Governance Support Budget
Here you can find all the details about the proposed Governance Support budget for 2025
You can provide feedback on this proposal on the Cardano Forum here
The budget process and supporting documentation represent a collaborative work-in-progress, compiled from inputs across Intersect committees and working groups. All figures, timelines, and proposals are strictly indicative and subject to community feedback, market conditions, and on-chain approvals. Nothing herein is finalized.
Committee members
This proposal was defined by the Cardano Civics Committee and the Cardano Budget Committee via community consultation
Cardano Civics Committee
Chair
Jose Miguel De Gamboa
Secretary
Danielle Stanko
Committee Member
Reshan Fernando
Committee Member
Eystein Magnus Hansen
Committee Member
Taichi Yokoyama
Committee Member
Michael Madoff
Committee Member
Daniela Alves
Committee Member
Mercy F
Committee Member
Takeshi Ohishi
Committee Member
Nicolas Cerny
Committee Member
Vacant Seat
Cardano Budget Committee
Chair
Steve Lupien
Secretary
Lawrence Clark
Voting Member
Kriss Baird
Voting Member
J.J. Siler
Voting Member
Mercy Fordwoo
Voting Member
Jose Velazquez
Voting Member
Kristijan Kowalsky
Voting Member
Pepe Otegui
Voting Member
Shunsuke Murasaki
Voting Member
Rita Mistry
SME
Lloyd Duhon
Proposal Summary
The proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal period will encompass all funding requests made by the Cardano Civics Committee and the Cardano Budget Committee. The primary mandate for allocating these requested funds is to cover several key areas: Sustaining, educating, and evolving the Cardano Constitution, along with the responsibilities of overseeing and facilitating all activities connected to the Cardano Budget Committee, which governs the allocation and management of funds to ensure that resources are used effectively and transparently.
The proposed Governance Support Budget is ₳ 13,170,500. This is to be managed by one Treasury withdrawal action using a smart contract:
June 2025
₳ 13,170,500
Cardano Civics Committee Proposal
Cardano Civics committee ensures that the governance of Cardano is accessible, fair, and transparent.
Cardano Civics committee has identified 3 key focus areas for 2025:
Supporting Governance Participants
DReps: compensation, training, tooling
Constitutional Committee: administration, technical support, legal support, hardware, remuneration, training
SPOs: governance training
Ada holders: Education
- Steward Governance Process
Drive ratification of Constitution on-chain following Convention
Facilitate Constitutional Committee election for new members
Oversees development of tools and processes to enable Cardano governance, including on-chain voting
Cardano Civics Committee events, activities, and remuneration
Facilitate Governance Improvement
Support definition of future governance processes mandated by the Constitution
Gather technical requirements to address new Constitutional provisions
Commission annual report on the state of Cardano Governance
Regional and global events to facilitate cooperation among Cardano governance participants
Cardano Budget Committee Proposal
Budget committees proposal
Audit We plan to allocate funds to engage a globally certified auditor for all financial transactions, ensuring transparency and accountability. The auditor will also verify vendor transactions to confirm the proper use of funds.
Tax We will reserve part of the budget for an international tax advisor to guide Intersect on the tax implications of transferring and converting ADA. This advisor will also help build a comprehensive knowledge base around global tax regulations and best practices for the community.
Financial Experts Additionally, we will enlist financial experts to assist working groups where and when needed. Their primary role includes providing strategic input, assessing financial risks, and optimizing resource allocation to ensure the foundation operates sustainably and effectively.
Other
Budget details
Civics Committee
The detailed spreadsheet can be found here
Requested budget: ₳ 11,270,500
Constitutional Committee sub-bucket
This group is to fulfil the following projects:
Constitutional Committee Compensation
Each Constitutional Committee (CC) member dedicates significant hours to evaluating incoming governance actions, verifying they comply with the Cardano Constitution. Their role demands specialized expertise—spanning legal, technical, and community-focused perspectives—and requires well-documented rationales alongside timely on-chain votes. This monthly compensation of 6000 ADA recognizes both the depth of their responsibility and the swift, consistent commitment needed to uphold constitutional integrity. By fairly compensating these experts, we help ensure transparent, high-quality decision-making in Cardano’s governance process.
Support CC members in performing their duties
₳504,000
Interim Constitutional Committee legal advisory
This allocation for legal advisory ensures newly appointed Constitutional Committee (CC) members can receive professional counsel on matters like entity formation and liability protection. Because the process of joining the CC may involve navigating varying legal frameworks, these funds are set aside to cover potential incorporation or compliance costs. By ensuring each member’s legal footing is secure, we protect both the individual and the broader governance structure from unforeseen complications. Critically, this budget item is a contingency measure, used only if and when new members require legal assistance.
