The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) has unveiled the latest iteration of its community-driven grant program, the Stellar Community Fund (SCF) 6.0, allocating 7.5 million XLM (valued at over $500,000) to empower developers and innovators building on the Stellar network. The revamped program, now open for submissions, introduces new funding pools and strategic focus areas to accelerate projects that advance Stellar’s utility and adoption.
Key Features of SCF 6.0
SCF 6.0 is structured into two distinct funding pools:
- Open Pool (3.5 Million XLM)
Open to all projects across the Stellar ecosystem, this pool supports innovative ideas spanning decentralized finance (DeFi), payments, identity solutions, gaming, social impact, and more. - Targeted Pool (4 Million XLM)
Focused on three high-priority areas for Stellar’s growth:- DEX Liquidity Boost (1.5M XLM): Incentivizes liquidity providers and tools for Stellar’s decentralized exchange (DEX).
- Cross-Chain Interoperability (1.5M XLM): Funds bridges, cross-chain asset solutions, and protocols enhancing Stellar’s connectivity with other blockchains.
- Sustainable Stellar Solutions (1M XLM): Backs projects addressing long-term network sustainability, including carbon-neutral initiatives and developer tooling.
How It Works
The SCF emphasizes community governance, allowing Stellar community members to review proposals and vote on their favorites. Shortlisted projects undergo final approval by an SCF panel. Funding ranges from 10,000 to 250,000 XLM per project, with grants distributed in milestones tied to deliverables.
Timeline and Submission Details
- Proposal submissions open: July 9, 2024
- Phase 1 (July 9–Aug. 6): Developers submit draft proposals for community feedback.
- Phase 2 (Aug. 7–Aug. 27): Final proposals are reviewed and voted on by the community.
- Winners announced: September 2024
Resources for Applicants
Interested teams can access guidelines, templates, and mentorship through the SCF portal. The Stellar Developer Discord also offers a platform for collaboration and support.
A Legacy of Supporting Innovation
Since 2020, the SCF has distributed over 50 million XLM to 150+ projects, including decentralized trading platforms, payment gateways, and climate-focused tools. Version 6.0 continues this mission, prioritizing scalable solutions that align with Stellar’s vision of equitable financial access.
Image Source: StellarOrg
