[GCP-010] Evolving Gitcoin Grants: The Q.E.D. (Quadratic Experimentation and Development) Program

[GCP-010] Evolving Gitcoin Grants: The Q.E.D. (Quadratic Experimentation and Development) Program How can Gitcoin leverage the lessons learned from its past experiments to address the limitations of the current Quadratic Funding model and refine it for future applications?

Given the multiple cohorts which exist and commit extractive and exploitative attacks on Gitcoin Grants and our Web3 partners, what novel solutions can Gitcoin explore to enhance the security and fairness of the Quadratic Funding model?

In the pursuit of next-generation allocation mechanisms, how can Gitcoin ensure a more representative and pluralistic environment for its Grants Programs and QV governance models?

We present the Q.E.D. (Quadratic Experimentation and Development) program, which aims to answer those questions through the development and implementation of collusion-resistant Quadratic Funding mechanisms for Gitcoin Grants. The project lead for Q.E.D. has developed state-of-the-art collusion-resistant QF mechanisms 2 in collaboration with leaders in the field 1, and brings to the table an ability to rigorously understand the unique needs of Allo Protocol. Q.E.D.'s aim is to create a more inclusive and democratic funding model that addresses collusion and improves the efficiency and fairness of the funding process, as well as to educate our prospective and current partners about the trade-offs that can be made in their own Allo use-cases.

Proposal We propose to deliver the following:

1. A tailored mathematical framework for understanding QF within Gitcoin’s context.
2. Empirical analysis of collusion-resistant mechanisms using Gitcoin Grants data.
3. Product roadmap with recommendations for data collection practices and Gitcoin Allo/ Passport feature analysis.
4. Series of articles for marketing, educational, and onboarding purposes.
5. Bi-weekly updates to the Gitcoin community.

Vote To be clear: a “yes” vote for this project is not a vote to change Gitcoin’s core QF algorithm. It’s a vote to fund R&D aimed at giving Gitcoin a button it could press to change the core QF algorithm.

Voting “Yes”: By voting “yes,” you support the implementation of the Q.E.D. program. This includes allocating the necessary funds for staffing costs ($27,240 in USDC), as well as the commitment to collaborate with leading experts in the field to ensure the program’s success.

Voting “No”: By voting “no,” you indicate that you do not support the implementation of the Q.E.D. program at this time, either due to concerns about costs, potential drawbacks, or other factors. This would mean that the core logic of the current QF mechanism would remain unchanged, and the resources allocated for this proposal would not be utilized for the Q.E.D. program.

To see the details of this proposal - see the forum topic linked below