The Polygon network has unveiled a major initiative aimed at accelerating innovation and expanding its ecosystem. Through the launch of its Community Grants Program (CGP), Polygon will allocate 35 million MATIC tokens to support early-stage blockchain projects built on the Polygon and Ethereum networks. This marks a pivotal step in the evolution of Polygon 2.0, reinforcing its mission to become a scalable, interconnected, and developer-first platform.
Advancing the Polygon 2.0 Vision
Polygon 2.0 represents the next phase in the network’s development, introducing the Value Layer—a unified framework designed to enable infinite scalability and seamless interoperability across chains. At the core of this upgrade is the transition from MATIC to the new native POL token, which launched on the Ethereum blockchain on October 25, 2023.
Despite this transition, MATIC remains fully functional for staking, gas payments, and network operations. Token holders can swap their MATIC for POL on a 1:1 basis, but such conversion is not currently required for developers, validators, or users. This ensures a smooth migration path without disrupting ongoing projects.
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To support long-term growth, the Community Treasury—established through decentralized governance—will release 1 billion POL tokens over ten years, with approximately 100 million POL distributed annually to fund innovation. However, due to the ongoing transition period, Season 01 of the CGP will disburse grants in MATIC rather than POL.
Fueling Innovation Through Community Grants
The Community Grants Program is designed to nurture builders who are pushing the boundaries of decentralized technology. By offering early-stage funding, Polygon aims to lower entry barriers and empower teams to experiment with novel applications in DeFi, gaming, identity, infrastructure, and more.
An independent Community Treasury Board will oversee the grant distribution process, ensuring transparency, fairness, and alignment with community values. The program operates under an open funding model, where trusted Grant Allocators—experienced contributors within the ecosystem—help evaluate and distribute portions of the funds.
“Builders are the heart of Polygon’s success. Over the last few years, it is you, dear builder, at every turn, developing Polygon and building with Polygon technology, becoming a pioneer at the forefront of global innovation,” said a representative from Polygon Labs.
This emphasis on community-driven development reflects Polygon’s commitment to decentralization and long-term sustainability.
Grant Details and Eligibility Criteria
The application window for CGP Season 01 opens on June 11, 2024, and will remain open until August 31, 2024. During this period, developers and project teams can apply for grants ranging from 5,000 to over 50,000 MATIC, depending on scope, impact, and stage of development.
The total funding pool for this season is capped at 35 million MATIC, making it one of the most significant developer incentive programs in the current crypto landscape.
To qualify, projects must meet the following criteria:
- Be built on or actively migrate to the Polygon network
- Demonstrate a clear roadmap for long-term development
- Align with the core principles of decentralization and open access
- Contribute meaningful value to the broader Web3 ecosystem
Funded initiatives may include protocol development, developer tools, educational content, community events, or infrastructure upgrades that enhance network performance and usability.
Core Keywords Driving Ecosystem Growth
This initiative underscores several key themes central to Polygon’s strategy:
- Polygon 2.0
- MATIC
- POL token
- Community Grants Program
- Web3 development
- Layer 2 scaling
- Decentralized ecosystem
- Blockchain innovation
These keywords not only reflect current trends in the blockchain space but also align with high-intent search queries from developers, investors, and researchers exploring scalable solutions on Ethereum-compatible networks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Polygon Community Grants Program?
The Community Grants Program (CGP) is an initiative by Polygon to fund early-stage projects that contribute to the growth of its ecosystem. It provides financial support to developers building on Polygon or Ethereum, with Season 01 offering up to 35 million MATIC in funding.
Do I need to convert MATIC to POL to receive a grant?
No. While Polygon has introduced the new POL token as part of Polygon 2.0, all grants in Season 01 will be distributed in MATIC. There is no requirement for recipients to swap their tokens at this time.
Can non-technical projects apply for funding?
Yes. While technical development is a primary focus, the program also welcomes applications from non-technical initiatives such as community outreach, education, research, and content creation—provided they add measurable value to the ecosystem.
How are grant recipients selected?
Applications are reviewed by professional Grant Allocators and evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, team experience, and potential impact. Final oversight is managed by the independent Community Treasury Board to ensure fairness and transparency.
Is there a deadline for submitting applications?
Yes. The application period for CGP Season 01 runs from June 11, 2024, to August 31, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.
Can international teams apply?
Absolutely. The program is open to developers and teams worldwide, as long as their projects are built on or integrated with the Polygon network.
Building the Future of Web3 Together
By allocating 35 million MATIC to support emerging talent and innovative ideas, Polygon is reinforcing its position as a leader in Layer 2 scaling and decentralized infrastructure. The CGP isn’t just about funding—it’s about cultivating a vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystem where builders can thrive.
As Polygon 2.0 continues to roll out, these grants will play a crucial role in attracting top-tier developers, fostering cross-chain collaboration, and driving real-world utility for blockchain technology.
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With transparent governance, substantial funding, and a clear vision for scalability and interoperability, Polygon is setting a new standard for community-powered growth in the Web3 era. For developers looking to build the future, now is the time to get involved.