Support CC members in setup
₳160,000
CC Contributor Reimbusement
This budget line item supports a set of operational and technical roles that ensure the Constitutional Committee (CC) can effectively fulfill its governance responsibilities. These roles provide administrative, logistical, and technical support to maintain smooth decision-making processes and secure technical participation. Key responsibilities include coordinating meetings, managing documentation, tracking governance decisions, and facilitating communication between the CC and other governance bodies. On the technical side, these roles ensure the security and functionality of cryptographic infrastructure, oversee multisig signing processes, and maintain the technical tools required for governance operations. By combining administrative and technical expertise, this support structure ensures that the CC can operate efficiently, transparently, and securely within Cardano’s governance framework.
Support for the CC community
₳510,000
Legal CC advisory
This legal advisory fund ensures that the Constitutional Committee (CC) can access professional counsel for any governance, compliance, or liability concerns arising from their collective decisions. As the CC oversees critical on-chain governance processes, obtaining expert legal opinions may be vital to uphold transparency and mitigate risk. By making this reserve available as a contingency only when specific legal guidance is required, we both manage costs responsibly and protect the committee’s ability to act with full legal clarity. Ultimately, this fund safeguards the integrity and accountability of the constitutional governance process.
Support for the CC community
₳700,000
Education and Training - CC
This budget allocation funds a structured education and training program for both new and continuing Constitutional Committee (CC) members, ensuring they fully understand their governance roles and responsibilities. Except for sensitive security content, all training materials will be open source and accessible to the Cardano community, promoting transparency and inclusivity. By providing clear, up-to-date learning resources, the initiative helps new members smoothly integrate while enhancing the collective expertise of the entire CC. Ultimately, this investment bolsters the overall integrity and efficacy of Cardano’s constitutional governance process.
Ensures that CC members have the necesary knowledge when taking up their seat. With specific focus on creating and securely manage CC credentials
₳425,000
CC Hardware
This budget item provides secure hardware for newly appointed Constitutional Committee (CC) members, enabling them to safeguard their signing keys at the highest standard of security. By equipping individuals with dedicated, tamper-resistant devices, we reduce the risk of unauthorized access or compromise that could undermine on-chain governance. Since existing CC members have already been furnished with the necessary equipment, this allocation is strictly for newcomers needing to establish or upgrade their secure key infrastructure. Ultimately, this measure helps maintain the overall security and integrity of Cardano’s governance processes.
CC will need various hardware for safe credential management
₳75,000
CC handover ceremony
This budget item covers the cost of organizing an in-person power transfer ceremony and orientation for newly elected Constitutional Committee (CC) members. Aligning it with an existing major Cardano event creates a public, community-focused moment to formally pass responsibilities and celebrate the new members’ stewardship. The ceremony underlines the gravity of CC roles, while the orientation ensures incoming members quickly understand core processes, responsibilities, and best practices. By hosting it at a prominent event, we enhance transparency, strengthen cohesion, and foster trust in Cardano’s on-chain governance.
₳284,000
DReps
DRep Compensation
Building on the workshops’ outcomes, this line item provides a set-aside for compensating DReps according to the newly established framework. It also covers administrative overhead, such as managing funds disbursement and compliance via Intersect Operational Services. Allocating these resources proactively ensures that DReps’ contributions are recognized and supported without delays. By doing so, we maintain a robust, equitable governance process that encourages active and responsible DRep participation.
₳1,800,000
DRep support definition
This budget covers a dedicated workshop series aimed at collaboratively defining a fair, transparent compensation framework for Delegated Representatives (DReps). Bringing together stakeholders, subject matter experts, and community members ensures the model reflects diverse perspectives and balances both effort and accountability. By crafting a consensus-driven approach, we reinforce trust and consistency in how DReps are rewarded for their critical governance roles. Ultimately, these workshops lay the foundation for a sustainable, community-backed mechanism to compensate DReps.
₳150,000
Education and Training - DReps
Providing comprehensive training modules specifically tailored for DReps ensures they have the knowledge and skills to represent stakeholders effectively in Cardano’s governance processes. By publishing this content as open source, we foster transparency and encourage community-wide collaboration, allowing anyone to remix and adapt the materials. Equipping DReps with best practices in proposal analysis, on-chain voting, and community engagement strengthens the overall quality of Cardano’s governance. Ultimately, well-trained DReps contribute to more informed decisions and a healthier ecosystem.
