[STP#2] Formalizing STP Grant Program Application Processes

Title:

Formalizing STP Grant Program Application Processes

Date:

07/10/2024

Type:

Protocol

Objective:

This proposal aims to ratify the application process for the STP Grants Program as outlined in the STP Grant Program proposal.

Deadline:

n/a

Motivation (Why):

The STP ecosystem is expanding and Clique is at the centre stage. The grant program is an excellent way to attract developers to build interesting applications and explore the future of AI and Gaming, on Clique.

For this to hold, the process of applying for grants and getting access to resources must be straightforward and have clarity.

Applicants must have the proper guidance on the process, transparency on timelines, and access to guidance when required.

This proposal establishes a simplified process building on STP#1.

Body (What, How, When, Who):

The STP Community Grants Program will utilize STPT tokens to fund projects and games that enhance the STP ecosystem and Clique. The community has approved this through this proposal.

The maximum grant will be up to $200,000 USD worth of STPT, focusing on areas of AI and Gaming.

The program will run in four rounds per year, targeting several projects each round.

The Process

1. Application Process:
   • Submission: Applicants submit a detailed proposal outlining their project, including objectives, milestones, budget, and how it aligns with the STP ecosystem goals. Proposals must be posted in the #grants channel and discussed publicly. Proposals must follow this template.
   • Review: The Council, consisting of five nominated community members, will review submissions continuously.
   • Feedback: Applicants will receive feedback within two weeks of final submission. Proposals may be revised based on Council recommendations.
   • Approval: Approved proposals will be announced publicly on STP Discord. Funding will be disbursed based on the achievement of predefined milestones. Projects can be eligible for a small portion of the funds upfront, upon council approval.
2. Approval Process:
   • Initial Review: The Council will conduct an initial review to ensure proposals meet basic requirements and align with the program's objectives.
   • Detailed Evaluation: Proposals passing the initial review will undergo a detailed evaluation, including technical feasibility, team capability, and potential ecosystem impact.
   • Voting: The Council will vote on each proposal. A majority vote is required for approval.
   • Transparency: All discussions, evaluations, and decisions will be transparent and accessible to the community in the STP Discord.

The grants program will commence once the Council members are established through a Snapshot vote. The nomination process for Council members will begin immediately after this proposal is passed.

Next Steps:

• Form Council

  • Open nominations for Council members in the STP Discord.
  • Conduct a Snapshot vote to elect Council members.
  • Finalize Council members and establish roles and responsibilities.

• Document Processes

  • Define and document the grant application and review process.
  • Create templates and guidelines for grant proposals.
  • Establish criteria for grant evaluation and approval.

• Funding:

  • Proposal for funding council-controlled multi-sig.
  • Transfer initial funds from the STP DAO to the Council-controlled wallet.