Overview

Local Grant Programs is the first funding round of the Localism Fund, a new grants program supporting credible local networks and place-based groups who are building practical models of political, economic, cultural, and ecological localism.

Through this round, we’re funding locally-led grant programs — not just single projects — that bring Ethereum tools and values into the heart of communities to coordinate resources, governance, and regeneration on the ground.

Key Info

Total Matching Pool: $125,000
Grant Range: $5,000 – $20,000 per local program (matching basis)
Applications Now Open! See How to Apply
First Grantees Selected: 1st week of November
Round Operators: Patricia Parkinson & Benjamin Life (OpenCivics), Monty Merlin (Regen Coordination)
Local Program Delivery Period: Q4 2025 – Q1 2026

What We’re Funding

We’re funding local grant programs — community-led initiatives that bring people together to fund what matters most in their own local area.

Each selected hub will run its own local funding round, deciding how to direct matching funds toward projects that strengthen their local political, economic, cultural, and ecological conditions.

The goal is to demonstrate how Ethereum tools can help communities coordinate and share resources more transparently, fairly, and effectively.

In Practice

Depending on the local context, your program might focus on supporting:

🪴 Regenerative initiatives, NGOs & non-profits - Ecological restoration, local farming, recycling, or social inclusion programs.
🏛️ Civic initiatives - Municipal pilots, community currencies, participatory budgeting, or local digital governance.
🎓 Education & Learning Spaces - Schools, labs, and workshops teaching regenerative economics or Ethereum-based coordination.
💻 Builder & Developer Communities - Hackathons, open-source collectives, and developer groups creating public tools for local use.
🎨 Arts, Media & Culture - Storytelling, local journalism, cultural regeneration, and creative collaborations.
🌾 Entrepreneurship & Local Businesses - Co-ops, small business incubators, and circular economy projects creating local livelihoods.
🔗 Web3-Aligned Local Networks - ReFi nodes, Greenpill chapters, or other DAOs using Ethereum to fund local impact.

Each local program will use a mix of Web3 tools (e.g. wallets, attestations, stablecoins, impact tracking, funding and governance tools) to manage payouts as well as coordinate decision-making and funding in the open. Don't worry if this is new to you, round operators are here to support!

Beyond the tech, what really matters is that these programs reflect local priorities and empower people closest to the challenges to decide where resources should go.

Eligibility Snapshot

To qualify, applicants must:

Operate within a specific local or bioregional context
Show Ethereum alignment through practical use or contribution
Have a minimum $5k in co-funding confirmed
Commit to public goods and open knowledge outcomes
Demonstrate team readiness and ethical compliance

How to Apply

Applications are open. Submitted via Karma, each applicant will provide:

Program Intent — What you aim to fund and why it matters locally.
Funding & Sustainability — Current funding, co-funding commitments, and budget plans.
Program Budget & Timeline — Milestones (Q4 2025 – Q1 2026).
Impact & Measurement — Local outcomes + on-chain reporting plan.
Team & Capacity — Key members and relevant experience.