Hey there, crypto enthusiasts! If you’ve been keeping an eye on the blockchain space, you’ve probably noticed the buzz around grants and how they’re handed out. Today, we’re diving into an intriguing thread from Dami.base.eth that sheds light on a fresh approach to supporting blockchain projects. Spoiler alert: it’s less about throwing money at new ideas and more about rewarding traction and providing smart support!

The HurupayApp Story: $5M Without a Grant

Let’s start with the star of the show—HurupayApp. This project has racked up an impressive ~$5 million in volume, and here’s the kicker: they didn’t get a single grant from the Base ecosystem to get there. Instead, Dami highlights how the team focused on something arguably more valuable—marketing pushes and connections to ecosystem partners. Since January, this strategic support has helped HurupayApp thrive without relying on upfront funding.

This approach flips the traditional grant model on its head. Rather than giving money to unproven projects and hoping for the best, the focus here is on backing teams that have already shown they can deliver. It’s like giving a gold star to the kid who’s already aced the test instead of betting on potential!

Why Retroactive Grants Make Sense

Dami’s thread suggests that grants should be retroactive—awarded after a project proves its worth. This idea ties capital to traction, ensuring both the project and the funders get a solid return on investment. Imagine you’re a startup founder: getting a grant after hitting a milestone like $5M in volume feels like a well-deserved pat on the back, not a risky handout.

This concept isn’t entirely new. If you check out Optimism’s blog on retroactive public goods funding, you’ll see they’ve been experimenting with similar ideas. The key is aligning incentives—projects work hard to build something real, and funders step in to amplify that success.

Marketing Pushes Over Cash Handouts

So, what exactly does a “marketing push” entail? For HurupayApp, it meant getting the word out and linking up with the right players in the Base ecosystem. This kind of support can include social media campaigns, partnerships, or even intros to potential collaborators. It’s a force multiplier that helps projects grow organically rather than relying solely on a cash injection that might dry up in months.

Compare this to the criticism we’ve seen in other threads, like Uttam’s take on ineffective grants. Many new blockchain chains throw grants and hackathons at developers, only to see little long-term impact. Dami’s point is that strategic support beats a quick buck any day.

The Bigger Picture for Blockchain Growth

This shift toward retroactive grants and marketing support could be a game-changer for the Web3 world. Projects in regions like West Africa, as mentioned by destinyspoke.base.eth, are already benefiting from this model. With help in team formation, GTM strategies, and integrations, these teams are building sustainable products rather than chasing short-term grant money.

For meme token fans and blockchain practitioners, this is a goldmine of insight. It’s not just about the next viral coin—it’s about creating lasting value in the ecosystem. If you’re a developer or entrepreneur, take note: bootstrapping and proving your worth might just land you the support you need.

What’s Next?

The conversation doesn’t stop here. Replies to Dami’s thread, like RJ’s comment on bootstrapping FundiProtocol, show that others are eager for similar marketing boosts after proving their mettle. As the blockchain space evolves in 2025, we might see more ecosystems adopt this traction-first approach.

So, what do you think? Is this the future of blockchain funding, or just a niche strategy? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the discussion going! For more juicy updates on meme tokens and Web3 trends, stick with us at meme-insider.com.