# Introduction You are reading documentation for the Glow retroactive funding program. ## What is the Glow program? Glow is an experimental funding program designed and run by XRPL Commons which aims to reward participants in the XRPL ecosystem retroactively. This project builds on previous work by XRPL Commons and Kudos to identify ways to reward people contributing to the XRPL ecosystem. This project also builds on extensive consultation with community members and Ripple to design a funding program that complements existing funding offerings in the community, such as the Grants and Aquarium programs. The program aims to initially reward work done [retroactively](/program-information/core-principles/frequency), specifically meaningful contributions which have been made in the last six months. This is an experimental program and documentation is subject to change while we fine tune it. ## How does it work? The Glow program is run via a dedicated web application built with Nuxt.js, which has the following key features: * Allows [Scouts](/program-information/core-principles/glossary#scouts) to search for or create projects and contributors, then [nominate](/program-information/core-principles/glossary#nominations) them for their valuable contributions to [eligible projects](/project-eligibility). * Allows contributors to submit their own [eligible projects](/project-eligibility). * Provides a [voting](/program-information/core-principles/glossary#votes) mechanism for XRPL wallet holders to connect wallets like Xaman or GemWallet or Crossmark, verify ownership, and cast votes on nominations * Enables [Judges](/program-information/core-principles/glossary#judges) to review nominations, assess eligibility criteria, and assign appropriate reward[ sizes](/program-information/core-principles/shirt-size) (Small, Medium, or Large) * Notifies contributors of their nominations and guides them through the application process * Manages contributor applications including terms acceptance, eligibility verification, and XRPL wallet connection * Facilitates KYC verification when required, for instance, before disbursement * Handles disbursement through [Kudos](/program-information/core-principles/glossary#kudos) integration, sending funds directly to verified XRPL wallets ## Transparency & Openness The Glow program provides an open operating process through public documentation of all the workflows involved in the funding program. The platform is designed with transparency as a core principle, with clear roles and permissions for Scouts, Voters, Judges, and Contributors. The platform tracks all nominations, votes, assessments, and grant decisions to ensure a transparent and auditable funds attribution process for all parties involved. Please refer to the [key processes](/program-information/key-processes) section for detailed information on specific workflows, and the [technical documentation](/technical-resources/platform-architecture) section for implementation details. ## Who can apply? Contributors can apply directly or can be nominated by Scouts. When nominated by a Scout, contributors receive an email notification inviting them to complete an application on the Glow platform. The application process includes: 1. Account creation or login 2. Terms acceptance 3. Eligibility verification 4. Wallet connection 5. Application form submission 6. KYC verification (if required) Check out the [eligibility criteria](/program-information/core-principles/eligibility) for detailed information on who can receive funding through the program. ## Platform Status (June 2026) * **Current Wave**: Wave #5 * **Application Status**: Open for submissions through August 31, 2026 * **Shirt Sizes**: Small, Medium, Large * **Supported Wallets**: Xaman (formerly XUMM), GemWallet, Crossmark ## Additional Resources * [**Project Eligibility**](/project-eligibility): Detailed criteria for eligible projects * [**Technical Documentation**](/technical-resources/platform-architecture): Platform architecture and implementation details * [**User Guides**](/user-guides/contributor-guide): Role-specific guides for platform participants # Project Eligibility Guidelines for determining what projects are eligible for funding through the Glow program. ### Overview To qualify for funding through the Glow program, a project must align with the program's goal of supporting development, tooling, standards, and documentation within the XRPL ecosystem. Projects must be freely available to the community and demonstrate clear value to the broader XRPL ecosystem. This has been expanded to include freemium products where a substantive, genuinely useful tier is available to the community at no cost. What remains ineligible: paywalled products, token-centric projects with no immediate utility, and anything that delivers minimal real value. ### Affiliation Glow funds independent work — contributions made outside the scope of your employment. It is not intended to compensate anyone for work performed as part of their day job. You're welcome to submit regardless of where you work, as long as the contribution itself is independent. When submitting, you'll be asked whether the contribution is independent of your employment: * Yes — the work was done independently of any job or paid role * No / Partly — the work overlaps with your employment or a paid role If you answer No or Partly, you'll briefly describe the overlap (the employer or role, and how the contribution relates to it). This disclosure is shown to Voters, marked with an information badge (ⓘ) on the submission, so they can weigh that context when deciding whether the contribution should be rewarded. Disclosing an overlap does not disqualify your contribution — it gives Voters the full picture. ### Project Categories The Glow platform recognizes contributions across multiple categories as implemented in the submission process. When creating a submission, Scouts and contributors can select from the following project categories: #### 1. Solving Technical Debt Projects aimed at improving the maintainability and reliability of the XRPL codebase by addressing technical debt are eligible. This includes: * Removing unused or redundant code * Simplifying complex code structures for better readability and performance * Writing unit, integration, and end-to-end tests to ensure code robustness * Providing tools for code analysis, debugging, or optimization #### 2. Improving the Core Protocol Contributions that enhance the underlying protocol of XRPL itself are eligible for funding. This can involve: * Optimizing consensus algorithms for speed or efficiency * Implementing security improvements or fixing protocol vulnerabilities * Adding new features to the XRPL core that improve scalability, stability, or performance #### 3. Improving Existing Standards Eligible projects may also focus on enhancing current XRPL-related standards, such as: * Refining existing standards (e.g., transaction formats, account structures) * Improving security, interoperability, or performance of established standards #### 4. Creating New Standards Participating in the creation of new standards for the XRPL community is also fundable. This includes: * Drafting and proposing new standards * Collaborating with the community to define best practices #### 5. Improving Documentation or Creating Example Code Educational and community-building contributions are essential for expanding XRPL adoption and understanding. Eligible projects include: * Enhancing existing