Five organizations from across the United States were recognized at the DC Blockchain Summit as the first recipients of The Digital Chamber’s State Network grants. The program supports grassroots leaders advancing digital asset education, non-partisan policy development, and adoption at the state level.

Last week at the DC Blockchain Summit, The Digital Chamber’s State Network announced the first-ever recipients of its competitive grant program. Selected from 41 applicants nationwide, five organizations from Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Utah, and West Virginia were recognized for their work advancing digital asset education and policy in their states.

Why it matters:
State governments are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the regulatory environment for digital assets. By supporting grassroots leaders who are working directly with policymakers and communities, TDC’s State Network aims to accelerate education, collaboration, policy development, and responsible blockchain adoption across the country.

“TDC’s State Network is about empowering grassroots leaders advocating for smart digital asset policy in their states,” said Anastasia Dellaccio, Executive Director of TDC’s State Network. “These organizations are on the front lines of digital asset policy development, and the work they are doing to develop sensible solutions at the state level is critical to the future of the industry nationwide.”

Each organization received $2,000 in funding to support projects that strengthen engagement between policymakers, industry leaders, and local communities.

Meet the 2026 Grant Recipients

Convergence Tech Policy Institute (C:TPI)
C:TPI is a global think tank in Illinois, focused on the intersection of AI, blockchain, and quantum policy. With support from this grant, the organization will host a reception during the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Summit in Chicago this July, bringing together policymakers and technology leaders to discuss cybersecurity and emerging technology governance.

Maryland Blockchain Association (MDBA)
The Maryland Blockchain Association is a nonprofit coalition uniting industry, government, and academia to advance Bitcoin, Web3 innovation, and responsible digital asset policy across the state. Led by Jacqueline Cooper, Esq., known in the community as “CryptoMom2,” MDBA is actively engaged in shaping Maryland’s legislative landscape on issues ranging from blockchain real estate applications and cryptocurrency staking to stablecoin legislation and the state’s Digital Asset and Blockchain Technology Task Force. Their grant will support Blockchain Bootcamp, a career-focused conference coming to Maryland this July.

Detroit Blockchain Center (DBC)
The Detroit Blockchain Center is Michigan’s premier 501(c)(3) organization, focused on blockchain, crypto, AI, and emerging technology education. Founded in 2018, the organization helps individuals and institutions better understand decentralized technologies while supporting startups building in the state. The grant will help launch DBC’s policy education track, including legislative roundtables, fireside discussions, and voter education content designed to make digital asset policy more accessible to Michigan stakeholders.

Utah Blockchain Coalition (UBC)
The Utah Blockchain Coalition advances blockchain-focused public policy initiatives and works to educate government officials on the benefits of the technology. With this grant, UBC will convene elected officials, innovators, and policy advocates for a working session on key blockchain trends and how Utah can position itself for responsible digital asset adoption.

West Virginia Blockchain Foundation
The West Virginia Blockchain Foundation connects legislators, universities, and communities across Appalachia to the economic and technological opportunities created by blockchain and emerging technologies. Their grant will support a series of in-person and virtual policy education workshops engaging state legislators, county officials, student leaders, and community stakeholders across West Virginia and the greater Ohio Valley.

What’s Next

These five organizations represent the kind of grassroots leadership driving progress in digital asset policy at the state level. As they begin implementing their projects throughout 2026, The Digital Chamber’s State Network will continue supporting their work through collaboration, resources, and connections across the digital asset ecosystem.

If you missed the announcement at the DC Blockchain Summit, you can watch the full session here.