Author: Marco Gonzalez
Editor: Randall Roland

Pomelo seasons last about three months. EOS’ new quadratic funding model isn’t yet a year old. Over that brief period, Pomelo demonstrates more promise than any other decentralized funding solution. Furthermore, the advantages of decentralized (over traditional) finance have profound implications for community-based funding.

Quadratic funding leverages the advantages of blockchain to allow for unprecedented community-backed financial support. At its heart, quadratic funding employs the wisdom of the crowd to determine distribution. Pomelo and Gitcoin outshine other grant options and expect to become the model for future community-funded projects.

Quadratic funding is about more than money. Funds get to where a community needs them most. Public goods are at the heart of Pomelo’s mission. Increased community engagement and meaningful project discussions illustrate the effectiveness of Pomelo’s funding distribution.

Pomelo pitch sessions occur throughout the week. Project-centered community discussions are hosted by a variety of independent entities. The combined dynamic of independent projects, promoted by various sources with a focus on community engagement, strengthens the core fabric of the ecosystem.

Nowhere is there a more vibrant, committed, and diverse inspiration of ideas actively working together toward meaningful ends. Blockchain’s ability to empower people, and EOS’ capacity for quick, secure transactions, make it all possible.

Pomelo projects come from the independent minds of community members. Each project creator must provide a pitch and is responsible for marketing their own idea. Pomelo’s structure serves to accomplish at least three positive outcomes for the community:

Seasons one and two gave rise to EOS projects for use by the community today. EOS Bees and translation projects are just a couple of examples.

The first two seasons also prove that quadratic funding helps sustain ongoing projects. Anchor and EOS Authority are two long-standing mainnet projects that attracted a lot of community support. Pomelo projects even support the platform itself. Port supports Pomelo by aiding in sybil attack prevention. EOS Support is another example of a Pomelo-funded project that brings together the community for the public good.

One of the greatest inhibitors to EOS reaching its potential has been the community’s lack of ability to act. Over the years, inspired ideas echoed throughout the mainnet. Many believed in solutions that addressed mainnet weaknesses. Unfortunately, funding from either block producers or Block.one were few and far between, if not entirely non-existent.

Pomelo, alongside the EOS Network Foundation, provides regular funding for the community. Pomelo stands apart because of how it connects community members to its distribution of funds. Independent donations serve as project approval, added funding, and encourage development. It’s also independent donations that have the greatest leverage over matching fund distribution.

Grant creators find that Pomelo helps promote their projects and respect within the community. The Pomelo database can aid symbiotic relationships. Developers can browse projects for expected deliverables and develop their ideas in support, and/or advancement, of independent work being done by others.

Pomelo’s success is evident in the ongoing development and discussions occurring during the off-season. Project creators who believe they’re working toward a public good demonstrate a willingness to commit their time, effort and funds in advance of a new season.

As one might imagine, newfound innovation inspires deeply meaningful conversations. Pomelo project pitching events invariably extend beyond funding rounds. Social engagements and meetings often take on a life of their own. There’s no sign of efforts slowing down.

Of course, there are certain advantages that early Pomelo projects will inevitably enjoy. Less competition for funds is one. As more project creators become aware of Pomelo, competing for funds will inevitably become more challenging.

Pomelo is designed to last. So too are efforts made by the ENF. Public goods support all types of work efforts that promote a better future for the community at large. Looking a bit deeper, Pomelo projects already employ community members, and thus, recycle funds.

The mainnet’s future is bright. It’s driven by the community’s willingness to work together, diverse ideas, rising matching funds, and recycled investments. EOS has become a place where both community members (through Pomelo) and developers (through the ENF) can work toward common goals for truly special results.

One might say that EOS has finally realized its dream, even ascending beyond the early visions of its DAWN.