documentation to make it more accurate, comprehensive, or easier to follow * Creating detailed tutorials, guides, or walkthroughs on XRPL functionalities * Developing example code to help developers understand best practices or new features #### 6. Creating Community Tools Tools that provide value to the wider XRPL community are considered fundable. Some examples are: * Blockchain explorers that provide transparency and accessibility to data on the ledger * Wallets or tools for managing XRP and other assets on the XRPL * Analytical tools that provide insights into transaction patterns, account activity, or ledger performance #### 7. Supporting Infrastructure Contributions to infrastructure that supports the XRPL ecosystem: * Node deployment and scaling solutions * Developer environments and testing frameworks * Monitoring and alerting systems for XRPL networks * Interoperability solutions with other blockchains ### Submission Process Projects can enter Glow two ways: a Scout can nominate a contribution, or a contributor can submit their own project directly. Both follow the same process and are evaluated against the same criteria. Each submission must: * Identify one or more existing projects in the platform, or create new project entries * Provide a detailed description of the specific contribution * Select the project category that best describes the contribution * Explain how the contribution provides value to the XRPL ecosystem * State whether the contribution is independent of your employment, and describe any overlap where applicable When a Scout nominates a contribution, the contributor is notified and completes the remaining application steps themselves. ### Evaluation Criteria Judges evaluate project eligibility based on several factors: * **Alignment with XRPL Ecosystem**: The project must contribute directly to the XRPL ecosystem * **Open Access**: The contributions must be freely available to the community * **Quality**: Code, documentation, or other contributions must demonstrate high quality * **Impact**: The contribution must demonstrate meaningful impact or utility * **Recency**: Contributions should have been made within the last 6 months * **Not Previously Funded**: The contribution should not have been previously funded by Glow or another program # Key Processes This section details the core workflows and processes involved in the Glow retroactive funding program. Each document explains a specific stage of the funding cycle from the perspective of both the platform and its users. ## Program Workflows * [**Nominations**](/program-information/key-processes/nominations)**:** How Scouts identify and nominate contributors for their work on eligible projects. * [**Submissions**](/program-information/key-processes/submissions): How Contributors submit their own projects for work on eligible projects. * [**Community Voting**](/program-information/key-processes/community-voting)**:** The process for XRPL wallet holders to connect their wallets, verify ownership, and vote on submissions. * [**Judging**](/program-information/key-processes/judging)**:** How Judges evaluate submissions based on eligibility criteria, community votes, and contribution impact to assign shirt sizes. * [**Recipient Application**](/program-information/key-processes/recipient-application)**:** The steps contributors take to complete their application — accepting terms, verifying eligibility, and connecting wallets — whether they applied directly or were nominated by a Scout. * [**Disbursement**](/program-information/key-processes/disbursement)**:** The process for distributing approved rewards to contributors via their connected XRPL wallets, including KYC verification and payment processing. *** For questions about any process, contact . # Nominations Scouts nominate XRPL ecosystem contributors ## **Scouts** Scouts are remarkable community members with a significant online presence who regularly interact with the XRPL community. Initially, Scouts were selected from active participants, including social media thought leaders, developer relations, and recipients of past XRPL Grants, and XRPL Aquarium programs. Scouts can elect other Scouts, helping to grow the network of community advocates who identify valuable contributions to the XRPL ecosystem. ## **How Nominations Work** Scouts log in to the Glow Platform and follow a guided two-step process to nominate contributors: 1. **Select or create project and contributor** — Scouts first select (or create) the project and contributor they wish to nominate 2. **Submit nomination details** — Scouts then provide detailed information about the contribution ## **Project Management** #### *Searching Projects* Scouts can search for existing projects on the platform. If the project doesn't exist, they can create a new one. #### *Adding New Projects* When adding a project, Scouts must provide: * **Project name (required)**: A unique name for the project * **Project description (required)**: A succinct summary of the project's main goals * **GitHub repository (required)**: The official project repository * **X (Twitter) handle (optional)**: The project's official X/Twitter account * **Website URL (optional)**: The project's website ## **Contributor Management** *Searching Contributors* Scouts can search for existing contributors on the platform by name. If the contributor doesn't exist, they can create a new profile. *Adding New Contributors* When adding a contributor, Scouts must provide: * **First name** (required) * **Last name** (required) * **Email address** (required) * **GitHub username** (required) * **X/Twitter handle** (optional) * **Contributor Since** (required): The date when the contributor started working on XRPL projects * **Contributor Until** (optional): End date, if applicable ## **Making a Nomination** *Eligibility Screening* Before submitting a nomination, Scouts must verify: * **Is the nominee over 18?** (required) * **Is the nominee or any project team members located in a restricted region?** (Syria, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, or specific regions of Ukraine) * **Is the nominee or any project team members on any Sanctions List?** Contributors who fail any of these eligibility criteria cannot be nominated for funding. ***Nomination Details*** For eligible contributors, Scouts must provide: * **Project category** (required): Select the category that best describes the contribution: * Solving Technical Debt * Improving the Core Protocol * Improving Existing Standards * Creating New Standards * Improving Documentation or Creating Example Code * Creating Community Tools * Supporting Infrastructure * **Achievement description** (required): A detailed description of the specific contribution (max 2000 characters) ## **Post-Nomination Process** * **Community Voting**: Once nominated, the contribution becomes visible on the community voting platform * **Judge Review**: Judges will assess the nomination based on specific criteria including: * Verification the contributor is over 18 * Confirmation they have genuinely contributed to the project * Verification the work was done within the last 6 months * Confirmation the work was not previously funded * Assignment of appropriate shirt size * **Contributor Application**: Nominees receive an email invitation to apply for funding * **Disbursement**: Approved nominees receive their reward after completing all required steps ## **Nomination Management** Scouts can view all their submitted nominations