Gitcoin Grants 23 Introduces Major QF Updates and Community Rounds

Gitcoin has published new research exploring **antifragile design principles** in decentralized systems. The research examines: - How decentralized systems build resilience beyond simple uptime - Censorship resistance mechanisms - Architecture designed to strengthen under stress - Practical lessons from systems built to last This follows Gitcoin's September focus on what keeps decentralized networks operational and robust over time. [Read the full research](https://gitcoin.co/research/antifragile-by-design-lessons-from-decentralized-resilience)

**Deadline Alert: April 20, 2026 at 9 AM EST** Public Goods Network (PGN) is shutting down following a community governance vote. Users must withdraw their funds before the deadline or they will be transferred to the Gitcoin Foundation treasury. **Key Details:** - PGN closure approved through [governance vote](https://gov.gitcoin.co/t/temp-check-withdrawing-remaining-fees-from-pgn-back-to-the-gitcoin-foundation-q4-2025/22949) - [Snapshot proposal](https://snapshot.org/#/s:gitcoindao.eth/proposal/0x563e16e0e9b5cd722bff424624f391c5a160a7323a56434deca782bfc7c97d22) passed earlier this year - Unclaimed funds after deadline go to Gitcoin Foundation - [Step-by-step withdrawal guide](https://docs.publicgoods.network/using-pgn/claiming-old-funds) available **Action Required:** Check your PGN wallet and withdraw any remaining funds before April 20, 2026.

Gitcoin has released the **deep funding update** for GG24's Web3 Tooling and Infrastructure round. **Key Details:** - Projects can now check their qualification status for deep funding - Part of GG24's six-domain structure allocating **$1.8M total** - First round fully designed through structured sensemaking - Focuses on developer tooling and infrastructure projects This represents Gitcoin's approach to directing capital toward critical Web3 development needs. [Check qualification status](https://gov.gitcoin.co/t/deep-funding-gg24-web3-tooling-and-infra-round/25040)

Gitcoin has outlined a strategic reset for 2026, moving away from its previous approach to focus on three core principles: **The AAA Framework:** - **Alignment**: Fund projects that advance human thriving - **Alpha**: Identify and attract high-potential builders - **Accelerate**: Operate with small, efficient teams **Coalition-First Funding** The platform will require projects to demonstrate 60-70% funding from external sources before receiving Gitcoin support. This approach aims to surface builders with genuine community backing through the upcoming GG25 round. **Experimental Approach** Rather than committing to large-scale initiatives, Gitcoin will run low-budget, time-limited experiments throughout 2026. The organization will only pursue recapitalization and scaling after these experiments show clear traction and legitimacy. This represents a significant shift from Gitcoin's previous grant-making model, emphasizing validation and external support over direct funding. The strategy suggests a more cautious approach following lessons learned from past rounds. [Read the full strategy](https://gov.gitcoin.co/t/gitcoin-2026-strategy-tl-dr/25049/1)

Gitcoin has announced its evolution into version 3.0, marking a significant shift in how public goods funding operates. **The Three Phases:** - **Gitcoin 1.0 (2020)**: Centralized platform focused on Quadratic Funding - **Gitcoin 2.0 (2024)**: Decentralized QF with modular protocols - **Gitcoin 3.0 (2026+)**: Comprehensive portfolio of funding mechanisms **Key Changes:** The new version moves beyond a single funding method to embrace multiple approaches: - Various flavors of Quadratic Funding - Quadratic Voting - Direct Grants - Retroactive public goods funding This transition reflects a broader understanding that different projects and communities need different funding tools. Rather than relying solely on one mechanism, Gitcoin 3.0 aims to provide a complete toolkit for capital allocation. The platform continues its expansion across all EVM-based communities, with tools like Gitcoin Passport extending beyond the original Ethereum ecosystem to protect various blockchain communities from Sybil attacks. This evolution represents a maturation from a single-purpose platform to a diverse ecosystem of funding solutions.