Gitcoin Grants 23 (GG23) continues the mission of funding open-source projects across various stages of growth. With applications running from March 17 to 31 and donations from April 2 to 16, GG23 introduces key updates to its funding model, governance, and participation criteria.

Funding Structure

GG23 follows a structured funding approach with two main categories:

Gitcoin Rounds (Managed by Gitcoin)

These rounds focus on supporting open-source projects and are directly funded through Gitcoin’s matching pool.

1. Dev Tooling OSS Round: Supports projects enhancing developer tools for Web3, including frameworks and libraries for secure smart contract development.
2. Web3 Infrastructure OSS Round: Strengthens the Ethereum ecosystem’s foundational infrastructure.
3. dApps and Apps OSS Round: Funds innovative decentralized applications (dApps) and projects improving financial inclusion, education, and social impact.
4. Mature Builders OSS Round: Provides retroactive funding to established open-source projects with historical impact in previous Gitcoin rounds (GG18-GG22).

Community Rounds (Managed by external organizations)

These rounds are partially self-funded and selected through the Community Council’s evaluation process using the Grant Ships platform.

GG23 Community Rounds Selection

According to a recent post by Gitcoin co-founder Owocki, the Community Council has reviewed applications and selected six rounds for funding, allocating a total of $130,000 evenly among them.

1. Regen Coordination – $21,000
2. GoodDollar GoodBuilders – $21,000
3. Token Engineering the Superchain Retro Round – $21,000
4. Regen Rio de Janeiro – $21,000
5. Gitcoin Grants Garden – $21,000
6. Web3 for Universities – $21,000

Governance and Voting

GG23 introduces the Grant Ships platform as the primary governance mechanism for Community Rounds. This approach ensures:

1. Transparent proposal evaluations
2. Decentralized decision-making
3. Progressive decentralization of Gitcoin’s funding model

The top six community rounds will compete for an additional vote after GG23 concludes, determining the three most successful rounds eligible for GG24 automatic inclusion.

Key Dates and Next Steps

1. Application Period: March 17-31 (OSS Program)
2. QF Donations: April 2-16
3. Post-GG23 Voting: Evaluating the most successful community rounds

Teams must comply with Gitcoin’s eligibility criteria, including proof of experience in running rounds, securing a minimum of $5,000 in matching funds, and aligning with Gitcoin’s mission and compliance standards.

Onboarding and Education Program

Over an X post, Gitcoin announced an educational program, in collaboration with @LetsGROWdao, scheduled to take place from March 10-27. The program will cover topics including quadratic and retro funding models, grant application support, grant writing and marketing strategies, as well as live demos and AMA sessions.

GG23 builds on Gitcoin’s mission to fund public goods while refining its governance model through Grant Ships. The round focuses on decentralization, accountability, and increasing funding opportunities for Web3 builders. With strong participation and evolving governance, Gitcoin Grants continues to shape the future of open-source funding in the Ethereum ecosystem.