for the current Wave, including: * Contributor name * Project name * Contribution description * Nomination date * Current vote count *** For questions about nominations, contact . # Submissions Submitting projects to Glow directly Contributors can submit their own projects to Glow directly, without needing a Scout nomination. This is the self-application path: if you've built or maintained something that contributes to the XRPL ecosystem, you can put it forward yourself. ## How Submissions Work Contributors log in to the Glow Platform and follow a guided process to submit their own project: 1. **Select or create the project** — Find your project on the platform, or create a new entry if it doesn't exist yet 2. **Submit contribution details** — Provide detailed information about the specific contribution you're putting forward ### Project Management #### Adding New Projects When adding a project, contributors must provide: * **Project name** (required): A unique name for the project * **Project description** (required): A succinct summary of the project's main goals * **GitHub repository** (required): The official project repository * **X (Twitter) handle** (optional): The project's official X/Twitter account * **Website URL** (optional): The project's website ### Making a Submission #### Eligibility Screening Before submitting, contributors must confirm: * **Are you over 18?** (required) * **Are you or any project team members located in a restricted region?** (Syria, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, or specific regions of Ukraine) * **Are you or any project team members on any Sanctions List?** Submissions that fail any of these eligibility criteria cannot be considered for funding. #### Affiliation Disclosure If you are employed by Ripple or an affiliated organization (XRPL Commons, XRP Ledger Foundation, etc.), you must disclose this when submitting. Affiliation does not disqualify a contribution — Glow welcomes independent work regardless of where you work — but the disclosure is shown to Voters, who weigh that context when deciding whether a contribution should be rewarded. #### Submission Details Contributors must provide: * **Project category** (required): Select the category that best describes the contribution: * Solving Technical Debt * Improving the Core Protocol * Improving Existing Standards * Creating New Standards * Improving Documentation or Creating Example Code * Creating Community Tools * Supporting Infrastructure * **Achievement description** (required): A detailed description of the specific contribution (max 2000 characters) ### Post-Submission Process 1. **Review**: Submissions are first reviewed to confirm they meet basic eligibility and quality standards before being published. This step helps keep the platform free of spam and incomplete or out-of-scope entries. 2. **Community Voting**: Once approved, the contribution becomes visible on the community voting platform 3. **Judge Review**: Judges assess the submission based on specific criteria, including: * Verification the contributor is over 18 * Confirmation they have genuinely contributed to the project * Verification the work was done within the last 6 months * Confirmation the work was not previously funded * Assignment of appropriate shirt size 4. **Application**: Contributors complete the application steps — accepting terms, verifying eligibility, and connecting a wallet 5. **Disbursement**: Approved contributors receive their reward after completing all required steps ## Submission Management Contributors can view all their submissions for the current Wave, including: * Project name * Contribution description * Submission date * Current vote count *** For questions about submissions, contact . # Community Voting XRPL wallet holders can cast votes and support their favorite submissions. ## How It Works Any XRPL account holder can participate in the program by voting for submissions. ### Vote Activation XRPL wallet holders must first connect their wallet to the platform using supported wallets. To cast votes, a wallet holder must prove ownership by signing a minimal one-drop transaction. This registration process enables the wallet holder to vote on all submissions for current and future waves. Each wallet can cast only one vote per submission. ### Types of Votes Three types of votes can be cast: * **Upvote (Yay):** +1, indicating support for the submission * **Downvote (Nay):** -1, indicating opposition to the submission * **Remove vote (Null):** Removes a previously cast vote Users can change their vote at any time by clicking the voting buttons. The total community votes are tallied and displayed for each submission, helping to inform the judges' evaluations. ## Impact of Voting Community votes are used to evaluate submitted projects. For more details, see the [Judging section](/program-information/key-processes/judging). *** For questions about voting, contact . # Judging Judges attribute shirt sizes to submissions. Judges review submissions and community voting, assigning shirt sizes (small, medium, or large) to contributors based on the impact and eligibility of their work. ## Who Are the Judges? Judges are experienced program administrators, initially selected from the XRPL Commons team. Over time, judges may be sourced from the pool of Scouts, with limits on consecutive Wave participation to ensure fairness and diversity. ## Size Determination Before evaluating a submission, Judges verify the [eligibility criteria](/legal-documents/documents/self-eligibility-criteria) for each contributor by answering specific questions: 1. Is the contributor over 18? (Yes/No) 2. Does the contribution fall within an eligible category? (Yes/No) 3. Is the work recent (within 6 months)? (Yes/No) 4. Has the work been previously funded? (Yes/No) Each submission in the active Wave is reviewed by at least three Judges. Based on their assessment, Judges assign a shirt size: * **Small**: Minor contributions or fixes * **Medium**: Substantial improvements or features * **Large**: Major contributions with significant impact * **Decline**: Contributions that do not meet eligibility criteria The size determination considers: * Level of community and Scout support * Community votes * Contribution impact and quality * GitHub activity and metrics See [Shirt Size](/program-information/core-principles/shirt-size) for more information on size determination criteria. ## Final Assessment After individual assessments are submitted, the platform compiles all evaluations and presents them to Judges for a final review and consensus. *** For questions about judging, contact . # Recipient Application Nominees are notified to fill out a recipient application Contributors must complete an application to receive funding. Contributors who submitted their own project continue directly to the application steps; contributors nominated by a Scout receive an email notification inviting them to apply through the Glow platform. ## Completing Your Application Whether you applied directly or were nominated by a Scout, you complete your application through the Glow platform. ### Application Steps The application process consists of several required steps, completed in sequence: 1. **Account Creation:** Create an account or log in with existing credentials. 2. **Terms and Documentation:** Review and accept the [Terms of Service](/documents/terms-of-service) and [Code of Conduct](/documents/code-of-conduct). 