Radicle Grants Program
Introduction
If you're reading this, you're as interested as we are in promoting Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and the ever growing Web3 ecosystem.
To this end, Radicle is introducing its own grants program, the Radicle Grants Program.
The aim is to directly support open source initiatives that help grow the Radicle product, the Radicle community, and the greater FOSS and Web3 community at large.
This page will cover the basics of the Radicle Grants Program's ethos, application processes, and structure.
Guidelines
Come one, come all!
We are open to any applications, whether you are applying to tackle an RFP we've provided or you're applying with some ideas of your own.
In general, though, the focus is on technical projects, such as additions to core Radicle software or components of Web3 infrastructure that interact with Radicle.
Below are high level things we look for:
- Your project has sustainability front and center. A project that has a plan to be self-sustaining and maintained for the long run will shine above others. We would love nothing more than to have a Radicle grant act as seed funding for projects that create value well beyond the grant's initial window.
- Your project is open source through and through. It ideally contributes to some core Radicle product features and reflects a deep empathy for others working on FOSS. This includes an understanding of the importance of documentation, maintainability, extensibility, testing, and clean coding principles.
- You have strong and relevant experience. We're looking for pros who have a proven track record in whatever language, frameworks, and tooling are needed to get a project past the finish line.
Lastly, all work must adhere to the following criteria:
- All code produced during your grant must be open-sourced with proper licensing (Apache 2.0, GPLv3, MIT or Unlicense).
- All code must not rely on closed-sourced software or infrastructure to be fully functioning.
- We will not fund projects that support any illicit activity (gambling, money laundering, etc.).
We take licensing and proper recognition very seriously. We want to celebrate not just your work, but the work of the giants whose shoulders we are building on. Any attempt to pass work that is not yours off as your own will be grounds for immediate termination of work without pay. Please feel free to start a discussion if you are unsure on any work.
Project Ideas
We see project ideas coming from 2 main sources:
- Requests For Proposals (RFPs) will be clearly outlined projects that we would like to see implemented. We accept applications to tackle RFPs from multiple individuals and teams. This means you may be in competition for a grant. Where it makes sense, we may also award one grant across multiple teams.
- Open Applications. These will follow the same format as our internal RFPs. If you have an idea for an RFP that you don't see, by all means send in an application. More on this in the process section.
No matter the source of the project idea, the entire application process will be transparent and public on Radicle.
Currently the RFPs come centrally from the core development team. The end goal is to progressively decentralize this process such that the line between RFP and open applications is blurred and goes away over time. Open application will be treated as a first class citizen!
Support
The scope of Radicle Grants includes the following:
- Feedback before/during the application process
- Funding
- Feedback on delivered milestones
Outside of these 3 Fs, the grant will not provide a hands-on assistance or mentorship experience.
We are expecting individuals and teams who are planning to own the work from start to finish.
If you have specific issues during development, for example understanding a certain implementation in the Radicle source code, the core development team is available to answer questions via Discord or Matrix.
Team
Radicle Grants Committee
This group will act as signers of the Radicle Grant Program's multi-sig, which will ultimately fund projects.
The Radicle Grants Committee is made up of core Radicle team members, Radicle community members, and outside folks who have some sort of related domain expertise.
- Grants Lead: Bordumb (Radicle Community)
- Abbey Titcomb (Core Team)
- Kei Kreutler (Ecosystem)
- Nader Dabit (Ecosystem)
- Nassar Hayat (Core Team)
- Reverie (comprised of Derek Hsue and Larry Sukernik from the Radicle Community)
Radicle Operations Team
Speak to anyone on this list if you need help with legal documents or remittances.
- Grants Lead: Bordumb (Radicle Community)
- Abbey Titcomb (Core Team)
Please see more info in /governance here
Process
As noted, we expect applications to be based on existing RFPs or an open application.
The entire process includes these 3 steps:
1. Application & Review
2. Milestone Delivery & Milestone Evaluation
3. Payment
Levels
The Radicle Grants Program offers different grant levels to help you best depending on your current stage.
If you have a question about which level to apply to, please reach out on the Grant's #💬general category on Discord.
🌱 Seed Grants (Level 1)
Seed grants are meant for smaller projects, both in terms of complexity and cost.
- Target: Individuals & small teams
- Amount: less than $50,000
🌲 Tree Grants (Level 2)
Seed grants are meant for larger projects in terms of scope, complexity, and time to completion.
- Target: teams, companies, or foundations with a proven record
- Amount: more than $50,000 (up to $500,000)
Alt Funding Sources
In lieu of a grant, you may find info below helpful to fund any projects you have in mind.
Hackathons
Radicle may organise, sponser, or in some capacity of another participate in hackathons.
These can be a great avenue for funding.
Below is a list of hackathons Radicle has sponsored in the past:
Useful Links
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| @radicle | Discord | Discourse | Matrix | Telegram | Radicle Org | Gnosis Safe |
License
MIT Licence © Radicle