cowprotocol · mfw78 · Mar 15, 2026 · Mar 16, 2026 · Mar 16, 2026 · Mar 16, 2026
@@ -8,29 +8,28 @@ The CoW Grants Program (CGP) funds initiatives that support the growth of the Co
 
 ## Current Mandate
 
-The Grants Program operates under [CIP-63](https://snapshot.org/#/cow.eth/proposal/0xa83e2a3e98e9e4dfb41e54efdb94824a5e0e1ec9a2a381bc978ed46ef8f33a24), approved in January 2025, which provides:
+The Grants Program operates under [CIP-82](https://snapshot.box/#/s:cow.eth/proposal/0xe84793f122f1c9faa2bb9194faf71567ffd236df616bd60c300eead541f25304) ([forum](https://forum.cow.fi/t/cip-82-cow-dao-grants-2026-renewal-ci-cd/3280)), approved in January 2026, which provides:
 
-- A budget of 600,000 xDAI and 1,465,260 COW for grant activities
-- An additional 4,990,000 COW allocated for volume grants
-- Operating authority through January 31, 2026
+- A total budget of 500,000 xDAI and approximately 6,550,314 COW
+- A continued reservation of 4,990,000 COW for volume incentives
+- A transition to quarterly fund releases to improve capital efficiency
+- Migration of the Grants Treasury Safe to Ethereum mainnet
+- Operating authority through January 31, 2027
 
-## Focus Areas
+## Strategic Focus Areas
 
 The CoW Grants Program focuses on these key areas:
 
-- **Community growth**: Growing the active user base and community engagement
-- **UI/UX improvements**: Enhancing user interfaces and experiences
-- **Decentralization**: Increasing network resilience and community participation
-- **Solver ecosystem**: Developing new solvers and optimization algorithms
-- **Developer tools**: Creating SDKs and resources for builders
-- **Integrations**: Establishing partnerships and protocol order flow
-- **Innovation**: Supporting novel ideas that benefit the ecosystem
+- **Developer Onboarding and Enablement**: Creating pathways for developers to understand and build on CoW through improved documentation, SDKs, and direct support.
+- **Strategic Ecosystem Alignment**: Partnering with external protocols where CoW provides distinct advantages around MEV protection and batch auctions.
+- **Novel Applications on CoW**: Supporting programmatic orders, CoW AMM implementations, and cross-chain solutions beyond basic swaps.
+- **Volume Incentive Program**: Maintaining a reserved allocation of COW for deployment when partner activity demonstrates clear value multiplication.
 
 ## Committee Structure
 
-The Grants Committee consists of five members (three community members and two core team members) who operate through a multisig with a 4/5 signing threshold. The committee evaluates proposals, assigns stewards and reviewers, and oversees the grant lifecycle.
+CIP-82 established a five-member committee (three community, two core team) with a 3/5 signing threshold to prevent core team veto. Following the departure of one core team member in March 2026, the committee currently operates with four members and a 3/4 threshold. The committee combines technical, operational, and strategic expertise to evaluate proposals and oversee the grant lifecycle.
 
-The committee's operations follow the updated structure approved in CIP-63, allowing for efficient operations while maintaining DAO oversight.
+The program emphasizes outcome-based evaluation, tracking success through metrics such as volume growth, developer adoption, and infrastructure improvements.
 
 ## Navigation
 

@@ -10,50 +10,57 @@ The CoW Grants Program offers different types of grants to accommodate various p
 
 Milestone-based grants are designed for projects with clearly defined deliverables and outcomes.
 
-### Key characteristics:
-- Structured around specific, measurable deliverables
-- Payment tied to completion of defined milestones
-- Suitable for development projects, integrations, or research with clear outputs
-- Each milestone includes detailed descriptions, deliverables, due dates, and funding amounts
+**Key characteristics:**
+* Structured around specific, measurable deliverables
+* Payment tied to completion of defined milestones
+* Suitable for development projects, integrations, or research with clear outputs
+* Each milestone includes detailed descriptions, deliverables, due dates, and funding amounts
 
-### When to choose:
-- Your project has clear, measurable deliverables
-- You can break down the work into distinct phases
-- You need funding based on completion of specific objectives
+**When to choose:**
+* Your project has clear, measurable deliverables
+* You can break down the work into distinct phases
+* You need funding based on completion of specific objectives
 
 ## Time-Based Grants
 
 Time-based grants are not tied to specific deliverables but to the provision of time and effort over a period.
 
