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Instagrants (Rapid Grants)

Instagrants are small, fast grants for builders who are ready to ship but blocked by a modest amount of funding. They sit between bounties and full contracts.

They are designed to:

  • Unblock early experiments on Flare (especially FTSO and data-connector work).
  • Reward high-agency builders without weeks of process.
  • Push projects toward measurable Community GDP.

When to use an Instagrant

Instagrants are a good fit when:

  • The scope is well defined and can be shipped in 2–6 weeks.
  • A single team or builder is clearly responsible.
  • The funding required is small but meaningful: typically $1,000–$5,000 equivalent.
  • The work directly advances Flare adoption, infra, or education.

If the work is smaller and competitive, use a Bounty. If it is larger or multi-milestone with more risk, use a Contract.

Mechanics

  • Grant size — usually $1,000–$5,000 equivalent in approved assets.
  • Decision SLA — reviewers aim to respond within 48–72 hours of a complete application.
  • Disbursement — funds are typically paid in one or two tranches via the escrow system.
  • Reviewers — a small committee of Stewards and programme leads familiar with the domain.

Decisions follow the principle "Believers > Consensus":

  • A grant can be approved if a minimum quorum of reviewers believes the project should exist, even if others are unsure.
  • Reviewers rely on proof-of-work, clarity of scope, and expected impact on Community GDP.

How to apply (builders)

  1. Prepare your scope
    • Problem statement and why it matters for the Flare network.
    • Concrete deliverables and success criteria.
    • Rough timeline (2–6 weeks) and requested budget.
  2. Show proof-of-work
    • Links to previous repos, prototypes, or relevant contributions.
    • Your Flarehub profile with XP and shipped scopes.
  3. Submit the Instagrant form
    • Use the Instagrants intake form linked from the programme hub.
    • Attach artefacts and clearly state how your work could generate Community GDP.
  4. Respond quickly to questions
    • Reviewers may ask for clarifications async.
    • Fast, precise replies keep you inside the 48–72 hour decision window.

If approved, you will receive instructions to set up the corresponding escrow and milestones (if any) and the expected reporting cadence.

Reviewer guidelines (Stewards & leads)

When reviewing Instagrants:

  • Optimise for founder quality and proof-of-work, not pitch polish.
  • Prioritise:
    • Clear contribution to Flare adoption.
    • Credible path to Community GDP (bounties, users, integrations, or follow-on grants).
    • Builders with existing XP and logged artefacts.
  • Default to small yes over long maybe:
    • If you believe in the team and the scope fits the envelope, lean toward funding.
    • Use smaller amounts and tighter milestones when unsure.

Log your decision, rationale, and any conditions in the forum so others can learn from the pattern.

Relationship to XP and GDP

  • Instagrants generate XP for:
    • Builders who deliver milestones.
    • Reviewers who perform due diligence and keep SLAs.
  • Successful Instagrants should show up in Community GDP as:
    • Direct payments to builders.
    • Follow-on deals, grants, or integrations.

See XP & Reputation and Community GDP for how these pieces connect.

Disclaimers

  • Instagrants are discretionary and not guaranteed. Past funding is not a promise of future support.
  • Approved grants may be modified, paused, or cancelled if milestones are not met or new risk arises.
  • Nothing on this page is financial, legal, or investment advice. You are responsible for understanding and complying with local laws.

Next steps

  • Builders: draft a one-page scope and proof-of-work trail before opening an application.
  • Stewards: align on your current Instagrant envelope and decision quorum, and publish it in the forum.
  • Sponsors: if you want to co-fund rapid grants, coordinate with programme leads to define shared scopes and review rules.