3. **Eligibility Confirmation:** Complete a questionnaire covering: * Age verification (must be 18+) * Location check (not in sanctioned regions) * Sanctions list verification * Employment disclosure (disclose if employed by Ripple or an affiliated organization) * Status check (not currently a Scout or Judge) * Funding verification (work was not previously funded) 4. **Wallet Registration:** Connect an XRPL wallet using supported providers (Xaman, GemWallet, Crossmark). 5. **Application Information:** Submit additional details: * Previous XRPL Grants participation (Yes/No) * Previous XRPL Aquarium participation (Yes/No) * Website (optional) * GitHub profile (optional) * X/Twitter account (optional) * Additional relevant information (optional) After submitting the application, the information is reviewed by administrators before final approval and disbursement. *** For questions about the recipient application process, contact . # Disbursement How rewards are disbursed to contributors ## Reward Disbursement Process Once a contributor has been approved for funding through the judging process, the platform manages the disbursement of funds through the following steps: ### 1. Eligibility Verification Before any funds can be disbursed, the system verifies that: * The contributor has completed their application * The submission has been approved by judges * Required KYC verification has been completed (if applicable) * The contributor has connected a valid XRPL wallet ### 2. Shirt Size Determination The final shirt size is determined based on: * Judge assessments (Small, Medium, or Large reward designation) * Multiple judge reviews to ensure fair assessment * The most frequent assessment is typically used as the final determination ### 3. Payment Processing The platform integrates with the Kudos system for payment processing: * A Kudos pool is created for each Wave of approved submissions * Each submission is processed with its determined shirt size * Contributors receive their rewards directly to their registered XRPL wallet address * The platform records transaction details for transparency and audit purposes ### 4. Notification When disbursement is complete: * Contributors receive an email notification about their payment * The platform provides a record of the transaction for reference *** For questions about disbursement, contact . # Core Principles This section outlines the fundamental values and guidelines that shape the Glow program. These principles ensure fairness, transparency, and impact throughout the grant process. For details on each principle, see the documents below: * [Eligibility](/program-information/core-principles/eligibility) * [Frequency](/program-information/core-principles/frequency) * [Shirt Size](/program-information/core-principles/shirt-size) * [Transparency](/program-information/core-principles/transparency) * [Glossary](/program-information/core-principles/glossary) # Eligibility These criteria determine who can receive a reward from the Glow Program ## Individual Contributors The Glow funding program rewards individual contributors only. Companies and institutions are not eligible. * Contributors must be over the age of 18. * Contributors must not be located in restricted regions (Syria, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, or the Crimea, Donetsk, or Luhansk regions of Ukraine). * Contributors must not be on any sanctions list or act on behalf of sanctioned individuals. * Contributors employed by Ripple or an affiliated organization (Interledger Foundation, XRPL Commons, XRP Ledger Foundation, etc.) may submit work developed independently of their employment, subject to disclosure. Affiliation is shown to Voters. * Contributors should not serve as Scouts or Judges in the Wave for which they are nominated. * Submissions can only apply to contributions made in the last six months. * The work must not have been previously funded through Glow or another program. * Only one reward per individual can be allocated per Wave, but contributors can be nominated multiple times. * Contributors must connect an XRPL wallet to receive funds. * Some shirt sizes may require KYC verification before disbursement. ## Infrastructure and Core Protocol Priority is given to projects that enhance the core infrastructure or protocol. ## Eligible Projects Eligible projects include any product, tool, documentation, or initiative that delivers meaningful, accessible value to the XRPL community. This includes fully open-source projects and freemium projects where a substantive, genuinely useful tier is available to the community at no cost. Ineligible: paywalled products, token-centric projects with no immediate utility, and anything that delivers minimal real value. Rewards are made to individual contributors, not to companies or institutions — though a contribution may originate from a project of any business model. # Frequency Glow is meant to be a recurring funding program to support developer journeys over time. The goal of Glow is to reward both new and ongoing participation in the XRPL ecosystem. To achieve this, the Glow program disburses funds in recurring rounds, called Waves. The timing of each Wave is announced for that round. ## Eligibility Considerations Glow is a retroactive funding program, designed to reward projects where value has already been at least partly realized and demonstrated. Contributions are eligible for funding for up to 6 months from the time the contribution was made. ## Why is the Program Recurring? The goal is to give contributors a clear path to make increasingly significant contributions to the XRPL ecosystem. Reward sizes are intended as stepping stones, starting small and gradually increasing as the contributor gathers support and makes more impactful contributions. # Reward Size Like T-shirts, rewards come in three sizes, depending on the level of contribution: small, medium, and large. ### Overview The Glow platform uses a standardized system for determining reward sizes. Judges evaluate each submission against specific criteria and assign one of three reward sizes based on the contribution's impact, complexity, and effort. ### Reward Categories #### Small Designed to acknowledge initial contributors or modest contributions. This reward expresses appreciation for participation and encourages further involvement. Typically awarded for bug fixes, minor improvements, or first-time contributions to the XRPL ecosystem. #### Medium Intended to reward more significant contributions. This reward supports those making a notable impact within the XRPL ecosystem. Awarded for feature implementations, significant improvements, or ongoing maintenance of important projects. #### Large Reserved for full-time contributors. This reward aims to support and incentivize sustained work on projects that advance the XRPL ecosystem. Awarded for major contributions that demonstrate exceptional impact, innovation, or technical excellence. ### Determination Process Reward sizes are determined through a structured assessment process: 1. **Eligibility Check:** Judges first verify that the contribution meets the eligibility criteria. 2. **Quality Assessment:** Each judge evaluates the contribution's technical quality, complexity, and impact. 3. **Community Impact:** Judges consider community votes and the level of community and Scout support. 4. **Consensus:** Multiple judges (typically three) review each submission independently. 