business initiative
On Monday, Hire Heroes USA announced the first 25 recipients of the grants, each receiving $10,000 to help grow their businesses. In addition to the financial support, the selected companies will have access to Certified Veteran Employer training, employer resources, and guidance for scaling their operations.
Hire Heroes USA, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering veterans and their families to gain civilian employment, stated that the new initiative aims to strengthen veteran- and military spouse-owned enterprises. The program also focuses on generating new job opportunities for members of the military community.
Jonathan Perri, Ripple’s Director of Social Impact, remarked that veteran and military spouse-owned businesses play a vital role in innovation, job creation, and providing economic opportunities.
To qualify for the grants, businesses must be at least 51% owned by a U.S. military veteran or military spouse, operate within the United States, and show a plan for hiring veterans and military spouses within the next 12 to 18 months.
RLUSD stablecoin’s expanding role
The RLUSD stablecoin, launched by Ripple as a regulated, enterprise-grade digital asset, was originally designed for uses in payments and tokenized finance. In recent months, it has also served as a funding vehicle for programs with a social impact focus.
Mini dictionary: RLUSD (Ripple USD Stablecoin) — A fully regulated, US dollar-backed stablecoin developed by Ripple, designed to provide enterprise-grade security and transparency for digital payments and tokenized financial operations. RLUSD is backed one-to-one by reserves and registered with US regulatory authorities.
Ripple’s philanthropic efforts through RLUSD are part of its broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy. The firm has contributed over $250 million to global projects, partnering with universities, nonprofits, and social ventures in more than 80 countries. Its grant programs prioritize areas such as blockchain research, innovation, and sustainability.
Philanthropy, partnerships, and impact
In 2023, Ripple committed $25 million—primarily in RLUSD stablecoin—to educational organizations DonorsChoose and Teach For America. Ripple identified this as one of the earliest large-scale philanthropic initiatives to leverage stablecoins for funding.
Ripple also continues to build partnerships with international nonprofits, including Mercy Corps Ventures, Water.org, the International Rescue Committee, and Accion Opportunity Fund. These collaborations reinforce the company’s drive to apply blockchain technology and digital assets for social good, in addition to expanding its core business in payments and finance.
