The realm of Web3 is a hotbed of innovation, where visionary minds converge to shape the future of decentralized technologies. As this burgeoning ecosystem continues to evolve, access to funding remains a pivotal catalyst for groundbreaking ideas to take flight. Fortunately, a multitude of crypto grants have emerged, providing a lifeline for developers, entrepreneurs, and projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the top 10 crypto grants that are propelling the Web3 revolution forward. From established blockchain ecosystems to cutting-edge initiatives, these funding opportunities are paving the way for transformative solutions and fostering a thriving, collaborative community.
1. Aptos Foundation Grant Program
The Aptos Foundation Grant Program stands as a beacon of support for global teams, individuals, and creators seeking to accelerate the growth of the Aptos ecosystem. This non-dilutive funding initiative encompasses a wide array of categories, including developer tooling, software development kits (SDKs), libraries, documentation, guides, and tutorials.
Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative ideas that extend beyond the listed suggestions, as long as they hold tangible value for the Aptos ecosystem. The program’s scope encompasses core protocol contributions, open-source projects, educational initiatives, and groundbreaking applications spanning decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), social networks, gaming, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), payment solutions, and blockchain bridging.
2. Avalanche Multiverse
Avalanche, a leading blockchain platform, has unveiled the Avalanche Multiverse – a $290 million incentive program designed to catalyze the adoption of Subnets. With a keen focus on fostering new ecosystems, such as blockchain gaming, DeFi, NFTs, and enterprise use cases, this initiative provides builders with the opportunity to secure up to 4 million AVAX tokens.
The Avalanche Multiverse program underscores the platform’s commitment to empowering innovators and driving the development of cutting-edge solutions that leverage the power of Subnets, a groundbreaking feature that supports vibrant decentralized application (dApp) ecosystems.
3. Chainlink Grant Program
Chainlink, a decentralized oracle network, has established a grant program that supports contributors dedicated to enhancing the ecosystem’s functionality and growth. The program’s evaluation process revolves around two virtuous cycles: accelerating the Oracle and fortifying network security.
Projects related to critical developer tooling, high-quality blockchain data, and the development and launch of new services on the Chainlink network are prime candidates for funding. By fostering innovation within the Chainlink ecosystem, this grant program aims to solidify the network’s position as a leading provider of secure and reliable oracle solutions.
4. Celo Community Fund Grant
The Celo Community Fund Grant, known as Prezenti, operates under an approved spend proposal from the on-chain Community Fund. Managed by three community stewards, Prezenti offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 in cUSD or the equivalent value in CELO tokens.
For projects seeking higher funding amounts, applicants can submit a governance spend proposal for voting by CELO owners. Prezenti exclusively supports initiatives aligned with Celo’s mission, adhering to specified evaluation criteria. This grant program empowers community members to contribute to the growth of the Celo ecosystem while fostering decentralization and financial inclusion.
5. Collective Shift’s Crypto Grants Programs
Collective Shift’s Crypto Grants Programs stand as a testament to the organization’s commitment to expanding the blockchain ecosystem. Funded by the project’s treasury, these programs cover various expenses, including project funding, committee members’ salaries, and legal fees associated with the program’s setup.
One notable example is the Aave Grant, which targets developers, DeFi projects, and community builders working on Aave and proposing ideas to broaden and improve the Aave ecosystem. Eligible projects span protocol development suggestions, applications and integrations, code audits, Aave developer tools, community and educational marketing initiatives, event and hackathon arrangements, Aave-based committees, subcommittees, and DAOs.
6. Coreum Development Grants
The Coreum Development Grants program has allocated an impressive 10% of the total token supply to support open-source projects that enhance community value and blockchain scalability. With over 150 applications under review, the team is poised to unveil the selected projects soon.
This grant program aims to foster ecosystem growth by inviting development teams and companies with a passion for the Coreum protocol and network to join the initiative. Successful applicants typically possess a track record of 1-2 completed projects, robust blockchain development expertise, and, optionally, an existing community base supporting the team.
7. EOS Network Foundation Grants
The EOS Network Foundation (ENF) spearheads the growth of the EOS Network by offering comprehensive infrastructure support through its Grant Framework. This financial cornerstone of the EOS ecosystem encompasses three grant types: New Proposals, Maintenance Grants, and RFP Responses.
Funding methods like Pomelo, EOS Labs, Wombat X, and Recognition Grants drive EOS development, with the latter awarding $3.5 million across 35 projects. Additionally, EOS Network Ventures provides investments in EOS-based applications, further solidifying the ecosystem’s position as a hub for innovation.
8. Injective’s Global Virtual Hackathon
Injective, a layer-1 blockchain combining the functionality of Cosmos and Ethereum for DeFi, hosts an annual virtual hackathon designed to sponsor innovative Web3 projects and stimulate the development of Web3 ecosystems. This event allows coders of varying proficiency levels to progress with their blockchain projects, benefiting from the support and guidance of industry luminaries.
With up to $1,000,000 in monetary prizes up for grabs, including a community choice award of $5,000, $10,000 for the third-place winner, $10,000 for the second-place winner, and a grand prize of $30,000 for the winner, this hackathon serves as a catalyst for groundbreaking ideas and solutions within the DeFi realm.
9. Mina Grants Program
The Mina Grants Program recognizes and rewards contributors to the Mina protocol and community. The zkIgnite program, Mina’s primary grant initiative, provides funding, mentorship, and access to industry experts for developers building with zero-knowledge proofs.
Currently in its second cohort, zkIgnite supports zkApp businesses and essential developer tooling to advance the Mina ecosystem. While the submission deadline for Cohort 2 has passed, opportunities to join existing teams are available on the zkIgnite platform. This program welcomes developers, founders, designers, marketers, and enthusiasts alike, fostering a collaborative environment for the growth of zero-knowledge applications and developer tools on the Mina Protocol.
10. Osmosis Grants Program
The Osmosis Grants Program aims to enhance the long-term utility of the Osmosis ecosystem and cultivate a robust community of motivated contributors. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 are awarded to value-added projects such as analytics tools, critical infrastructure, and complementary ecosystem initiatives that contribute to the core Automated Market Maker (AMM).
This low-cost, efficient grants program empowers participants and supports teams building applications on the Osmosis stack. By encouraging experimentation, innovation, and the onboarding of full-time contributors, the Osmosis Grants Program plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of decentralized finance.
Conclusion
As the Web3 revolution continues to gain momentum, the availability of crypto grants has become a driving force behind the development of groundbreaking solutions and the expansion of decentralized ecosystems. From established blockchain platforms to emerging initiatives, these funding opportunities are fostering a vibrant, collaborative environment where innovation thrives.
By leveraging the resources provided by these top 10 crypto grants, developers, entrepreneurs, and projects have the potential to shape the future of Web3, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and paving the way for a more decentralized, transparent, and equitable digital landscape.