Hey @Liorg thanks for posting this!
I have seen web3 grants processes from both sides of the table and definitely feel the process could be improved. With SAFE grants kicking off, this is a timely and valuable discussion for the DAO to be having.
Some questions and concerns:
- Covariance seems to be a new organization - how does the DAO know you will accomplish what you say you can?
- In a way this is the crux of the issue with DAO grants in the first place - getting grant funds upfront means the DAO may waste funds on unfinished projects, but leaving it to milestone-based or retrofunding puts more burden on grantees to the point where good potential contributors might forego the process altogether. Can you set up your proposal in a way that takes you through the same process that you will put others through?
- How does the current grants team fit into all this? Without their buy-in, it could create a lot of friction that reduces chance of success for your project.
- is there a way you could do a small test run for your project with this round’s grantees to show the effectiveness? Having a small pilot could do a lot to prove your value
- I don’t think it’s possible to compensate people in SAFE at the moment. I suggested it during the original grants proposal and was told it wasn’t possible.
Ultimately I do see the problem you are trying to address, and I certainly believe SAFE grants are set up to have the same problems that other grant programs have. Creating a system of fostering long-term relationships between grantors and grantees is (IMHO) the best approach to avoid wasting DAO resources while attracting the best and brightest web3 builders.
The catch is that fostering relationships takes resources. SafeDAO does have resources, but the previous grant proposal discussion didn’t end up capturing enough support to actually put those resources to work for this type of activity.
I hope your effort succeeds because without this vital link between grantors and builders the grants process will continue to be a struggle. Put another way: if our grants process isn’t set up for long-term engagement, we won’t attract long-term builders.