Over 48,000,000 USD granted by the Optimism Foundation to protocols so far.

They are setting a big precedent, and I think others will follow ($ARBI? 👀)

MetaMask, too, just launched a Grants programme!

Thread: how both founders and end users can benefit from grants 🧵

1/10

A grant is a "donation" protocols receive in exchange for conditions.

In Optimism, the basic condition is to provide value to the Optimism Ecosystem.

i.e.: launch the protocol in Optimism, onboard users, and help it grow!

2/10

Optimism Grants

• When they launched the $OP token, they announced their Grants Programme

• 25% of the total supply is allocated to "Ecosystem Fund", providing funding to projects and communities"

3/10

How much $OP has been given out so far?

• Over 45M in $OP has been given out to protocols like @synthetix_io , @AaveAave , @HopProtocol .

• Keep track of Governance proposals and grants here:

🔗 docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eaHOlWB34ij1KGsXdaNyTQg4tt1Pu2JurJsElBb6a8k/edit#gid=0

4/10

When requesting a grant, protocols have to explain why they need funding and how will they use it

Many decide to allocate it for airdrops to their users (remember @PikaProtocol airdropped $OP?) and others for LM incentives (Aave boosted APY in Optimism by distributing $OP)

5/10

This is how end users might end up indirectly benefiting from grants, depending on how protocols decide to use it.

Usually everyone benefits (except maybe $OP holders, there could be sell pressure)

There were some dishonest protocols... but I won't get into that right now

6/10

For crypto founders: How to get an Optimism grant?

You need to submit your project in gov.optimism.io, where it gets reviewed and eventually voted in Snapshot.

Token holders and delegates vote on grant applications.

If they pass, then Optimism sends the tokens

7/10

I encourage any project with plans on launching in Optimism to try and apply, if you are aligned with the Optimism Vision and your protocol brings value, go for it!

For end users: monitor which protocols get grants, there is much alpha in the Gov forums and in Snapshot

8/10

Now, to the new MetaMask GrantsDAO:

• An employee-driven DAO that issues grants to developers building in the MetaMask ecosystem

• Secured by a multi-sig wallet

• Quarterly budget: $600k ($2.4M per year)

• Initial length: 12 months

9/10

There are 2 types of 🦊 grants:

• Leadership Committee Grants (any Leadership member can make a proposal, 5x "yes" means passing)

• Full DAO Grants (any Leadership member can make a proposal, and a majority "yes" means passing)

Apply here:

🔗 docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdU-lqYv-F8mmbClf7Ib8k4BEsYceItxDB2FnY3VGma1DqhHg/viewform

10/10

I've seen excellent results with this approach on Optimism. I think Arbitrum will follow.

• Arbitrum has 1B TVL with no chain incentives

• They don't have a token yet, but @andrewsaunders is hyping CT like crazy lately

Could be a good time to deploy to Arbitrum!

I am the top 19 delegate in Optimism, with +300,000 $OP delegated to olimpio.eth

Now: everyone that delegated to me can get a special "Optimism Governor" role in Earndrop Guild: guild.xyz/earndrop

OP takes governance seriously, could be a criteria for $OP Airdrop #2

⚡️