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.
Gitcoin 1.0 (2020) = centralized QF Gitcoin 2.0 (2024) = decentralized QF Gitcoin 3.0 (2026+) is built for the decentralized plurality of ways we can fund what matters in the 21st century - a whole portfolio of mechanisms, case studies, apps, and providers.
Public Goods Network Shutdown: Withdraw Funds by April 20

**Urgent deadline approaching for PGN users** Public Goods Network (PGN) is shutting down, and users have until **9 AM EST on April 20, 2026** to withdraw their funds. **Key details:** - Any unclaimed funds after the deadline will be transferred to the Gitcoin Foundation treasury - The shutdown follows a governance vote passed earlier this year - Users can access step-by-step instructions for claiming funds **Resources available:** - [Governance discussion](https://gov.gitcoin.co/t/temp-check-withdrawing-remaining-fees-from-pgn-back-to-the-gitcoin-foundation-q4-2025/22949) - [Snapshot vote results](https://snapshot.org/#/s:gitcoindao.eth/proposal/0x563e16e0e9b5cd722bff424624f391c5a160a7323a56434deca782bfc7c97d22) - [Fund claiming guide](https://docs.publicgoods.network/using-pgn/claiming-old-funds) - [Claim assistance tool](https://pgnclaim.vercel.app) **Action required:** Check your PGN wallet and initiate withdrawal before the April 20 deadline.
Trust Beats Fancy Mechanisms in Public Goods Funding
**Trust precedes coordination, and coordination precedes capital allocation** - a fundamental insight often overlooked in public goods funding. **Key examples:** - **Protocol Guild** uses a simpler allocation mechanism than quadratic or retroactive funding, yet succeeds because Ethereum core developers built trust through years of collaborative work - **2021-2022 DAO boom** saw multisig treasuries governed by strangers who met online weeks earlier - many collapsed when voting snags required trust to resolve **The takeaway:** Programs investing in relational infrastructure upfront outperform those focused solely on mechanism design. Durable coordination requires trust as its foundation. [Read the full research](https://gitcoin.co/research/trust-precedes-coordination)
馃敡 Gitcoin Research: Mechanism Pluralism as Survival Requirement
Gitcoin has published research highlighting **mechanism pluralism** as a critical survival requirement for web3 ecosystems. **Key Points:** - The research explores why diverse funding and coordination mechanisms are essential - Builds on previous work about mechanisms and their practical applications - Connects to Gitcoin's broader framework of mechanisms and apps Read the full research: [Mechanism Pluralism: A Survival Requirement](https://gitcoin.co/research/mechanism-pluralism-survival-requirement)
馃敡 Gitcoin GG24 Deep Funding Results
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 Pivots to Lean Experimentation Model for 2026
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)