FAQs
What is Funding the Commons?
Funding the Commons is a series of global events, including conferences, residencies, and hackathons, dedicated to advancing the public goods funding ecosystem through innovation on mechanism design, and incubation of new projects.
Where and when will the next Funding the Commons conference be held?
Please see our list of upcoming events. Event-specific information can be found on its event page.

Upcoming Events

What can I expect from a Funding the Commons conference?
You can expect a dynamic mix of keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and unconference-style programming that encourages interaction and collaboration. The conference is a space for learning, connecting, and meeting new collaborators.
Who should attend Funding the Commons?
Those who are contributing to the public goods movement, or interested in contributing. This includes developers, designers, blockchain protocol developers, philanthropic foundations, academics, artists, organizations engaged in open source software initiatives, government officials involved in allocation of public funds, and representatives from public goods funding projects.
What are the goals of Funding the Commons?
The primary goal of Funding the Commons is to advance the public goods funding ecosystem by incubating new projects, and propagating research & thought leadership.
How can I participate in the Funding the Commons conference?
You can participate by attending the conference, contributing to discussions and workshops, speaking, volunteering, sponsoring a conference, donating to fund our efforts, and networking with other attendees.
Are there opportunities for sponsors and partners at Funding the Commons?
Yes, we welcome sponsors and partners who align with our mission. Event-specific sponsorship applications can be found on the event pages. If you are interested in an umbrella sponsorship, please fill out an application for the first event you are interested in sponsoring.

Upcoming Events

What is the structure of the conference? Will there be keynote speakers, panels, or workshops?
The conference includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops, along with unconference-style interactive programming. The exact schedule and list of speakers of each conference is posted on a unique conference page.

Upcoming Events

Where can I see video from previous Funding the Commons talks?
Previous events and talks can be viewed on our 'Past Events' page.

Past Events

What is the "Funding the Commons Residency"?
The Funding the Commons Residency is a month-long program where a curated group of individuals work on projects to advance public goods funding infrastructure. The Residency offers an opportunity for collaboration, learning, and innovation.
What is the location of the next Residency?
The next Residency will take place in Berlin, Germany during September 2023.

Berlin Builder Residency 2023

How long is the Residency and what is the expected commitment?
The Residency is a month-long program. Participants are expected to fully commit to the Residency for the entire month, clearing their schedule to contribute to the Residency's objectives.

Berlin Builder Residency 2023

Who should apply to the Funding the Commons Residency?
Builders from public goods funding projects, freelance developers & designers.

Apply to Build With Us

How can I get involved in the Residency as a protocol, company, or organization?
We’re open to sponsorship and partnership proposals!

Email Us

What is the “Funding the Commons hackathon”?
The Funding the Commons Hackathon is a transformative event that brings together partner protocols to create an innovative and efficient decentralized funding ecosystem for public goods. It focuses on public goods funding infrastructure within the EVM ecosystem. Projects developed during the hackathon have the opportunity to receive financial support through a quantitative funding round.
Where can I learn more about the upcoming hackathon?
More information about the Funding the Commons Hackathon will be published shortly on our website and other communication channels. Stay tuned for updates!

Upcoming Events

How can I contact the organizers?
Drop us an email with your ideas, questions, proposals, and feedback!

Email Us

Previous Speakers

Previous speakers included public goods thought leaders such as Vitalik Buterin (Ethereum), Juan Benet (Protocol Labs), Kevin Owocki (Gitcoin), Karl Floersch (Optimism), Jaan Tallinn (Future of Life Institute & CSER), Tom Kalil (Schmidt Ventures), and many more.
Funding public goods — algorithms and mechanisms | November 12, 2021
Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum
Fireside Chat | March 3, 2022
Jaan Tallinn, Future of Life Institute & CSER & Juan Benet, Protocol Labs
Decentralized investment structures for public goods and commons | June 24, 2022
Juan Benet, Protocol Labs

Funding the Commons x Earth Commons SF Bay Area

Funding the Commons and Earth Commons are two independent conferences held on April 13-14th, 2024 at a single iconic venue: the David Brower Center in Berkeley, California. Steeped in natural beauty and a history of strong activism, technological innovation, and environmental stewardship, the San Francisco Bay area boasts rich natural, cultural, academic and technological ecosystems. The Bay Area is uniquely positioned to host productive and catalytic discussions to address pressing challenges for the benefit of humanity and the planet's ecosystems with academics, builders, funders, philanthropists & institutional investors, and much more. In partnerships with various research labs at UC Berkeley, the event will be hosted at the David Brower Center, a LEED certified “green model” building. We will iterate on our signature format, bringing together builders, funders, and researchers to spotlight the latest research in open source technology across many disciplines focused on creating new public goods funding infrastructure for real world implementation. Both conferences are focused on underscoring the systemic, interdependent changes necessary for progress in both public goods and ecological regeneration. Expect a mix of inspirational talks, workshops, networking corners, as well as office-hours with thought-leaders all held in a single venue to encourage interdisciplinary encounters.
Recent Events
Taipei 2023
Funding the Commons made its Asia debut in Taipei from 9-10 December 2023. In partnership with da0, the web3 branch under g0v, Funding the Commons created a unique experience focused on public goods discussions.
Berlin 2023
DeSci.Berlin and Funding the Commons joined forces during Berlin Blockchain Week, set to in the city's vibrant tech landscape. This combined event ignited the development of new partnerships, projects, and initiatives with each day providing a distinct platform to engage with the wider blockchain and decentralized science communities.
Video coming soon!
Paris 2023
Funding the Commons, Paris was unique in its incorporation of open space technology and other unconference-style programming, in addition to engaging keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. This format enabled even more connection amongst participants, and led to the formation of new collaborations and projects.
Previous Partners
Let's be Friends
Join us for the future
We excited to connect with you at our next event, but we'd rather not wait! If you support our mission and would like to get involved, please let us know how you'd prefer to participate.
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General inquiries
Please email us with any questions you have, and we look forward to speaking with you soon!