PIP-22: Funding a DAO-managed Zone - DRAFT

Panther DAO
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Introduction

Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) represent a transformative approach to governance and operations, leveraging blockchain technology to ensure transparency and community-driven decision-making. To effectively operate a DAO-operated zone, certain off-chain expenses are unavoidable, including costs for essential infrastructure such as subgraph subscriptions (e.g., The Graph for indexing blockchain data) and decentralized storage solutions (e.g., Filebase for IPFS-based file storage). These services are critical for maintaining the functionality and accessibility of the DAO’s operations. This PIP proposes that the DAO secures funding from the Panther Protocol Foundation through a grant to cover these expenses and outlines a governance structure to manage these funds responsibly.

Summary

Operating a DAO-managed zone requires robust infrastructure to support its decentralized applications and data accessibility. Key off-chain expenses include:

  • Subgraph Subscriptions: Services like The Graph provide indexed blockchain data, enabling efficient querying for DAO operations. These subscriptions typically require recurring payments, often in fiat or stablecoins, to maintain uninterrupted service.
  • Decentralized Storage (Filebase): Filebase or similar platforms ensure secure, decentralized storage for DAO-related data, such as governance proposals, metadata, or community resources. These services also incur regular costs.

To cover these costs, it is proposed that the DAO should request a $1200 grant from the Panther Protocol Foundation. This funding will ensure the DAO’s infrastructure remains operational, enabling seamless governance and community engagement.

Description

To manage the grant and ensure accountability, the following process for handling funds is being proposed:

  1. Appointment of a Fund Manager:
    • The DAO should appoint a single, trusted individual to act as the Fund Manager, responsible for receiving stablecoin disbursements from the DAO’s treasury and converting them to fiat (if necessary) to pay off-chain expenses via credit card.
    • This individual will be accountable to the DAO community, providing regular reports on expenditures and ensuring transparency in all transactions.
    • To volunteer for this role, I propose myself (@ToXiC_eHC) as a candidate, given my commitment to the DAO’s mission and willingness to uphold transparency and accountability. However, the community should vote to confirm this appointment or select another candidate.
  2. Multisig Wallet for Fund Security:
    • The DAO should establish a multisignature (multisig) wallet to hold and disburse the grant funds. A multisig wallet requires multiple approvals for transactions, reducing the risk of mismanagement or unauthorized use.
    • A minimum of three signers should be appointed to the multisig wallet to ensure decentralized control and oversight. These signers should be selected through a community vote to reflect the DAO’s democratic ethos.
    • The Fund Manager will initiate transactions, but at least two of the three signers must approve them, ensuring no single individual has unilateral control over the funds.
  3. Community Oversight:
    • To maintain trust, it is proposed that the Fund Manager should submit monthly or quarterly reports to the DAO, detailing all expenditures, including receipts or proof of payment for services like subgraph subscriptions and Filebase.
    • The DAO community can review these reports and raise any concerns through governance proposals or discussions on the DAO’s designated platform.

Proposed Actions

To secure the necessary funding, it is proposed that the Panther DAO should submit a formal grant proposal to the Panther Protocol Foundation, including:

  • Budget Estimate: The current cost estimate for running these services are set at less than $100 per month. The requested runway of these services is at least 12 months.
  • Justification: A clear explanation of how these services support the DAO’s operations, such as enabling real-time data access for governance or secure storage for community assets.
  • Governance Plan: An outline of the proposed fund management structure, including the Fund Manager role, multisig wallet, and community oversight mechanisms.
  • Timeline: A proposed timeline for fund utilization, with regular updates to the foundation on how the grant is being spent.

The grant request should emphasize the DAO’s commitment to transparency and accountability, reassuring the foundation that the funds will be managed responsibly.

Next steps

To move this proposal forward, I volunteer to assist in drafting the grant application and, if approved by the community, serve as the Fund Manager. However, the success of this initiative relies on community participation. I propose that the DAO:

  1. Hold a governance vote to approve the grant request and the proposed fund management structure.
  2. Nominate and select at least three individuals to serve as multisig signers.
  3. Establish a timeline for submitting the grant proposal to the foundation and setting up the multisig wallet.

By securing funding and implementing a transparent governance structure, the DAO can ensure the sustainability of its operations and continue to thrive as a decentralized, community-driven organization.

Conclusion

The operation of a DAO-operated zone requires careful planning to address off-chain expenses, such as subgraph subscriptions and Filebase storage. By requesting a grant from the foundation and establishing a robust governance structure with a Fund Manager and multisig wallet, the DAO can manage these costs effectively while maintaining transparency and community trust. I encourage the community to support this proposal, participate in the governance process, and help build a sustainable future for our DAO.

4 Likes
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I don’t know what a subgrapgh subscription is amd also Filebase but it sounds trustworthy your suggestion and I will be happy to approve it. I will also be happy to be a multisig signer if needed.

1 Like
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I completely agree with this proposal. It’s a practical and transparent approach to managing essential DAO expenses, and I’m fully supportive of the suggested fund management structure and community oversight. Let’s move forward with the next steps!