5. **Final Decision:** The most common assessment among judges determines the final shirt size. ### Reward Sizes at a Glance | Size | When it's awarded | | ------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Small | To reward initial contributions, encourage further engagement, or say thank you. | | Medium | To reward recurring contributions and/or contributions that have a significant impact on the XRPL ecosystem. | | Large | To reward large contributions that likely took full-time commitment and achieved excellence in a noteworthy way. | # Transparency The Glow project is open and transparent by default ### Wave Transparency For each Wave, the identities of Scouts and Judges are public. Additionally, all submissions and their final assessments are made public. To preserve the independence of Scouts and Judges, the specific actions taken by each individual are not disclosed. Only aggregate results are released. # Glossary These are terms frequently used throughout this documentation **Contributors** Individuals who have made meaningful contributions to projects. A contributor should not have already received funding — through Glow or another program — for the specific contribution being put forward. **Glow** A retroactive funding program. Only past contributions are rewarded, ensuring the work has already been done and the community has received value. **Judges** Seasoned program administrators who review all data about a submission and attribute a shirt size. Initially, judges are members of the XRPL Commons team, but over time they will be sourced from existing Scouts, with limits on consecutive Wave participation to ensure fairness and diversity. Typically, 3 Judges evaluate each project, and the combination of evaluations creates the final rewards list. **Kudos** [Kudos](https://github.com/LoremLabs/kudos) is a service developed by Lorem Labs. Kudos is a new way of rewarding creation while keeping the best parts of the "free Internet". Kudos creates an *attribution economy* where end users record those who help them, and then later optionally fund their accounts with a monthly fee which is proportionally distributed to all kudos attributions they generate for that month. Kudos is used under the hood by the Glow platform to reward XRPL ecosystem contributors. **Nominations** A submission made on a contributor's behalf by a Scout. Scouts can nominate contributors for their work in a given Wave, which enables community voting for that specific contribution and project. Several Scouts can nominate the same project, increasing the chance of a higher shirt size. The more support a contribution gathers, the higher it ranks on the Judges' list. (Contributors can also put their work forward themselves — see **Submissions**.) **Projects** Any product, tool, documentation, or other initiative that delivers meaningful, accessible value to the XRPL ecosystem. These include fully open-source projects such as xrpld, explorers, wallets, and standards proposals, as well as freemium projects offering a substantive, genuinely useful tier to the community at no cost. **Retroactive** Glow is a retroactive funding program. Only past contributions are rewarded, ensuring the work has already been done and the community has received value. **Scouts** Remarkable individuals in the community who are typically visible and known, and who see many projects in the course of their day-to-day. Scouts are entrusted with nominating meaningful contributions in a given Wave. Every Scout can occasionally elect other Scouts. You can view Scouts for a given Wave on the public Scouts page of the corresponding Wave. **Shirt Size** The level of a reward — Small, Medium, or Large — assigned by Judges based on the impact, complexity, and effort of a contribution. See [Reward Size](/program-information/core-principles/shirt-size) for detail. **Submissions** The umbrella term for a contribution put forward for funding, whether nominated by a Scout or submitted directly by the contributor. Both paths follow the same process and are evaluated against the same criteria. Submissions are what Voters vote on and Judges assess. **Votes** XRPL wallet holders cast votes on submissions through the Glow platform. To vote, users must connect their wallet using supported providers like Xaman (formerly XUMM), GemWallet, or Crossmark, then register by signing a minimal 1 drop transaction to verify wallet ownership. This registration enables voting on all submissions in current and future Waves. A single wallet can cast one vote per submission, which can be changed at any time. Three voting actions are available: upvote (+1), downvote (-1), or remove vote (0). The platform tracks and displays the total community score for each submission, which helps inform judges' evaluations. Submissions with higher vote counts are typically prioritized during the review process. **Wave** A recurring funding round. Submissions are compiled and allocated per Wave, with each Wave typically starting where the previous one ended. The timing of each Wave is announced for that round. (Some technical and internal pages still use "cohort" to refer to the same grouping in the platform's data model.) # Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions about the Glow program This comprehensive FAQ section addresses common questions about the Glow program, covering all aspects from eligibility to disbursement. ## **General Questions** *What is the Glow program?* Glow is an experimental funding program designed and run by XRPL Commons which aims to reward participants in the XRPL ecosystem retroactively. It recognizes and rewards valuable contributions to the XRPL ecosystem that have already been completed and demonstrated value. *Why is it called "retroactive" funding?* Glow is retroactive because it rewards work that has already been completed, rather than funding future work. This ensures the community has already received value from the contribution before funding is provided. *How is Glow different from other funding programs?* Unlike traditional grants or accelerator programs that fund future work, Glow specifically rewards past contributions. It complements existing funding offerings in the XRPL ecosystem, such as the Grants and Aquarium programs, by focusing on work that has already provided value to the community. *What types of projects are eligible for Glow funding?* Eligible projects include any product, tool, documentation, or initiative that delivers meaningful, accessible value to the XRPL community. This includes fully open-source projects and freemium projects where a substantive, genuinely useful tier is available to the community at no cost. Ineligible: paywalled products, token-centric projects with no immediate utility, and anything that delivers minimal real value. *How often is funding distributed?* Glow runs in recurring rounds called Waves. The timing of each Wave is announced for that round. ## **Roles & Participation** *What are the different roles in the Glow program?* There are four primary roles: * Scouts: Community members who identify and nominate potential contributors * Community Voters: XRPL wallet holders who can vote on submissions * Judges: Individuals who evaluate submissions and determine shirt sizes * Recipients: Contributors who receive funding after being approved *How do I become a Scout?* Scouts are remarkable individuals in the community who are typically visible and well known, and who see many projects in the course of their day-to-day. Existing Scouts occasionally have the ability to elect new Scouts. You can view current Scouts on the public Scouts page for each Wave. *How do I become a Judge?