₳316,500
SPOs
Education and training - SPO Cohort
Dedicated educational materials for Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) offer both technical and governance-related guidance, ensuring operators understand how to maintain reliable infrastructure while supporting the network’s on-chain decision-making. Publishing open source, mixable modules makes this knowledge accessible to all, raising the overall standard of SPO participation. By highlighting best practices for node operation, community engagement, and governance collaboration, we empower SPOs to play a more active, informed role in Cardano’s ongoing evolution. This initiative bolsters the network’s security, sustainability, and collective accountability.
₳316,500
ADA Holders
Education - ADA Holders
A dedicated educational package for ADA holders emphasizes the importance of on-chain governance and highlights avenues for deeper involvement. By breaking down how proposals are formed, discussed, and voted upon, this resource empowers every token holder to become a more informed participant. The content also provides simple, actionable pointers—such as where to track upcoming votes, how to delegate, and ways to contribute to community discussions. Making this knowledge widely accessible ensures that all ADA holders can fully exercise their rights and shape Cardano’s future.
₳316,500
Governance Tooling
DRep tooling
This budget supports an in-depth, community-driven review of DRep tooling needs to ensure a more accessible, transparent, and efficient governance experience for all participants. Through an open consultation process, the community will help identify gaps and opportunities for improvement within the current set of governance tools. Key focus areas may include enhancing voting mechanisms, improving delegation processes, facilitating more structured proposal discussions, and integrating insights from governance actions (GA) outcomes. To address these needs, Governance Tooling grants will be awarded through a transparent and competitive selection process, ensuring that funding is allocated to the most impactful and community-aligned solutions. This may include both the maintenance and enhancement of existing tools, such as GovTool, as well as fostering innovation through the development of new community-driven solutions. By prioritizing inclusivity and broad participation, this initiative aims to strengthen governance infrastructure while ensuring that tools remain adaptable to the evolving needs of the Cardano ecosystem.
numbers wrong
₳2,148,000
CC tooling
This budget supports enabling tools for the Constitutional Committee. This includes maintenance and improvements to public facing tools such as the Constitutional Committee Portal. This also includes maintenance and improvements to shared internal tools such as the Constitutional Committee key management system and other infrastructure.
₳250,000
Additional tooling grants
This budget will support a continuing grant program to fund additional Governance Tooling for new user groups as needs are identified. Likely categories include improved delegate coordination tools, enhanced identity and reputation systems, mechanisms for proposal deliberation and feedback, and integrations with existing governance frameworks. Funding may also be allocated to research initiatives that explore novel voting mechanisms, incentive structures, and the usability of governance processes. As the ecosystem matures, this budget line will ensure that governance infrastructure remains adaptable, accessible, and aligned with the evolving needs of Cardano stakeholders.
₳500,000
Ratify Constitution
Ratify Constitution
This budget supports targeted communications and outreach initiatives to foster broad participation in the Cardano Constitution ratification vote. By proactively engaging DReps, ADA holders, and the wider community, we ensure stakeholders are fully informed on the proposed updates and the importance of casting their votes. Clear messaging, timely reminders, and accessible educational content will lower barriers to participation and minimize confusion. Ultimately, robust community engagement sustains the legitimacy and effectiveness of Cardano’s governance evolution.
₳225,000
CC Elections
CC Elections admin
This budget line item reimburses administrative costs incurred during the Constitutional Committee Elections—covering tasks like logistical planning, communications, and secure voting operations. Only documented, necessary expenses will be paid out, ensuring prudent use of funds and returning any unused amount to the community treasury. By covering actual costs rather than blanket allocations, we uphold transparency and protect members from undue financial burdens. This reinforces the integrity and fairness of the election process.
₳300,000
CC election tool
Funding a specialized vendor to develop a voting stack to elect Constitutional Committee members is pivotal for a secure and transparent election process. This tool will be a community-driven, open-standard solution ensuring that each vote is accurately recorded and tamper-resistant. Engaging an external vendor with proven expertise mitigates technical risks and frees internal resources to focus on oversight and governance. Ultimately, this investment safeguards the integrity of the CC election and reinforces community trust in Cardano’s on-chain governance.
₳40,000
Civics Committee
Annual CCC meeting
This budget covers the costs associated with the Annual Cardano Civics Committee (CCC) Meeting, held in conjunction with another major community event. This gathering brings together both former CC members and newly appointed CC members for a structured transition, fostering continuity in governance. The meeting includes key agenda items such as reflections on the past term, knowledge transfer, and strategic discussions for the year ahead. The handover ceremony serves as a formal recognition of outgoing members' contributions and a welcoming of new members into their roles. Funding supports travel, venue logistics, facilitation, and necessary materials to ensure a productive and ceremonial event that strengthens the long-term integrity of the Civics Committee.