-### Key characteristics:
-- Based on dedicated time commitment rather than specific deliverables
-- Suitable for ongoing roles, maintenance, or advisory services
-- Can be structured by hours, days, or months
-- Requires clear scope of work and responsibilities
+**Key characteristics:**
+* Based on dedicated time commitment rather than specific deliverables
+* Suitable for ongoing roles, maintenance, or advisory services
+* Can be structured by hours, days, or months
+* Requires clear scope of work and responsibilities
 
-### When to choose:
-- Your contribution involves ongoing work or maintenance
-- The value is in consistent effort rather than specific outputs
-- Your role requires flexibility in addressing emerging needs
+**When to choose:**
+* Your contribution involves ongoing work or maintenance
+* The value is in consistent effort rather than specific outputs
+* Your role requires flexibility in addressing emerging needs
+
+## Volume Grants
+
+As part of the 2026 mandate, a specific allocation of **4,990,000 COW** is reserved for volume-based incentives.
+
+**Key characteristics:**
+* Targeted at partners and integrations that drive measurable protocol volume
+* Deployed only when partner activity demonstrates clear value multiplication
+* Focuses on strategic growth and liquidity depth
 
 ## Hybrid Grants
 
 Some projects may benefit from combining aspects of both milestone and time-based grants.
 
-### Key characteristics:
-- Combines fixed deliverables with ongoing time commitments
-- Allows for both structured outcomes and flexible contributions
-- Must clearly specify which parts are milestone-based and which are time-based
+**Key characteristics:**
+* Combines fixed deliverables with ongoing time commitments
+* Allows for both structured outcomes and flexible contributions
+* Must clearly specify which parts are milestone-based and which are time-based
 
-The specific grant type must be clearly stated in your application and will be confirmed during the approval process.
+---
 
-## Bonus Allocations
+## Bonus & Partnership Incentives
 
-As introduced in CIP-63, the Grants DAO Committee may award discretionary bonuses to grantees who demonstrate exceptional performance. These bonuses:
+The Grants DAO Committee utilizes a discretionary incentive structure to reward exceptional performance and ecosystem growth:
 
-- Are capped at 10,000 xDAI or equivalent in COW per grant
-- Do not require additional milestones or deliverables
-- Are awarded at the committee's discretion for outstanding contributions
-- May be given for exceptional results, significant ecosystem impact, or extraordinary efficiency
+* **Performance Bonuses:** Committee members may receive up to 1,500 xDAI per month from a quarterly pool, awarded through peer-reviewed evaluation of exceptional contributions.
+* **Partnership Incentives:** Introduced in CIP-82, committee members or partners who secure external ecosystem funding may receive a 5% success fee (capped at 10,000 xDAI), paid from the received external funds on a cash-on-cash basis.
 
 For complete details on grant types and requirements, refer to the [CoW DAO Grant Agreement](https://bafkreifcftgaleyxkekkic36beyveiomqmlwyduyfh3s25zj3uyngr6ht4.ipfs.dweb.link/).
@@ -4,12 +4,16 @@ sidebar_position: 2
 
 # How to Apply for a Grant
 
-This page provides an overview of the application process. For complete details, please refer to the [official Process Guide](https://forum.cow.fi/t/for-cow-grantees-process-guide-feb-2025/2830/2) on the forum.
+This page provides an overview of the application process. For complete details, please refer to the [official Process Guide](https://forum.cow.fi/t/grants-committee-for-cow-grantees-process-guide-feb-2025/2830) on the forum.
+
+:::note
+The Process Guide and Grant Agreement Terms linked below were written under CIP-63 and reference Gnosis Chain for payouts. Under [CIP-82](https://snapshot.box/#/s:cow.eth/proposal/0xe84793f122f1c9faa2bb9194faf71567ffd236df616bd60c300eead541f25304), the Grants Treasury has migrated to **Ethereum Mainnet**. Follow the CIP-82 guidance on this page where there are discrepancies.
+:::
 
