XRP‘s influence is expanding with the debut of the American Innovation Project (AIP), a new nonprofit aiming to inform U.S. policymakers about blockchain and cryptocurrency advancements.

Filling a Policy Education Gap in Washington

As the political corridors of Washington grow crowded with over a dozen crypto-focused advocacy groups, AIP enters the scene with a unique approach. Instead of lobbying, AIP has been established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This structure allows it to focus on public education and host informational events without the legal restrictions tied to lobbying firms.

This designation also offers potential tax advantages to donors, who can contribute digital assets to support the cause. Most importantly, it enables U.S. lawmakers to take part in AIP’s gatherings—including traveling to events—under ethics guidelines more favorable to nonprofit interactions, as explained here.

Targeting Thought Leadership Through Events

Unlike traditional lobbying groups, AIP is framing its mission around direct engagement through educational forums. According to its official website, AIP will spearhead programming such as innovation summits, policy roundtables, workshops, and training sessions. These events aim to arm elected officials and regulatory staff with timely knowledge about cryptocurrency regulation.

Its kickoff event is scheduled for August 21 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming—coinciding with the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium—giving the project early exposure among top industry voices and policymakers.

Capitol Hill continues to be the nexus for U.S. crypto policy debates, now joined by AIP-backed educational efforts.

Supported by Key Industry Stakeholders

AIP isn’t entering empty-handed. It is financially backed by powerful players across the crypto sector. This includes prominent venture capital firm Digital Currency Group (DCG) and anonymous contributors funneled through the Cedar Innovation Foundation—a dark-money group focused on crypto progression.

Other notable supporters behind AIP’s launch include Coinbase, Kraken, Andreessen Horowitz, the National Cryptocurrency Association (a group backed by Ripple), Paradigm, Solana Policy Institute, Uniswap Labs, and Stand With Crypto. This shows how intertwined XRP and broader Web3 ecosystems are in pushing U.S. policy education forward.

“The American Innovation Project offers a nonpartisan forum where lawmakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs can collaborate on thoughtful, forward-looking discussions and solutions,” said Mark Murphy, president of DCG, in a formal statement.

Industry Leaders at the Helm

The AIP board is composed of leading experts tied to some of crypto’s biggest institutions. Kristin Smith, who formerly led the Blockchain Association and now heads the Solana Policy Institute, serves as the chair. Other board members hail from organizations such as DCG, Coinbase, and Paradigm.

“Our mission is simple, but urgent,” emphasized Smith. “We must equip America’s leaders with the knowledge, context, and tools they need as they consider timely rules and regulations that meet the moment and account for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.”

A Crowded but Crucial Field

The field of crypto advocacy is already packed with well-known efforts like the Blockchain Association, Crypto Council for Innovation, and DeFi Education Fund. Still, AIP’s distinctive focus on education-based interaction is positioning it to complement, rather than compete with, traditional lobbying outlets.

Importantly, this move comes as the U.S. gears up for broader digital asset regulation. President Donald Trump has voiced support for establishing the country as a global hub for crypto advancement. Earlier this summer, federal agencies—including under the SEC’s Project Crypto—have finalized steps to tighten oversight, as highlighted here.

Related: XRP Price: $12M Max Pain for Bears

For further reading on the broader landscape, check out U.S. Crypto Lobbyists Flooding the Zone.