₳150,000
Expert consultation
This budget line item is set aside to engage Governance Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who can provide specialized, multidisciplinary insights when complex governance challenges arise. These experts—drawing from academic, technical, and strategic fields—will assist the committee in evaluating proposals and ensuring that decisions are both well-informed and timely. By maintaining access to such expertise on an as-needed basis, we reinforce the robustness and integrity of Cardano’s governance process while ensuring that all decisions adhere to best practices and evolving standards.
₳125,000
Travel and events budget
This budget allocation covers travel and event expenses for attending five key events throughout the year, ensuring active participation in forums critical for governance and community engagement. These events provide opportunities for direct interaction, feedback, and collaboration, which are essential for strengthening the Cardano governance framework. All travel expenses will be managed in accordance with Operational Services’ standard practices for travel requests, ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility. Ultimately, this investment enhances our capacity to network, share best practices, and bring valuable insights back to our governance processes.
₳150,000
New Constitution Request
Process definition
This budget line item funds the establishment of a dedicated working group tasked with reviewing offline processes mandated by the newly ratified constitution. The group will identify existing gaps and inefficiencies in current offline operations and propose process improvements that ensure compliance with constitutional standards. By systematically analyzing these processes, we can ensure that governance actions are seamlessly integrated both on- and off-chain, reinforcing overall procedural integrity.
₳250,000
Research
Following the working group’s analysis, this budget allocation secures external expert guidance to rigorously review the process recommendations. Independent specialists will validate the proposed enhancements, ensuring that the recommendations are both practical and aligned with best practices. This step not only provides an additional layer of accountability but also bolsters confidence in the implementation of improved offline governance processes.
₳100,000
Technical Requirements Gathering
Gather technical requirements to address new Constitutional provisions
This budget item funds targeted research to identify and document the differences between the current ledger/node implementations and the ratified Cardano Constitution. The goal is to specify clear deliverables that outline areas for potential new developments and improvements. By leveraging community input and expert analysis, this research will provide a detailed roadmap to align the technical infrastructure with constitutional requirements. Ultimately, it lays the groundwork for informed decision-making on upgrades and enhancements within the governance framework.
₳150,000
Expert consultation
Following the research, this budget allocation supports a comprehensive technical review of the resulting recommendations. Independent experts and committee members will rigorously evaluate the feasibility, impact, and implementation strategies of the proposed developments. The review process ensures that each recommendation is validated, thoroughly documented, and aligned with best practices. Publishing the findings alongside the research report promotes transparency and facilitates community-wide informed decision-making.
₳150,000
Governance Improvement Report
Report research
This budget item commissions a comprehensive annual report detailing the state of Cardano governance. The report will consolidate key developments, financial and operational metrics, and a narrative analysis of governance actions throughout the year. By providing an authoritative overview, it enhances transparency and accountability while serving as a critical resource for stakeholders to assess progress and identify areas for improvement.
₳150,000
Ecosystem mapping
This allocation funds an ecosystem mapping exercise designed to identify and analyze key stakeholders within Cardano’s governance landscape. By systematically charting relationships, roles, and influences, the exercise will illuminate the broader ecosystem dynamics and reveal opportunities for more effective collaboration. Such insights are essential for refining governance strategies and ensuring that all voices are accurately represented and engaged.
₳100,000
Data analysis and measurement
This budget item supports a thorough data analysis of governance metrics, providing an empirical basis for evaluating the performance and impact of Cardano’s governance processes. Leveraging quantitative and qualitative data, the analysis will identify trends, measure success, and flag areas of concern. By grounding decision-making in robust data, this initiative reinforces a culture of continuous improvement and informed governance across the Cardano ecosystem.
₳100,000
Governance Conferences, Events, and Meetings
Regional governance events
This budget supports regional governance events, meetings, and conferences that engage local Cardano communities in decentralized decision-making. These gatherings provide education, discussion forums, and capacity-building opportunities for participants involved in governance roles, such as DReps, SPOs, and community leaders. Funding covers venue costs, facilitation, translation services, and travel support to ensure accessibility and inclusive participation across diverse regions. By fostering localized discussions on governance challenges and opportunities, these events strengthen the global Cardano ecosystem and enhance the effectiveness of decentralized governance at all levels.
