Polkadot Grants
Polkadot
Description
Polkadot Grants support development in the Polkadot ecosystem through multiple funding pathways including the Web3 Foundation Grants Program, Polkadot Treasury, and various bounty programs. With funding from $10K to $100K+ depending on the program, Polkadot funds parachain development, core infrastructure, DeFi tooling, and applications leveraging the interoperable multi-chain architecture.
For ZHC builders, Polkadot offers unique advantages - true interoperability between parachains through XCM (Cross-Chain Messaging), shared security through the relay chain, and the ability to launch dedicated blockchains with custom logic. The Substrate framework enables rapid development of custom blockchains that connect seamlessly to Polkadot's ecosystem. With renewed focus in 2025 on cross-border payments, AI applications, DePIN/IoT solutions, and Web2-to-Web3 bridges, Polkadot provides strong support for technically sophisticated projects.
Eligibility
Funding Pathways
Web3 Foundation Strategic Funding
- Product-oriented research and development
- Strong technical focus with proven experience
- Open-source requirement (Apache 2.0, MIT, GPLv3, or Unlicense)
- Must pass KYC/KYB checks
- Cannot have completed token sale
- Path to sustainability within 12-24 months
Polkadot Treasury
- Any DOT holder can submit proposals
- On-chain governance voting by token holders
- Focus on ecosystem benefit and community value
- Larger funding amounts available ($100K+)
Fast Grants Bounty
- Early-stage builders on Polkadot
- Up to $10,000 USD per project
- Quick turnaround funding
Open Source Bounty
- Individuals and small teams
- Up to $30,000 per team
- Open-source software development
Priority Focus Areas (2025-2026)
Highly Encouraged:
- Cross-border payments & stablecoins (Latin America, Southeast Asia focus)
- AI applications (content authentication, verification systems)
- DePIN/IoT solutions with marketable products
- Proof-of-personhood and identity solutions
- Web2 to Web3 bridges (familiar UX patterns)
- DOT token utility and demand drivers
Core Technical Areas:
- Substrate runtime modules and tooling
- Parachain development and deployment
- Cross-chain messaging (XCM) implementations
- Developer tooling and infrastructure
- Research and educational content
ZHC-Specific Fit
✅ Excellent for:
- Projects requiring custom blockchain logic and governance
- Multi-chain applications needing true interoperability
- Cross-chain bridges and messaging protocols
- Research-heavy technical projects
- Open source infrastructure with strong community
- Teams with Rust/Substrate experience
- Projects serving broad user bases with practical value
❌ Poor fit if:
- Generic blockchain approach without Polkadot-specific innovation
- Single-chain only with no interoperability needs
- Token sale focus without genuine utility
- Pure marketing efforts without technical deliverables
- No clear path to financial sustainability
- Unaware of regulatory requirements in target markets
- Cannot be meaningfully tested by community
Application Process
Web3 Foundation Strategic Funding
| Step | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Research priorities | Ongoing | Review focus areas and past funded projects |
| Prepare application | 1-2 weeks | Technical details, team background, milestones |
| Submit application | — | Via GitHub or application form |
| Initial review | 2-4 weeks | Technical committee evaluation |
| Due diligence | 2-3 weeks | KYC/KYB, technical assessment |
| Approval decision | — | Notification of acceptance or feedback |
| Milestone delivery | Project-based | Paid in stages upon completion |
| Final evaluation | Post-completion | Assessment and potential follow-on funding |
Polkadot Treasury Proposal
| Step | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Draft proposal | 1-2 weeks | On Polkassembly or Subsquare for feedback |
| Community discussion | 2-3 weeks | Gather input, refine proposal |
| Submit on-chain | — | Requires DOT deposit |
| Referendum period | 2-4 weeks | Token holder voting via OpenGov |
| Execution | Post-approval | Automatic treasury payout if approved |
Fast Grants & Bounty Programs
| Step | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Review requirements | — | Check specific bounty guidelines |
| Submit application | — | Via respective GitHub or platform |
| Quick review | 1-2 weeks | Faster turnaround than main grants |
| Approval & funding | Post-approval | Direct payment in DOT |
Application Requirements
Must Include:
- Detailed technical specification
- Team GitHub profiles and past work
- Milestone breakdown with deliverables
- Budget justification
- Maintenance and sustainability plan
- Market analysis (for business-oriented projects)
- Community benefit demonstration
- Open-source licensing commitment
Success Factors:
- Well-researched concept with prior work
- Proven team experience in relevant technologies
- Rich technical details and well-defined scope
- Tangible proof of ecosystem benefit
- Clear differentiation from competitors
- User-centric innovation with broad applicability
- Strong financial planning and discipline
Grant Sizes
| Program | Funding Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Grants | Up to $10K | Early-stage prototypes |
| Open Source Bounty | Up to $30K | Small team development |
| W3F Strategic | $30K-$100K+ | Product development & research |
| Treasury Proposals | $100K+ | Large ecosystem initiatives |
| Parachain Slot | Auction-based | Crowdloan or treasury funding |
Contact
Official Resources
- Web3 Foundation Grants
- Polkadot Treasury & OpenGov
- Fast Grants Program
- Open Source Bounty
- Polkassembly (Treasury proposal platform)
- Subsquare (Alternative governance platform)
Developer Resources
Community
Additional Funding Options
- Scytale Digital: Polkadot Ecosystem Fund (VC funding)
- Harbour Capital: Polkadot-focused VC fund
- Moonbeam Grants: Parachain-specific ecosystem grants
- DeFi Bounty: Infrastructure and tooling focused
- UX Bounty: User experience improvements
- ink!ubator: Smart contract ecosystem support