The GMC has concluded discussions and scoring for the Round 24 (May 7 - June 7) Grants/Bounties/RA Award Round.
This post also begins the fourteen-day clock during which, according to RPIP-15, “[a]nyone MAY file an RPIP disputing a grant, bounty, or retrospective award within two weeks of the announcement of recipients. Such an RPIP SHALL be subject to a snapshot vote.” Any awards not subject to such a challenge will become official on June 6, 2025 at 23:59 UTC.
Current GMC Roster
- Ken
- Waq
- Dr Doofus
- Destroyaaa
- Steely
- Kevster.eth
- sckuzzle
- LenofTawa
- ramana
Application Breakdown
- Total Grant Applications: 0
- Total Bounty Applications: 1
- Total Retro Applications: 2
- Total Applications Transferred From Last Round: 0
- Total Amount Grants / Bounties / Retros Requested: $40,500
- Total Amount Incoming Funds This Period: $20,000
- Total Amount Reserves: $180,000
USD values calculated at the time GMC began deliberating on applications.
Awards, Average Overall Scores
| Number | Applicant | Title | Decision | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RA242501 | sckuzzle | LLC Compensation for GMC Members | Approve | $6,000.00 |
| BA242501 | ShfRyn | Support Payments #4 | Award at 66% | $20,000.00 |
| RA242502 | titey.eth | Node and Minipool Analytics + Dune Spellbook | Award at 33% | $1,500.00 |
Detailed Award Results
Name: LLC Compensation for GMC Members
Proposer: ShfRyn
Type: Retro
Subcommittee: All
Link to Application: Round 24 - GMC Call for Retrospective Applications - Deadline is May 7 - #2 by sckuzzle
Decision: Approve
Awarded Funding: $6,000
Requested Funding: $6,000
Score: 5
Comments: The GMC approves funding for the LLC Compensation for GMC Members request, citing the protective role it played during a period of heightened risk and the limited scope of the claim.
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Acknowledging Context and Contribution:
The formation of LLCs was a necessary response to evolving legal uncertainties, particularly regarding the personal liability of contributors involved in DAO operations. The core motivation was to ensure an appropriate level of protection for those participating in governance. -
Ensuring Reasonable Scope and Closure:
The request—$6,000 divided among three individuals—is modest in scale. Several members emphasized the importance of formally closing out this matter.
Name: Support Payments #4 (June 2025 - November 2025)
Proposer: ShfRyn
Type: Bounty
Subcommittee: All
Link to Application: Round 24 - GMC Call for Bounty Applications - Deadline is May 7 - #3 by ShfRyn
Decision: Approve
Awarded Funding: $20,000
Requested Funding: $30,000
Score: 5
Comments: The GMC approves a 66% funding level for Support Payments #4, balancing the value of the support system with the need for fiscal discipline.
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Acknowledging Value and Evolution:
Support has long been a cornerstone of Rocket Pool’s strength, offering high-quality help to node operators and fostering a welcoming ecosystem. Several members expressed that while support continues to be important, the community’s proficiency has increased and the protocol has become easier to operate, reducing ongoing support demand. The updated reward formula was well-received, and there is agreement that support contributors still deserve compensation under the new system. -
Balancing Cost with Utility:
Given current treasury constraints and lower node operator activity, multiple members voiced concern about awarding the full request. Some noted that community-led support would likely persist even with reduced funding. The reduced award level reflects an acknowledgment of these shifts while still affirming that structured support remains valuable to the protocol. -
Supporting Fiscal Sustainability:
Approving at 66% allows the GMC to maintain support payments at a meaningful but moderated level. Several members expressed that support should scale alongside RPL price and demand. This compromise sends a signal that the GMC remains committed to the contributor ecosystem while ensuring careful stewardship of the treasury.
Name: Node and Minipool Analytics + Dune Spellbook
Proposer: titey.eth
Type: Retro
Subcommittee: All
Link to Application: Round 24 - GMC Call for Retrospective Applications - Deadline is May 7 - #3 by titey
Decision: Approve
Awarded Funding: $1,500
Requested Funding: $4,500
Score: 2.8
Comments: The GMC approves a 33% retroactive award for the Node and Minipool Analytics + Dune Spellbook, recognizing the utility of the work while emphasizing the need for upfront grant coordination in the future.
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Acknowledging Contribution and Utility:
The dashboards and datasets produced are useful, particularly the structured documentation and public repository that enhance reusability. While not all reviewers anticipate actively using the analytics themselves, there is agreement that the work has merit and represents a meaningful contribution under the previous funding expectations. -
Balancing Precedent and Responsibility:
This submission was not pre-approved via a grant, and several members expressed concern about continuing to reward retroactive work without prior coordination. While some are comfortable funding retros to a limited extent, there is a strong sentiment that contributors should seek grants before undertaking efforts of this scope. This award includes a substantial reduction to reinforce that message. -
Supporting Clarity for Future Submissions:
The 33% award reflects a compromise between recognizing the value of the output and maintaining fairness and discipline in the funding process. The committee wants to remind everyone of the importance of using the grant system proactively and signals that full funding should not be expected for unapproved retroactive work moving forward.
Member Participation
All members participated in the decision process.
Due to relevant conflicts of interest, Dr Doofus and sckuzzle abstained from voting on the LLC Compensation application, while Steely abstained from voting on the Support bounty.
Final Voting Stages
A ranked choice vote was conducted for the Support bounty, with the “Award at 66%” option emerging as the winning decision.
There were no amendments declared during this period, and no members chose to reject the final vote slate.
Future Awards
The treasury’s financial position has improved, with average expenses now falling below average income following the successful ratification of RPIP-69 (GMC Share of Inflation).
However the GMC is still being precautious about future spending. The GMC would like to again reiterate its strong preference for grants over retroactive awards—especially for development work. Pre-approval is important and appropriate for development features. Grant applications should be scoped in advance to ensure alignment and accountability.
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To learn more about the decision-making process or to engage with the committee, join the GMC server here.