The widespread concern over Celo ecosystem spending and lack of accountability is critical (see Validator Count Reduction and Riding the Celo Bus Together) and has reached a state where it is actively preventing builders like me to engage with the ecosystem and attract talent and partnerships.
As we currently discuss a holistic ecosystem funding strategy for Celo, I want to re-highlight the Celo Cosmo-Local Credit Network Funding Proposal as the best model for future ecosystem spending. In my experience working with Grassroots Economics, I can vow that @WillRuddick and @kamikazechaser embody the integrity Celo needs.
This proposal fixes the current system through two structural mechanisms that I believe need to be urgently addressed:
1. Structural Honesty & Conflict Management
- Conflict Visibility: Crucially, any conflict of interest is visible and explicitly managed.
- Separation of Power: This model ensures the “builders” (recipients) and the “approvers” (the neutral Stewardship Council) are separate. It prevents opaque self-funding and removes the ability for gatekeepers to “grade their own homework.”
2. Accountability by Code (No More Evasion)
- Stepwise Funding: Funds are released only upon hitting on-chain KPIs via parametric triggers, not discretionary approval.
- Mandatory Reporting: This mechanism makes it impossible for grant recipients to ignore transparency requests (like those seen in the MiniPay Grant thread). Continued funding requires continuous engagement and measurable results.
Finally, and most importantly, this critical infrastructure can provide the needed trust and soil within our community to rebuild the culture and values we publicly stand for.