 ## Application Steps
 
 1. **Review existing materials**:
-   - Read the [Process Guide](https://forum.cow.fi/t/for-cow-grantees-process-guide-feb-2025/2830/2) and [Grant Agreement Terms](https://bafkreifcftgaleyxkekkic36beyveiomqmlwyduyfh3s25zj3uyngr6ht4.ipfs.dweb.link/)
+   - Read the [Process Guide](https://forum.cow.fi/t/grants-committee-for-cow-grantees-process-guide-feb-2025/2830) and [Grant Agreement Terms](https://bafkreifcftgaleyxkekkic36beyveiomqmlwyduyfh3s25zj3uyngr6ht4.ipfs.dweb.link/)
    - Check the [Grants Program Forum Section](https://forum.cow.fi/c/cow-grants-program/10) for similar past proposals
    - Review [RFPs](https://forum.cow.fi/tags/c/cow-grants-program/10/none/rfp) if you're looking for ideas
 
@@ -21,7 +25,7 @@ This page provides an overview of the application process. For complete details,
 3. **Engage with feedback**:
    - Respond to community questions and committee feedback
    - Refine your proposal based on discussions
-   - Work with your assigned Steward (if one engages with your proposal)
+   - Work with your assigned Steward to ensure strategic alignment with protocol priorities
 
 4. **Submit to Snapshot**:
    - After sufficient discussion, submit your proposal to [Snapshot](https://snapshot.box/#/s:cowgrants.eth)
@@ -35,24 +39,27 @@ This page provides an overview of the application process. For complete details,
 
 ## Evaluation Criteria
 
-Proposals are evaluated based on:
+As per the 2026 mandate (CIP-82), proposals are evaluated with an emphasis on outcome-based results:
 
-1. **Feasibility**: Can your proposal be implemented within the current stage of the CoW Protocol ecosystem?
-2. **Impact**: How significantly will your project benefit the CoW ecosystem?
-3. **Workload estimation**: Is your time and resource estimation reasonable?
-4. **Technical expertise**: Do you have the skills and experience to deliver the proposed outcomes?
+1. **Strategic Alignment**: Does the project address priority areas like developer onboarding, MEV protection, or solver competition?
+2. **Measurable Impact**: What are the expected outcomes (e.g., volume growth, user adoption, or infrastructure improvements)?
+3. **Feasibility**: Can the proposal be implemented effectively within the current protocol architecture?
+4. **Technical Expertise**: Does the team demonstrate the specialized knowledge required for intent-based trading and batch auctions?
 
 ## After Approval
 
 If your grant is approved:
 
-1. A Steward will be assigned if not already done
-2. You'll need to deliver according to your milestones or time-based commitments
+1. A Steward will be assigned to manage the grant lifecycle
+2. Deliver according to your milestones or time-based commitments
 3. Request reviews through the forum when milestones are complete
-4. Payments are typically processed at the end of each month, after review
+4. Upon completion of the grant, you must complete a standardized feedback form to help improve program operations
+5. Payments are typically processed at the end of each month, after technical review
 
 ## Contact and Support
 
 For questions about the grants program:
 - Post in the [CoW Grants Program](https://forum.cow.fi/c/cow-grants-program/10) forum section
 - Visit the #grants channel in the [CoW Protocol Discord](https://discord.gg/cowprotocol)
+- View active progress on the [CoW Grants Hub](https://sovs.notion.site/CoW-Grants-Hub-2a8000c0d59080b18bc3f17b694939b7)
+- Browse grant repositories on the [CoW DAO Grants GitHub](https://github.com/cowdao-grants)
@@ -4,22 +4,20 @@ sidebar_position: 4
 
 # Program Structure
 
-The CoW Grants Program operates under a structured governance framework as defined in [CIP-63](https://snapshot.org/#/cow.eth/proposal/0xa83e2a3e98e9e4dfb41e54efdb94824a5e0e1ec9a2a381bc978ed46ef8f33a24).
+The CoW Grants Program operates under a structured governance framework as defined in [CIP-82](https://snapshot.box/#/s:cow.eth/proposal/0xe84793f122f1c9faa2bb9194faf71567ffd236df616bd60c300eead541f25304), which renewed the program for 2026.
 