* Initially, Judges are members of the XRPL Commons team. Over time, they may be sourced from existing Scouts, with limits on consecutive Wave participation to ensure fairness and diversity. *Can I apply directly?* Yes. You can submit your own project directly through the Glow platform, or you can be nominated by a Scout. Both paths follow the same process and are evaluated against the same criteria. ## **Eligibility** *Who is eligible to receive Glow funding?* Funding is made to individual contributors, not companies or institutions (though a contribution may originate from a project of any business model). To be eligible: * You must be over 18 years old * You must not be located in a restricted region or on any sanctions list * You should not serve as a Scout or Judge in the Wave for which you are submitted * Your contribution must have been made within the last 6 months * You can receive only one reward per Wave * Your contribution must be to an eligible project, and must not have been previously funded through Glow or another program *Can I participate if I work for an organization in the XRPL ecosystem?* Yes. Glow is open to contributors regardless of where they work. Glow funds independent work — contributions made outside the scope of your employment — and is not intended to compensate anyone for work performed as part of their day job. When submitting, you'll be asked whether the contribution is independent of your employment; if it overlaps, you describe the overlap, and that disclosure is shown to Voters (marked with an information badge) so they can weigh the context. Disclosing an overlap does not disqualify your contribution. *Can Scouts or Judges receive funding?* Judges cannot receive funding in Waves where they serve as Judges. Anyone currently serving as a Scout or Judge should declare this status during the application process. *Are projects that received other funding eligible?* Contributions that have already been funded through Glow or another program are not eligible, since Glow rewards work that hasn't been separately funded. *Can I be nominated for multiple contributions?* Yes. A contributor can be submitted or nominated multiple times, which may increase the chance of a higher shirt size. However, you can receive only one reward per Wave. ## **Submission & Nomination** *How does the process work?* Contributors can submit their own project directly, or a Scout can nominate a contribution. Projects and contributors are added to the Glow platform if they don't exist yet. For each submission, details about the contribution and when it was completed are provided. Once submitted, community voting is enabled for that contribution. *What information is needed?* * For projects: name, description, GitHub repo, X handle, and website URL * For contributors: name, email, GitHub, X handle, and active dates * For the contribution: a description, the date it was completed, and whether the work is independent of your employment *Can I nominate myself?* You don't need to — you can submit your own project directly. Scout nomination is an additional path, not the only one. ## **Voting** *How does voting work?* XRPL wallet holders can vote on submissions. To participate, wallet holders first prove their wallet is active by signing a minimal one-drop transaction. Once verified, they can cast votes on all submissions in current and future Waves. *What types of votes can be cast?* Three types: yay (+1), nay (-1), or null (0). A single wallet can cast only one vote per submission. *How do votes affect the decision?* Votes inform the Judges' evaluation. Submissions with more community support are prioritized for review. ## **Shirt Sizes** *What are the different sizes?* Rewards come in three sizes, often called "shirt sizes": * Small: For initial contributions, to encourage further engagement, or to say thank you. * Medium: For recurring contributions and/or those with significant impact on the XRPL ecosystem. * Large: For extensive contributions that demonstrate sustained, high-impact work. *How is the shirt size determined?* Judges determine shirt sizes based on the level of community and Scout support, community votes, GitHub activity, and the overall impact of the contribution. Each submission is typically evaluated by at least 3 Judges, and the combined assessment determines the final shirt size. ## **Application Process** *What happens after I submit or am nominated?* If you submitted directly, you continue to the application steps. If you were nominated by a Scout, you'll receive an email invitation to apply through the Glow platform. You'll complete several forms to proceed. *What forms do I need to complete?* * Terms and conditions acceptance * Code of conduct acceptance * Self-eligibility declaration * Application form completion *Do I need to complete all forms every time?* For your first application, you complete all forms. For subsequent submissions, only validation of the application form is required. ## **KYC and Disbursement** *What is KYC and why is it required?* KYC ("Know Your Customer") verifies the identity of recipients. KYC, along with KYT (Know Your Transaction) and KYW (Know Your Wallet) checks, helps ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. *Who conducts the KYC process?* Kudos conducts KYC verification for Glow recipients. *How are rewards disbursed?* Rewards are paid in XRP. Once KYC is validated, funds are disbursed to your specified XRPL wallet address. *What happens if I don't pass KYC?* If you don't pass KYC verification, you won't be able to receive the reward, and the funds will be reallocated to the next Wave. *How long does disbursement take?* Disbursement occurs upon successful KYC validation. Timelines may vary, but the goal is to process efficiently. ## **Technical Issues and Support** *What if I encounter issues with the Glow platform?* For technical issues, reach out to the support team via the contact information on the Glow website. *How do I connect my XRPL wallet?* The platform provides a "Connect Wallet" option that guides you through connecting your XRPL wallet for voting or receiving funds. *What if I made an error in my wallet address?* Double-check your wallet address when providing it. As stated in the terms, the recipient is responsible for errors in the wallet address, and payments sent to incorrect addresses due to user error are still considered complete. ## **Transparency and Governance** *What information about the program is public?* For each Wave, the identities of Scouts and Judges are public, as are all submissions and their final assessment. To preserve the independence of Scouts and Judges, their specific actions are not disclosed — only aggregate results are released. *How is the program governed?