GG23: Supporting Builders at Every Stage of Growth
The below is an overview of the new structure of Gitcoin Grants, specifically outlining what GG23 will look like. Specific eligibility criteria for the OSS Program and a matching pool funding request will be posted separately, followed by ratification through a vote. Thank you to @meglister, @owocki, @deltajuliet, @Sov @LauNaMu, @Jonassft for your valuable input into this strategy. A special thank you to Open Source Observer, @rohit & @ccerv1, for being an integral part of designing the below. Bringing this to life is a huge team effort from the GG team, product, marketing, engineering as well as the community.
TL;DR
It’s time to evolve the Gitcoin Grants program to align with the wider ecosystem as well as our own builder needs. Gitcoin Grants 23 (GG23) is designed to support builders at every stage of growth by evolving our funding mechanisms and round structure:
- Quadratic Funding (QF): For early-stage projects to engage their communities and grow through crowdfunding.
- Retro Funding (RF): For mature, high-impact projects, distributing more funding to a curated selection of top GG builders.
- Grant Ships will be the new mechanism to govern Community Rounds.
- Builder Support Beyond Funding: Continuing a Builder Onboarding Program and launching further spaces for builders to collaborate with one another (details TBC).
- Data-Driven & Community-Curated: Working with OSO to develop clear metrics that determine project eligibility for each funding round, as well as the metrics for the Retro Round.
GG23 Funding Structure
We are sunsetting the Hackathon Alumni round, and returning our focus back to 3 main QF OSS rounds within the program. This ensures fair funding distribution and a more focused OSS Program, including the allocation towards Retro Funding.
| Round | Funding Allocation |
|---|---|
| QF - dApps & Apps | $200K |
| QF - Dev Tooling | $200K |
| QF - Web3 Infra | $200K |
| Retro Funding | $600K |
| Community Rounds | $150K |
Total Matching Pool: $1.35M
Note: Funding amounts are subject to slight adjustment as the eligibility get finalized. Final funding amounts will be requested through governance in a separate post. We will also be requesting an additional small percentage from the matching pool to run a GTC staking experiment during GG23.
Quadratic Funding (QF) → Early-Stage Projects
- Designed for projects in their growth phase, allowing them to raise funds through community donations.
- Eligibility Updates:
- No multiple project applications.
- Projects selected for Retro Funding cannot apply for QF.
- Expected Impact: More equitable competition by removing mature projects that have dominated past QF rounds.
Metrics-based Retro Funding (RF) → High-Impact, Mature Projects
The metrics for voting will be based on the projects’ success within their GG journey.
- Curated selection of 30 projects identified by OSO based on historical GG impact, contribution to OSS, and sustained development.
- Expected Value:
- A minimum “floor funding” will be active, ensuring projects in the Retro round are fairly funded outside of QF, taking into account average distribution that the top 30 projects have historically received in QF rounds.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Participated in multiple OSS rounds (GG18–GG22).
- Must opt-in after being shortlisted.
Key Timelines
QF & Retro Applications: Mid March
QF Donations: Early April
Retro Voting kick off one week into the QF round.
- Applications for both QF & Retro Funding run simultaneously.
- QF Donations & Retro Voting periods overlap.
- Results and payouts announced at the same time.
Exact dates will be announced shortly!
Badgeholders & Voting Structure for Retro Funding
We are implementing a tiered badgeholder system for voting on Retro Funding allocations. Each tier will be weighted appropriately, with “experts” weighted the highest in voting.
Experts
Gitcoin Stewards who’s ever had a significant amount delegated to them
Trusted Gitcoin contributors who have expertise in GG/OSS
GTC Holders
Anybody holding 2k+ GTC
This is subject to change.
Donors
Donors who have donated since GG18 with a minimum of $50 per round.
This is subject to change.
Optimizing for Builder Retention & Ecosystem Growth
KPIs for Success
Builder Participation & Retention
45% retention rate of past Gitcoin grantees
30% of funded projects are first-time participants
80%+ builder satisfaction in post-round surveys
Expanding & Evolving Funding Mechanisms
Position GG23 as a testing ground for experimental funding
Ensure projects receive support beyond funding
Ecosystem Growth
Funds distributed across OSS categories (Web3 Infra, Dev Tooling, dApps & Apps)
Increase participation of new builders & communities
Onboarding & Community Engagement
Supporting Builders Beyond Funding
- Onboarding Program: Providing education and mentorship, through an RFP that the community will own once an application has been selected by the Gitcoin team.
- Team Tiger: Continuing to actively assist applicants throughout the process.
- Funding Experiments: Exploring predictive funding as complements to QF & Retro rounds, outlined in this passed GCP.
Community Rounds: Decentralization in Action
Community Rounds are a core expression of Gitcoin’s mission to empower communities to Fund What Matters, serving as a powerful, decentralized pillar of Gitcoin Grants. Since GG20, we’ve witnessed a growing number of communities scaling their own ecosystems throughout 2024. As we move toward GG23, we’re proud to continue providing matching funds to those choosing to run their rounds alongside ours, reinforcing our commitment to community-driven funding.
- Community Rounds run on Grant Ships with new governance structures.
- Top 3 Community Rounds receive additional incentives and automatic eligibility for GG24.
More information on GG23 Community Round eligibility and the application process.
GG23 is a bold experiment in refining Quadratic Funding & Retro Funding to better serve builders. We don’t expect it to be perfect, but we are committed to learning and iterating alongside the community.
We’d love your feedback on how we can optimize engagement, voting, and funding allocation.