Ripple Commits $25M in RLUSD to Expand Lending and Job Access Nationwide

Ripple is unleashing a $25 million RLUSD-powered boost to small businesses and veterans, fueling credit access, job creation, and nationwide economic opportunity with billion-dollar impact.

###Ripple Boosts Economic Inclusion With $25M RLUSD Donation to Key US Nonprofits

Ripple announced on Sept. 15 a $25 million commitment to Accion Opportunity Fund and Hire Heroes USA, delivered in stablecoin Ripple USD (RLUSD). Accion Opportunity Fund is a national nonprofit lender that provides affordable loans, coaching, and resources for small business owners who face barriers to traditional financing, while Hire Heroes USA is a nonprofit focused on helping service members, veterans, and military spouses transition into the civilian workforce through career coaching and job placement. The company stated:

This funding, delivered in Ripple USD (RLUSD), Ripple’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, will expand access to capital for underserved small business owners and create career pathways for veterans and military spouses.

“It will also equip entrepreneurs with digital payment tools so communities across the U.S. can thrive in today’s rapidly evolving economy,” Ripple added. “This marks Ripple’s second $25 million donation this year, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to giving back and expanding economic opportunity.” The latest announcement brings Ripple’s total philanthropic contributions for 2025 to more than $50 million.

The financial technology company outlined how the initiative targets two groups central to the U.S. economy. Small businesses employ nearly half of the American workforce and generate 43.5% of GDP, but many encounter persistent difficulties accessing credit. Meanwhile, about 200,000 of the nation’s 16 million veterans transition to civilian life each year, with most lacking employment at the outset.

Ripple said its partnership with Accion Opportunity Fund is expected to catalyze $125 million in small business lending, while Hire Heroes USA anticipates creating 14,000 new job opportunities and launching a fintech career program. Combined, the initiatives are projected to deliver $1 billion in economic impact.

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, emphasized the reasoning behind the effort:

Small businesses and veterans are two of the most powerful engines of American progress, yet both face barriers that limit their full economic impact.

“Through our $25 million commitment to Accion Opportunity Fund and Hire Heroes USA, we’re delivering funding, training, and the resources required to help these communities grow, compete, and lead in the next chapter of our digital economy,” the Ripple executive stressed. Nonprofit leaders also welcomed the investment, citing expanded access to affordable capital, digital education, and personalized career coaching. To improve efficiency, Ripple will process donations through The Giving Block with support from Uphold, enabling faster and more transparent disbursement than traditional channels.