The GMC has concluded discussions and scoring for the Round 33 (January 7 - February 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 March 8, 2026 at 23:59 UTC.
Current GMC Roster
- Ken
- Waq
- Dr Doofus
- Destroyaaa
- Steely
- sckuzzle
- Epineph
Financial Update (IMPORTANT)
Administrative Reductions & Amendment Outcome
Given the strength of the treasury at current RPL values, the committee approved a 25% reduction across administrative budgets, effective April (to avoid mid-period adjustments).
Reductions:
- GMC Administrator: $3,500.00 → $2,625.00 (−$875.00)
- GMC: $3,150.00 → $2,362.50 (−$787.50)*
- IMC (subject to IMC approval): $2,730.00 → $2,047.50 (−$682.50)*
- STAR: $1,000.00 → $750.00 (−$250.00)
- Support (approved this round (33)): $3,333.00 → $2,500.00 (−$833.00)
- Total Savings: $3,428.00 per month
*Final figures may vary slightly depending on implementation of target hours.
An amendment was also approved to initiate a future vote to reimburse the USD-denominated difference if RPL reaches $5.00. (Upon reaching the price target ($5), the sitting committee at that time will initiate a vote to determine whether to reimburse the funding difference incurred during the reduction period in the USD-denominated value.)
Vote Results:
- Reduce Administrative Funding by 25% — Passed (7 Yes)
- Reimburse Administrative Funding — Passed (5 Yes / 2 No)
Application Breakdown
Total Grant Applications: 0
Total Bounty Applications: 1
Total Retro Applications: 0
Total Applications Transferred From Last Round: 0
Total Amount Grants / Bounties / Retros Requested: $10,000
Total Amount Incoming Funds This Period: $9,280
Value of Treasury: $51,000
Total Amount Reserved: $75,580
USD values calculated at the time GMC began deliberating on applications.
Awards, Average Overall Scores
| Number | Applicant | Title | Decision | Amount (USD) | Avg Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA332601 | Leighm.eth | Support Payments #6 | Approve at Custom Amount | $7,500.00 | 5 |
Detailed Award Results
Name: Support Payments #6
Proposer: Leighm.eth
Type: Bounty
Subcommittee: All
Link to Application: Round 33 - GMC Call for Bounty Applications - Deadline is February 7
Decision: Approve at Custom Amount
Awarded Funding: $10,000
Requested Funding: $7,500
Score: 5
Comments: The committee reviewed the $10,000 request for the Support bounty in the context of current treasury constraints and broader austerity measures.
There was strong agreement that support remains critical infrastructure for Rocket Pool, particularly with an upcoming upgrade where node operators may require timely assistance. However, given current RPL price pressure and the need to reduce recurring expenses, maintaining the previous funding level was not viewed as sustainable.
While a 50% reduction was initially suggested, the committee felt that would be too drastic and risk degrading support quality or participation. A 25% reduction was viewed as a more measured approach that balances fiscal responsibility with the need to maintain high-quality support.
Several members noted that if stipends are being reduced, support should share in those reductions to ensure fairness and alignment across the organization. Support and stipends were broadly considered the last areas the committee would prefer to cut, but current conditions necessitate shared austerity.
Decision: Award $7,500 for 3 months ($2,500/month), representing a 25% reduction from the requested amount.
This aligns with concurrent 25% reductions to the GMC, GMC Administrator, and STAR budgets. The committee will reassess funding levels as treasury conditions evolve.
Member Participation
Steely abstained from the Support bounty application due to his conflict of interest.
Final Voting Stages
During the final stages the GMC also voted on reducing other budgets by 25% (see Financial Update above).
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IMPORTANT
Based on the current value of the treasury, the committee will be extremely selective with the applications they approve in the near future. The GMC recommends only submitting applications that are of highest priority or could be considered an “emergency”.
To learn more about the decision-making process or to engage with the committee, reach out to ShfRyn (myself) for an invite to the GMC server.