Applicant Details:

Name: Monty Merlin Bryant

Positions: Co-Founder of ReFi DAO, Board Member at Trusted Seed, Public Goods Steward @Celo

Introduction

I am deeply committed to leveraging technology for social and environmental good, with a particular focus on integrating regenerative finance (ReFi) principles into web3 and public goods projects. Through strategic initiatives like Celo Public Goods, ReFi Local Node Network, and Gitcoin CoordiNATION Games, I aim to drive significant resource allocation towards impactful projects, fostering a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem.

Contributions to Gitcoin:

1. Celo Public Goods Initiative:

• Objective: Harness Gitcoin's tooling to enhance the transparency and efficacy of resource distribution within the Celo ecosystem, aiming to engage a broader audience in supporting public goods.
• Implementation: As a steward of Celo Public Goods, I have been leading the proposed Celo QF & RPGF Program for H1 2024, including support for the GG20 Climate Solutions Round (50k cUSD) and two new rounds for GG21 to mark the planned Celo Gitcoin Launch.
• Impact: The initiative will allocate 125,000 cUSD and 250,000 CELO, and thus bringing more people, projects and resources into the Gitcoin ecosystem as well as demonstrating the power of cross-chain collaboration in advancing public goods.
• Links & Documentation: Celo Public Goods QF & RPGF Program Plan

2. ReFi Local Nodes - Gitcoin Featured Rounds in 2023:

• Objective: Establish and expand a network of ReFi local nodes that serve as community hubs for regenerative economy initiatives, leveraging Web3 technologies to support local projects with global implications.
• Impact: Beginning in April 2023 with the Local Node Beta Round, we initiated a $25k match funding pool to support the establishment of an initial cohort of nodes, primarily in the Global South. This effort led to the creation of 14 new nodes, all of which became part of an 8-week Alpha Cohort incubation program. Following this, the ReFi Local Node Beta Cohort kicked off in Gitcoin Grants 18 (GG18) Round in August 2023 with an additional $30k in match funding. This round saw the emergence of 18 new Local Nodes around the globe and collected over 1550 contributions totalling over $6700.
• Implementation: My role included the strategic planning, fundraising, coordination, and marketing of these rounds.
• Links & Documentation:
  • ReFi Local Nodes 2023 - Round Results & What's Coming Next?
  • Regenerative Journeys: ReFi Local Nodes 2023 Roundup

3. ReFi Local Node Beta Incubator 2024 & Planned GG20 Round:

• Objective: To scale the impact of ReFi Local Nodes by providing comprehensive support and integrating them into the Gitcoin ecosystem.
• Implementation: The incubator program is designed to offer comprehensive support to 30+ ReFi Local Nodes, focusing on essential skills and resources for successful operation. This includes training in facilitation, event organization, fundraising, and technical onboarding to the Gitcoin ecosystem. The culmination of this incubator program is the planned launch of our third ReFi Local Node round on Gitcoin for GG20.
• Impact: The program aims to solidify the foundation of the Local Node network, ensuring their long-term engagement with the Gitcoin ecosystem. By equipping local nodes with the skills and tools needed for success, we're fostering a self-sustaining cycle of growth and impact, encouraging more communities to utilize Gitcoin for funding and collaboration.
• Links & Documentation: Welcome to the Local Node Beta Incubator! 🌱

4. Gitcoin CoordiNATION Games:

• Objective: To onboard new donors and projects to Gitcoin, promoting public good projects through educational and engaging events.
• Implementation: I played a key role in launching and executing the CoordiNATION Games, which included both online and offline activities designed to educate communities about Gitcoin. This initiative involved collaboration with influential communities, the creation of accessible activation stations, and the development of a dashboard and guides to simplify participation.
• Impact:
  • Successfully carrying out two iterations of the CoordiNATION Initiatives during both the Gitcoin Beta Round and GG18 resulting in over 30 Gitcoin coordination events - 17 online and 13 in-real-life events across the globe.
  • Generated significant online engagement, most notably a thriving Twitter discourse with prominent communities like Bankless DAO, which brought in over 240 participants in the space.
  • Catalyzed over $1000 in pledges where people commit to making an extra contribution towards Gitcoin Grant projects.
• Future Ambitions: Continue to raise funding, organize events, and expand collaborations to enhance the Gitcoin ecosystem.
• Links & Documentation:
  • Gitcoin CoordiNATION Initiatives dashboard
  • Gitcoin CoordiNATION Games Notion guide

Regen Gitcoin 🌱

Deeply aligned with Gitcoin's mission, my work has not only contributed to the ecosystem's growth but has also paved the way for future innovations and collaborations. Through continued engagement and development, I aim to further Gitcoin's mission as a powerful, impact-driven brand. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and be recognized in the Gitcoin Citizens Round #3, and I look forward to continuing this work for a regenerative Web3!