After making great success during Gitcoin Grants Round 23, the Web3 for Universities initiative is setting its sights on an even stronger return for GG24. But this time, the community’s voice — and vote — will be key to bringing the round back to life.

Led by Karla Nwaeke, also known as KarlaGod, and supported by the B<>rder/ess team, the Web3 for Universities Community Round in GG23 empowered dozens of student-led blockchain initiatives across Africa. The round featured 50 projects from university tech clubs, open-source builders, and education-focused Web3 communities, all of whom benefited from both donations and matching funds.

A Look Back at GG23

In the span of two weeks, the round rallied 1,927 unique donors and distributed over $33,000 in matching funds on Celo — a testament to the growing energy behind blockchain education in African universities. According to the full report shared by Karla, 95.8% of the projects were first-time grantees on Gitcoin. From open-source tools to grassroots developer training programs, the round sparked collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and access to real financial support.

Notably, the round didn’t just hand out funds. It raised the bar for fair participation, transparency, and accountability. Issues like donation recycling and attempts to game the system were identified and dealt with head-on, reinforcing the importance of ethical fundraising in Web3 ecosystems.

The round also featured live storytelling sessions, impact tracking efforts, and support from partners like Gitcoin, Owocki, Celo, and Let’s Grow DAO — each playing a role in amplifying the voices of young African builders.

Time for the Community to Show Up Again

To ensure Web3 for Universities gets a funding boost and a slot in the upcoming GG24 round, the campaign is calling on supporters to act now.

Here’s how you can help if you have held at least 100 GTC on Ethereum Mainnet before May 11:

• Vote for the round on Grantships between May 12th – May 21st
• Spread the word within your networks and communities
• Follow @grantships and @borderlessdev on X for updates

This is about sustaining a growing movement that is putting tools, resources, and funding directly into the hands of students, builders, and innovators shaping the future of blockchain on the continent.

The GG24 Vision

Plans for GG24 are already in motion. The team behind Web3 for Universities is working on setting clearer impact goals, organizing tech meetups, and raising the standard for open-source contributions. The vision is clear: build a more robust support system for emerging talent across African universities.

But first, the community needs to secure the slot. If you believe in grassroots blockchain education, in students building open-source tools, and in the power of collective support — this is your moment to act. Support the Web3 for Universities round. Help it return stronger for GG24.