Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research, has taken a new position at the nonprofit charity Manifund. The move was announced by Manifund cofounder Austin Chen. It matters because it marks a public step by a well known figure from crypto's trading world into philanthropic work.
What actually happened
Former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison has joined the nonprofit charity Manifund. Cofounder Austin Chen announced the move on Friday, according to The Block, published 11 September 2026. Chen did not specify Ellison's exact title or start date. Manifund did not release additional details, including compensation or day-to-day responsibilities. Neither Ellison nor Manifund issued a separate public statement beyond the confirmation reported by The Block. Manifund describes itself, through Chen's comments, as a nonprofit charity supporting public-interest projects. The report marks the first public confirmation of her move since leaving Alameda Research, though it gives no timeline for that departure.
How we got here
Alameda Research was the trading firm Ellison led before this reported transition, though the source material does not detail the circumstances of her departure. The report does not explain when she left the firm or what she did afterward. Manifund is described only briefly, as a nonprofit charity that funds public-interest work, based on Chen's remarks. No information was given about Manifund's size, funding sources, or prior grant history in the report. The connection between Ellison and Manifund, including how discussions began, is not addressed by the available reporting.
Why this matters for you
For crypto builders, this move shows that former executives from major trading firms can shift into public-interest work. Manifund funds projects in the charitable and public-goods space, though the report gives no detail on grant sizes or focus areas Ellison might help shape. Holders and users of crypto assets linked to Alameda's history are not directly affected by this employment update. Builders seeking nonprofit funding may want to watch for future Manifund announcements naming Ellison as a decision maker on grants. Her presence could shape how outside observers view due diligence and hiring standards inside crypto-adjacent nonprofits.
The bigger question
The announcement raises a broader question for the crypto and nonprofit sectors. Should hiring decisions at charities weigh the professional history of executives tied to high-profile trading firms? Does a background in crypto trading help or complicate public trust in philanthropic organizations? The source material does not address this question directly. It remains open for the public and for Manifund's own supporters as more details about her role emerge in the coming weeks.
What to watch
No additional dates or milestones were disclosed in the report. Manifund has not announced a formal start date, job title, or public statement from Ellison herself. Future confirmation from Manifund's own channels, or additional reporting from The Block, would clarify the scope of her involvement. Readers should watch official Manifund and Alameda-adjacent channels for updates on this development in the weeks ahead.