* The Glow program is designed and run by XRPL Commons, with designated Scouts and Judges operating according to established principles of transparency and fairness. ### Can I provide feedback on the program? Yes, feedback on the Glow program is welcomed and can help improve future Waves. Please reach out through the official channels provided on the Glow website. # Code of Conduct ## Introduction The Glow program is committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming, and harassment-free experience for all participants, regardless of background, identity, or experience level. This Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all community members—including contributors, scouts, judges, voters, and administrators. By participating in the Glow program, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct in all interactions, both online and offline, related to the program. ## Our Standards Examples of behavior that contribute to a positive environment include: * Using welcoming and inclusive language * Being respectful of differing viewpoints and experiences * Gracefully accepting constructive criticism * Focusing on what is best for the community * Showing empathy toward other community members Examples of unacceptable behavior include: * The use of sexualized language or imagery * Trolling, insulting, or derogatory comments; personal or political attacks * Public or private harassment * Publishing others' private information without explicit permission * Any other conduct that could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a professional setting ## Responsibilities ### Scouts * Nominate contributors based on merit, not personal relationships * Provide accurate and honest descriptions of contributions * Respect the privacy and preferences of those they nominate * Disclose any potential conflicts of interest ### Judges * Evaluate submissions objectively using consistent criteria * Recuse themselves from assessing submissions where conflicts of interest exist * Maintain confidentiality regarding deliberations and sensitive information * Provide constructive feedback when requested ### **Contributors** * Provide accurate and honest descriptions of your contributions * Disclose any relevant context, including whether the work overlaps with your employment * Submit only work you genuinely contributed to ### All Participants * Report any violations of this Code of Conduct to the Glow support team * Cooperate with investigations into reported incidents ## Reporting and Enforcement Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in warnings, removal from the program, or other actions as deemed appropriate by the Glow administrators. To report a violation or concern, please contact . *** Thank you for helping to make the Glow community welcoming and respectful for everyone. # Terms of Service ## Introduction These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Glow platform ("Platform"), operated by XRPL Commons ("we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of the Terms, you may not access the Platform. ## Definitions * **User:** Any individual accessing or using the Platform, including Scouts, Judges, Contributors, and Voters. * **Contributor:** An individual who submits, or is nominated for, a contribution to the XRPL ecosystem. * **Scout:** An individual authorized to nominate contributors for funding. * **Judge:** An individual authorized to evaluate submissions and determine reward allocations. * **Voter:** An XRPL wallet holder who participates in the community voting process. * **Grant:** A reward in XRP provided to eligible contributors (also referred to as a "reward" elsewhere in the program documentation). ## User Registration and Accounts ### Account Creation To access certain features of the Platform, you must create an account. When creating an account, you agree to: 1. Provide accurate, current, and complete information 2. Maintain and update your information as needed 3. Keep your password secure and confidential 4. Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account 5. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account ### Wallet Connection For voting and grant disbursement, you must connect an XRPL wallet to the Platform. By connecting your wallet, you: 1. Certify that you are the legitimate owner of the wallet 2. Agree to sign transactions necessary for verification and grant reception 3. Accept responsibility for maintaining the security of your wallet ## Platform Rules and User Conduct ### General Conduct All users of the Platform agree to: * Act respectfully and professionally in all interactions * Comply with all applicable laws and regulations * Not engage in fraudulent, abusive, or harmful behavior * Provide accurate and complete information, including any required disclosures about your contribution. * Follow the [Code of Conduct](/documents/code-of-conduct) ## Termination We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at our discretion, including for violations of these Terms or the Code of Conduct. ## Changes to Terms We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms. ## Contact For questions about these Terms, contact . # Platform Architecture Technical overview of the Glow platform architecture and components ## Overview The Glow platform is a modern web application built with Nuxt.js (Vue 3) to facilitate the retroactive funding process for XRPL ecosystem contributors. The platform connects Scouts, Contributors, Judges, Voters, and Admins in a streamlined workflow. ## Tech Stack * **Frontend Framework:** [Nuxt.js](https://nuxt.com/) (Vue 3) * **UI Components:** [@nuxt/ui](https://ui.nuxt.com/) * **Styling:** Tailwind CSS * **Server-Side:** Nuxt server middleware * **Database:** MongoDB * **Authentication:** Custom auth module with session-based authentication * **XRPL Integration:** Wallet connectivity for voting and wallet registration ## Core Modules ### 1. Auth Module Manages user sessions and role-based access control: * Role management: Admin, Scout, Judge, Contributor, Voter * Session persistence * Route protection based on user roles * Password management ### 2. Wallet Connectivity Facilitates voting and wallet registration: * XRP Ledger wallet integration * Transaction signing * Wallet address verification * Support for multiple wallet providers (Xaman, GemWallet, Crossmark, etc.) ### 3. API Services * RESTful endpoints for all platform operations * Secure data access and validation * Integration with external services (XRPL, KYC, etc.) *** For technical questions or support, contact . # Application Workflow Technical overview of the Glow application workflow The Glow platform implements a structured workflow for retroactive funding of contributions to the XRPL ecosystem. This document provides a technical overview of the process from submission to disbursement. ### Wave Creation A Wave represents a time-bounded collection of submissions processed together. > Note: In the platform's data model, a Wave is represented by the `Cohort` model. The terms refer to the same grouping — "Wave" is the public-facing name, "cohort" the internal schema name. #### Technical Implementation Waves are managed through the `Cohort` model with key fields: * `name`: Wave identifier (e.g., "Wave 1") * `startDate`: When the Wave begins accepting submissions * `endDate`: When the Wave closes (null for active Waves) * `status`: Current state of the Wave Only one Wave can be active at a time. When a submission is created — whether a Scout nomination or a direct contributor submission — it is automatically associated with the currently active Wave (where `endDate` is null and `startDate` is in the past). The admin interface allows administrators to: * Create new Waves * Set start dates * Close Waves by setting end dates * View all submissions within a Wave ### Submission Process Submissions enter the platform two ways: a Scout nominates a contribution, or a contributor submits their own project directly. Both create the same underlying record and follow the same downstream workflow. #### Step 1: Authentication Scouts and contributors authenticate using their credentials