Stake pools are an integral part of helping Cardano’s network verify transactions, create new blocks and maintain the overall health of its blockchain.

Users delegate or stake their combined ADA to pools — and by extension, pool operators — in exchange for rewards that are shared amongst the operator and the stakers.

Outside of helping to sustain the Cardano network, many stake pools have complimentary initiatives to further promote their stake pool and Cardano by aligning their business with charitable organizations, educational platforms and even NFT artists.