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Sounds a reasonable step to adoption / growth of the ecosystem. Supportive.

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Happy to volunteer for this, appreciate you driving it!

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I’d also happily volunteer to be a council member. Unable to commit to the compliance officer role, but happy to contribute to the council, it’s progress (inc future PIPs) with the view to increase ZKP usage.

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Good Morning, I am combining the topic of the council selection into this topic for a combined PIP-22, please find below the final PROPOSAL for PIP-22:

PIP22: DAO Council and Funding Proposal: Leadership and Infrastructure Support

Summary

This proposal aims to establish a DAO Council to guide the organization’s strategic direction, governance, and community engagement, while securing funding to support a DAO-operated zone. The council will consist of active participants with diverse skills and serve as the multisig signers for managing the proposed grant funds. The initial team includes the proposer (Toxic Entity) and Praetorian, with a call for one additional visionary member to complete the council.

Longer Description and Purpose

The DAO requires a dedicated council to oversee key initiatives, including proposal evaluation, treasury management, community growth, and infrastructure funding. This council will operate transparently, leveraging the DAO’s decentralized framework to align with its mission. Additionally, a grant from the foundation is proposed to cover off-chain expenses (e.g., subgraph subscriptions like The Graph and decentralized storage via Filebase) critical for the DAO-operated zone’s functionality. The council will manage these funds using a multisig wallet, ensuring accountability and decentralized control.

Team Description

  • Council Member: Toxic Entity (TG:@ToXiC_eHC), offering extensive experience as a community moderator for Panther Main on Telegram, Snapshot Author for Panther Protocol, and community moderator for the Panther Lounge. Additionally, I am an active tester and deployer of all V0.5 related items, bringing hands-on technical and governance expertise to drive the DAO’s success.

  • Council Member: Praetorian (TG: @zkPraetorian), privacy advocate and experienced crypto user with a keen analytical mind. Active community member, moderator, tester, and passionate researcher in the decentralized space.

  • Council Member: Elysium (TG: @Elysium_x), privacy advocate and experienced crypto user with a passion for technology, creativity, and philosophical exploration. Active community member, moderator, tester, and dedicated researcher in the decentralized space. Elysium blends technical expertise, creative vision, and thoughtful inquiry to help shape and inspire the future of the crypto community.

Proposed Governance Structure for Fund Management

To manage the grant and ensure accountability, the DAO Council will oversee the funds with the following structure:

  1. Appointment of a Fund Manager:

  • The council will designate one member (initially proposed as Toxic Entity) as the Fund Manager, responsible for receiving stablecoin disbursements from the DAO’s treasury and converting them to fiat (if necessary) to pay off-chain expenses via credit card.

  • The Fund Manager will provide regular reports on expenditures, ensuring transparency, and is accountable to the council and community.

  1. Multisig Wallet for Fund Security:

  • The DAO council will establish a multisignature (multisig) wallet with the three council members (Toxic Entity, Praetorian, and the Elysium) as signers.

  • All transactions require approval from at least two of the three signers, ensuring decentralized control and reducing the risk of mismanagement.

  1. Community Oversight:

  • The council will submit monthly or quarterly reports to the DAO, detailing all expenditures (e.g., receipts for subgraph subscriptions and Filebase) via the DAO’s forum.

  • The community can review these reports and raise concerns through governance proposals or discussions.

Grant Request to the Foundation

To secure funding for the DAO-operated zone, the DAO should submit a formal grant proposal to the foundation, including:

  • Budget Estimate: Current cost estimate is less than $100 per month for subgraph subscriptions (e.g., The Graph) and decentralized storage (e.g., Filebase).

  • Justification: These services enable real-time data access for governance and secure storage for community assets.

  • Governance Plan: The council will manage funds via a multisig wallet with community oversight.

  • Timeline: Funds will be utilized upon approval as needed for the V1 DAO managed zone, with regular updates to the foundation.

The proposal will emphasize transparency and accountability to reassure the foundation.

Next Steps

  • Council and Multisig Formation: Upon approval, the council will hold its first meeting to establish roles, a meeting schedule, initial priorities, and set up the multisig wallet.

  • Grant Proposal Submission: The council will draft and submit the grant proposal to the foundation, with community approval via Snapshot.

Financial Implications

No initial funding is requested beyond the proposed grant. Future council and infrastructure activities may require additional budgets (e.g., gas fees for voting, payment to the selected compliance manager), to be proposed separately if needed.

Conclusion

By establishing a DAO Council with Toxic Entity, Praetorian, and Elysium, and securing a grant for infrastructure, the DAO can ensure robust governance and operational sustainability. The council’s multisig role will safeguard funds, while community oversight maintains trust. I encourage the community to support this proposal and help build a thriving decentralized organization.

4 Likes
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This proposal will be published on Snapshot as soon as the changes from PIP-21 are completed by one of the admins later today.

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Lets push this forward ladies and gents!

Its time to unleash the Panther!!