The Institute for Applied Numogrammatics (IAN) is excited to announce Round 1 of the Eclipse Microgrants Program. This is a 2-month grant program designed to reward the work of builders of all kinds within Penumbra communities. The total grant pool is $50,000 USD, allocated in the form of network tokens priced at the moment of distribution. Funded projects have the possibility of applying for and receiving additional funding. Whether you’re working on engineering-related projects or marketing and community, or you have your own idea, check out the categories most relevant to you and apply today! Applications close on Friday, 31 of January at 11.59pm UTC.
Priorities/RFPs (+ Open RFP)
Prax Wallet Tax Reporting Integration Tool
Seeking proposals for the development of a web application that bridges the gap between Prax wallet and popular cryptocurrency tax reporting platforms. The application should efficiently extract transaction data from Prax wallet and generate standardized CSV outputs compatible with leading crypto tax software solutions, including Koinly and similar platforms. This tool will streamline the tax reporting process for Prax users.
The Token Factory
Seeking developers to build a Token Factory for the Penumbra protocol that enables token creation and management within the shielded pool. This innovative primitive would allow for verifiable token launches with frontrunning protection through the Penumbra protocol’s batched DEX operations. Implementation should demonstrate core token factory actions (creation, minting, burning) and showcase the unique possibilities of fair token launches using bonding curves in a privacy-preserving environment. The selected team will work closely with members of the Penumbra Labs and Radiant Commons teams to explore this intersection of privacy and token economics. For more technical details and initial discussion, see:
[Token Factory on Penumbra]
MCP Server Development for Penumbra
Seeking proposals for the development and implementation of a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for the Penumbra blockchain. The project requires building a comprehensive server that enables privacy-preserving interactions with the Penumbra protocol’s core features, including transaction processing, validator set monitoring, DEX operations, and governance functionality. The ideal solution will implement both currently available tools (chain status queries, validator set information, transaction lookups, DEX state monitoring, and governance proposal tracking) and planned features including transaction submission, private staking operations, DEX trading via sealed-bid batch auctions, private governance voting, and liquidity position management. Please see Github for initial project scope.
Educational Resources
Seeking proposals for the development of educational content that will help users and potential users understand and engage with Penumbra’s privacy-preserving protocol. Proposal submitters should demonstrate expertise in breaking down complex cryptographic concepts and onboarding steps into accessible learning materials across various formats. Intended formats can include but are not limited to video tutorials, interactive workshops, documentation, assessment quizzes, and hands-on learning modules that may be posted across multiple platforms. Special emphasis should be placed on creating content that effectively explains privacy-preserving mechanisms, cross-chain interactions, and practical applications of the protocol, as well as Prax Wallet. Proposals should outline clear learning objectives and measurable outcomes for each educational component proposed.
Marketing & community-building campaigns
Seeking innovative marketing proposals to expand awareness and drive adoption of Penumbra’s privacy-first decentralized protocol and Prax wallet. Campaigns should not just engage users once, but convert users to evangelists, brand advocates and recurring users.These can be comprehensive marketing campaigns across multiple platforms or more focused, single-platform campaigns. Proposal reviewers have a particular focus on reaching privacy-conscious crypto users and DeFi enthusiasts through fun, collaborative, and innovative campaigns. Proposals must include KPIs, North Star metrics, and detailed analytics frameworks for measuring campaign effectiveness, including platform-specific engagement rates, conversion tracking, and community growth metrics.
Open RFP
Also welcoming innovative proposals from individuals and teams who envision unique ways to contribute to the growth and development of the use of the Penumbra protocol and its ecosystem. We are seeking forward-thinking initiatives that align with the mission of advancing privacy-preserving technology in decentralized finance, whether through technical development, community building, infrastructure improvements, ecosystem integrations, or novel applications that haven’t yet been considered. Reviewers particularly value proposals that show creative approaches to expanding the Penumbra protocol’s utility while maintaining its core focus on privacy and security.
Criteria
- Project proposal addresses the stated problem it seeks to address.
- Technical/operational specification is well-considered and feasible.
- Application is direct & concise (bullet points encouraged)
- Passed verification steps: KYC/KYB*, anti-bot, minimal AI generated text, Github account history or other relevant proof of experience, IAN Grant Agreement signed.
- Note for technical projects that anything produced as a part of receipt of an Eclipse Microgrant will need to be dual licensed MIT+Apache2.
- Deliverables and timeline are achievable within 2 months
- Note: if you scope a project to need more than 2 months, then there must be a 2-month deliverable such as an MVP/Proof of Concept
Timeline
Week of Jan 17, 2025- Call for Proposals released
- Jan 22nd Community Call Q & A
- Jan 31st 11:59pm UTC: Application window closes
- Feb 14th 11:59pm UTC: All applicants are informed of proposal status including any feedback
- Feb 21st, 2025: 50% disbursement + onboarding
- Signed grant agreement & KYC/KYB* verification required.
- Grantees respond to project update requests throughout project timeline.
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April 21st: Required video presentation by completed project/proof of concept/MVP, with:
-
finished product: demo + lessons learned OR
- For incomplete product: product update + request for deadline extension
- For MVP/Proof of Concept: demo + pitch for additional funds + new timeline
- 50% disbursement by April 30th or completion of project (whichever comes later) + impact/feedback form.
How to Apply
Please submit your application here by Friday, Jan 31st, 11:59pm UTC.
*= KYC/KYB
All engagements with the IAN require KYC (Know Your Customer), or KYB (Know Your Business, if the engagement is with a company). These are required to ensure the Foundation engages with legitimate entities. Webslinger will provide each applicant with a link to complete this process.
KYC Requirements
- Proof of Identity (Passport, ID)
- Proof of Address (Bank Statement, Utility Bill) < 6 months old
- Likeness (Selfie)
KYB Requirements (all docs must be stamped, dated <1 yr old)
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum Of Association
- Registry of Directors & Shareholders
- KYC of Owner/UBO (same as above)