TEMPCHECK - Supporting Domain Operators should be a Top Priority
Their Success is Our Success
Domain Operators are the backbone of Gitcoin’s plural funding strategy. They translate Gitcoin’s capital into real-world impact by curating domains, stewarding communities, and running rounds that surface the best projects.
When they thrive, the quality, reach, and legitimacy of the Gitcoin Grants program grows. Conversely, when they struggle—whether with fundraising, ops, or mechanism design—the whole ecosystem feels the strain. Supporting them isn’t optional; it’s a force multiplier for our mission.
What We Heard from Operators
Through recent feedback conversations last week (see raw data here), several consistent themes emerged:
- Fundraising is the #1 pain point
Operators need Gitcoin’s brand and network to help attract co-funders. Without sustainable fundraising, rounds risk burning out operators and shrinking in ambition. - Mechanism design and tech support are desired
Operators want guidance and templates to design effective allocation mechanisms, plus technical support to ensure rounds are secure, on-chain, and scalable. - Marketing and exposure matter
Co-marketing with Gitcoin builds credibility, draws more projects into domains, and excites potential funders. - Ops support varies by maturity
- First-time operators need templates, training, and coaching.
- Mid-level operators need exposure and networking.
- Experienced operators need sustainability funding and light-touch moral support.
- Advisory and partner networks are underdeveloped
Operators often rely on personal networks. A Gitcoin-curated pool of advisors in fundraising, marketing, and mechanism design would accelerate their learning curve.
Recommended Next Steps for the GG Program Team
Figure out how to prioritize what types of domain operator supporter, and on what timeline.
- Double down on fundraising enablement
- Use Gitcoin’s credibility to convene co-funders.
- Pilot governance mechanisms where funders can influence outcomes while preserving participatory allocation.
- Build a mechanism & tooling support function
- Develop templates, playbooks, and lightweight coaching.
- Prioritize technical support providers for fully on-chain rounds.
- Launch co-marketing campaigns
- Position Gitcoin and operators side-by-side in storytelling.
- Highlight domain impact to attract projects and sponsors.
- Tier support by operator stage
- New → structured training & lifecycle templates.
- Mid → networking & exposure opportunities.
- Veteran → sustainability funding & light ops relief.
- Create an advisor/partner pool
- Curate trusted experts in fundraising, marketing, mechanism design.
- Offer them lightweight incentives to support operators.
- Develop a social contract with the domain operators.
- What does Gitcoin get in return for GG24?
- They must co-brand their campaign with Gitcoin, and put the funding sponsor logos on the campaign in as many places as possible, tracking the impressions and feedback on the round.
- Marketing of the builders specifically within that domain.
Closing Thought
Supporting domain operators is not overhead—it’s leverage. By investing in their success, Gitcoin ensures that every round grows stronger, more antifragile, and more regenerative over time.