₳300,000
Annual governance conference
This budget covers the organization and execution of the Annual Governance Conference, a flagship event bringing together key stakeholders from across the Cardano ecosystem to discuss the evolution of decentralized governance. The conference serves as a platform for DReps, SPOs, Constitutional Committee members, researchers, and community leaders to engage in high-level discussions, share insights, and collaborate on governance initiatives. Funding supports venue costs, speaker engagements, workshop facilitation, travel support, and event materials to ensure a well-structured and impactful gathering. This conference plays a critical role in advancing governance best practices, fostering alignment on key governance challenges, and strengthening the long-term resilience of Cardano’s decentralized governance model.
₳425,000
Miscellaneous
Refund Ikigai
A refund of the 100,000 ADA Deposit from the Ikigai Info action, transaction ID 59fd353253eb177e2104e8f23ea4c63e3d32ef95c7865d03e90d3884424dc1db
₳100,000
Cardano Budget Committee
The detailed spreadsheet can be found here
Requested budget: ₳ 1,900,000
SME for media services
Contract: Fixed-Price contract. Contract for services for Budget Subject Matter Expert (SME) specializing in media services encompassing advertising, public relations, and digital marketing strategies. This role involves managing financial allocations for media projects, analyzing market trends, and providing recommendations to optimize resource use for effective campaign execution. As this requirement existed in 2024 and rolled into 2025, it shall continue with Mellod Design until the contract ends or is terminated. Should this requirement exist in 2026, the requirements shall follow the procurement process and thus be subject to tendering.
Ensure clear communication channels to the community for budget-related content
₳600,000
Audit Working Group
Contract: Fixed-Price contract. Audit Working Group: This request is to cover the costs relating to - Develop a document outlining audit requirements that fulfill the needs of global audits for both fiat and cryptocurrency. - Utilize GovTool to obtain approval of requirements from CC/DReps. - Develop RFI/RFP documents, including acceptance criteria and a matrix. - Utilize Operational Services to engage third-party companies for obtaining delivery quotes. - Utilize GovTool to obtain approval from CC/DReps regarding the suggested auditing firms. - Develop and publish clear operational procedures for performing an audit. - Create and publish defined operational procedures for performing an audit. - Conduct audits on Fiat and Crypto quarterly (as needed); reports will be shared during quarterly reviews and made public.
Collates and gains approval from DReps on how and who will perform financial audits on their behalf
₳400,000
Tax Working Group
Contract: Fixed-Price contract. Tax Working Group: This request is to cover the costs relating to: - Engage third-party experts or materials to help us understand global tax requirements. - Avoiding Penalties and Legal Issues: - Optimization of Tax Burden - Compliance with Reporting Requirements - Impact on Business Decisions - Minimizing Tax Evasion Risks - Enhanced Corporate Reputation - Preparation for Regulatory Changes - Assess the impact on Cardano Development Holdings. - Document the risk appetites related to tax.
Provides documentation outlining the tax implications of the budget for the benefit of the committees, community, and DReps.
₳200,000
Budget Process
Contract: Fixed-Price contract. Budget Process Working Group This request is to cover the costs relating to procurement of a research facilitator or team to produce research outputs that include: - Collect feedback from all Cardano committees - Conduct community-based sessions to gather feedback on the budget process from those that have participated in the process - Documenting and publishing the comprehensive budget process. - Education focused on explaining the budget process to the community The outputs of this research would be produced for the Budget Committee with a set of recommendations for proposed changes.
Provides a documented budget process communicated to the community for others to follow
₳100,000
Budget summit
Budget ProcessTransparency to DReps: * Provide DReps with a comprehensive overview of the budget process and opportunities to provide direct feedback to the budget committee. 2. DRep Event for Financial Presentation: * Organize an event and digital presentation session for all DReps, designed to deliver a detailed overview of the financial landscape. * Key elements supplied by Deliver Assurance include budget performance, forecasting, and strategic financial planning tailored to each DRep's area of responsibility. * Encourage interactive discussions to address specific queries and provide clarity on any financial concerns. 3. Budget Committee Travel: * Travel logistics for the Budget Committee, including key locations for in-person meetings, if necessary, as part of the summit preparation and to support their participation. 4. Budget Tooling and Resources: * Implement and introduce new or updated budget management tools and platforms to streamline tracking, analysis, and forecasting. * Offer hands-on training for DReps to ensure proficiency with the tools, ensuring all team members can easily access and utilize financial data. * Continuously assess and improve tooling based on feedback to enhance budget accuracy, transparency, and efficiency. Note: the above should be done in collaboration with all other committees to remove duplications.
Provides the community the opportunity to get involved in the budget process, along with engaging with them at appropriate events.
₳600,000
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