 ## Committee Composition
 
-The Grants Committee consists of five members:
+CIP-82 established a five-member committee (three community members and two core team members) with a 3/5 signing threshold, designed to prevent core team veto while maintaining distributed control. Following the departure of [@middleway.eth](https://forum.cow.fi/u/middleway.eth) in March 2026, the committee now consists of four members with a 3/4 threshold:
+
 - **3 Community Members**:
-  - [@Kubesqrt](https://forum.cow.fi/u/kubesqrt)
-  - [@Chim9](https://forum.cow.fi/u/chim9)
-  - [@mfw78](https://forum.cow.fi/u/mfw78)
+  - [@mfw78](https://forum.cow.fi/u/mfw78) (Technical Lead)
+  - [@Chim9](https://forum.cow.fi/u/chim9) (Grant Steward)
+  - [@Sov](https://forum.cow.fi/u/sov) (Grant Steward)
 
-- **2 Core Team Members**:
-  - [@middleway.eth](https://forum.cow.fi/u/middleway.eth)
+- **1 Core Team Member**:
   - [@Master_CoW](https://forum.cow.fi/u/Master_CoW)
 
-The committee operates as a Gnosis Safe with a 4/5 quorum required for approving grants.
-
 ## Committee Roles
 
 Each committee member may serve in one or more of these roles:
@@ -42,32 +40,35 @@ Each committee member may serve in one or more of these roles:
 
 ## Safe Structure
 
-As updated in February 2025, the Grants DAO operates with a streamlined Safe structure:
+As updated in January 2026, the Grants Treasury Safe has been migrated to Ethereum Mainnet to simplify accounting and treasury top-ups:
 
-- The Grants Committee Safe ([`gno:0xCA1F000D520c21C47E6c634DD31b92b91A6338bD`](https://app.safe.global/home?safe=gno:0xCA1F000D520c21C47E6c634DD31b92b91A6338bD)) ([Gnosisscan](https://gnosisscan.io/address/0xCA1F000D520c21C47E6c634DD31b92b91A6338bD)) directly manages grant disbursements
-- CoW DAO acts as the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) of the Committee Safe
-- This structure improves operational efficiency while maintaining DAO oversight
+- The Grants Committee Safe ([`eth:0xCA1F000D520c21C47E6c634DD31b92b91A6338bD`](https://app.safe.global/home?safe=eth:0xCA1F000D520c21C47E6c634DD31b92b91A6338bD)) manages grant disbursements
+- To improve capital efficiency, funds are released in quarterly increments (25% of the annual allocation)
+- The committee maintains the authority to return up to 75% of idle assets to the CoW Treasury
+- CoW DAO remains the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) of the Committee Safe
 
 ## Decision Making Process
 
 1. Grant proposals are submitted on the forum
 2. The committee assigns a steward and reviewer
 3. Community discussion and feedback takes place
 4. The proposal moves to Snapshot for formal voting
-5. With 4/5 committee approval, the grant is executed
+5. With 3/4 committee approval, the grant is executed
 
 ## Grant Lifecycle Management
 
 For each approved grant:
 - A steward oversees the grant's progress
 - A reviewer (internal or external) evaluates technical milestones
 - Monthly payout cycles process approved milestone payments
-- Regular updates are shared with the community
+- Grantee Feedback Forms are completed upon project conclusion to drive operational improvements
+- Regular updates are shared via the [CoW Grants Hub](https://sovs.notion.site/CoW-Grants-Hub-2a8000c0d59080b18bc3f17b694939b7)
 
 ## Communication and Resources
 
 - **Forum**: The [Grants Program Forum Section](https://forum.cow.fi/c/cow-grants-program/10) is the primary communication channel
-- **Discord**: The #grants channel in the CoW Protocol Discord serves as a secondary communication channel
+- **Discord**: The [#grants channel](https://discord.com/channels/869166959739170836/1232280402522275850) in the CoW Protocol Discord serves as a secondary communication channel
 - **Snapshot**: All formal votes happen on the [Grants Program Snapshot Space](https://snapshot.box/#/s:cowgrants.eth)
+- **GitHub**: Grant repositories are hosted on the [CoW DAO Grants](https://github.com/cowdao-grants) organization
 
 For questions about the program structure, please post in the grants section of the forum.