through the authentication module. Role-based access control ensures Scouts can create nominations and contributors can create direct submissions. #### Step 2: Project and Contributor Selection **Nomination Workflow (Scout)** 1. **Scout Authentication** * Scout logs in to the Glow platform * System verifies scout role permissions 2. **Project Management** * Scout searches for existing projects * **If project exists:** * Scout selects the existing project * **If project doesn't exist:** * Scout creates a new project with required details: * Project name * Description * GitHub repository * X handle * Website URL 3. **Contributor Management** * Scout searches for the contributor * **If contributor exists:** * Scout selects the existing contributor * **If contributor doesn't exist:** * Scout creates a new contributor record with: * First and last name * Email address * GitHub username * X handle * Role (creator, maintainer, contributor, editor) * Active dates * Status 4. **Nomination Creation** * Scout provides contribution details: * Description of contribution * Date of contribution * System creates a submission linking: * Selected contributor * Selected project(s) * Current Wave * Scout information **Direct Submission Workflow (Contributor)** 1. **Contributor Authentication** * Contributor logs in to the Glow platform 2. **Project Management** * Contributor searches for an existing project or creates a new one with the required details (name, description, GitHub repository, X handle, website URL) 3. **Submission Creation** * Contributor provides contribution details (description, date of contribution, project category) and the independence/employment disclosure * System creates a submission linking the contributor, the selected project(s), and the current Wave, with no associated Scout **Workflow Diagram** Login (Scout or Contributor)\ │\ ▼\ Search Projects\ │\ ├─────────────┐\ │ │\ ▼ ▼\ Project Exists? Project Doesn't Exist\ │ │\ │ ▼\ │ Create Project\ │ │\ │ │\ ▼ │\ Select Project │\ │ │\ └──────┬──────┘\ │\ ▼\ Identify Contributor\ (Scout selects/creates; direct submitter is the contributor)\ │\ ▼\ Create Submission ```mermaid flowchart TD A[Login: Scout or Contributor] --> B[Search Projects] B --> C{Project exists?} C -->|Yes| D[Select Project] C -->|No| E[Create Project] E --> D D --> F[Identify Contributor] F --> G[Create Submission] ``` Note: The diagram above is a simplified representation of the workflow. In actual implementation, the system uses API endpoints for these operations. The platform provides search functionality with API endpoints: * `/api/projects/search` - Find existing projects * `/api/contributors/search` - Find existing contributors When creating new records: * New projects are added through `/api/projects` * New contributors are added through `/api/contributors` #### Step 3: Submission Details When creating a submission, the submitter provides: * Contribution description * Contribution date * Project category * Independence/employment disclosure The system automatically records: * Wave ID (active Wave) * Submitter information (Scout for nominations; contributor for direct submissions) * Timestamp #### Technical Implementation Submissions are stored in the `Nomination` model with relationships to: * `contributorId`: Reference to the Contributor being put forward * `projectsIds`: References to Projects involved * `cohortId`: Reference to the current Wave * `nominatorId`: Reference to the Scout making the nomination (null for direct contributor submissions) ### Voting Process #### Step 1: Wallet Connection Voters authenticate by connecting their XRPL wallet. This integration occurs through: 1. Wallet provider selection (Xaman, GemWallet, Crossmark, etc.) 2. Connection via the corresponding wallet provider API 3. Address verification #### Step 2: Wallet Verification To prevent spam, voters must prove wallet ownership by signing a small transaction (1 drop) to a designated verification address. This registration is stored in the `Voter` model. #### Step 3: Casting Votes Voters browse submissions through public pages and can cast three types of votes: * Yay (+1) * Nay (-1) * Null (0) The voting system enforces one vote per submission per wallet. #### Technical Implementation Votes are stored in the `Vote` model with: * `voterId`: Reference to the Voter * `nominationId`: Reference to the Submission * `vote`: The vote value * `timestamp`: When the vote was cast API endpoints for voting: * `GET /api/nominations/list` - View submissions * `POST /api/votes` - Cast votes * `PUT /api/votes/:id` - Update votes ### Judging Process #### Step 1: Judge Review Judges review submissions with access to: * Contribution details * Project information * Contributor information * Community voting metrics #### Step 2: Assessment Creation Judges evaluate submissions against eligibility and quality criteria: 1. Is the contributor over 18? 2. Does the contribution fall within an eligible category? 3. Is the contribution recent work (within 6 months)? 4. Has the work been previously funded (through Glow or another program)? #### Step 3: Reward Size Assignment Based on their assessment, judges assign a shirt size: * Decline (0) * Small (1) * Medium (2) * Large (3) Multiple judges assess each submission, typically a minimum of three. #### Step 4: Final Approval Once all submissions in a Wave have been assessed, judges conduct a final review and approve the distribution. #### Technical Implementation Judge assessments are stored in the `JudgeAssessment` model: * `nominationId`: Reference to the Submission * `userId`: Reference to the Judge * `status`: 'approved' or 'declined' * `criteria`: Object containing evaluation criteria results * `comment`: Optional judge feedback * `rejectionReason`: Required if status is 'declined' Key judge-related API endpoints: * `GET /api/nominations/metrics` - View submission metrics * `POST /api/judgeAssessments` - Create assessments * `PUT /api/judgeAssessments/:id` - Update assessments * `POST /api/nominations/actions/approve` - Approve final distributions ### Contributor Application Process #### Step 1: Notification Contributors nominated by a Scout receive email notifications about their nomination. Contributors who submitted directly continue straight to the application steps. #### Step 2: Account Creation If contributors don't have an account, the system facilitates account creation with the 'contributor' role. #### Step 3: Eligibility Verification Contributors must complete an eligibility questionnaire covering: * Age verification (18+) * Sanctioned region check * Independence/employment disclosure (disclose if the contribution overlaps with employment at Ripple or an affiliated organization) * Conflict of interest checks (not a Scout or Judge in the relevant Wave) #### Step 4: Terms Acceptance Contributors must accept: * Terms of Service * Code of Conduct #### Step 5: Wallet Registration Contributors register their XRPL wallet to receive funds. #### Step 6: Application Submission Contributors complete their application with additional project details: * Previous XRPL Grants or Aquarium participation * Website, GitHub, and social media links * Additional project information #### Step 7: KYC Verification Contributors may need to complete KYC verification through the integrated verification service. #### Technical Implementation The contributor journey is managed through: * `Contributor` model with verification fields * `KycVerification` model for KYC status * API endpoints for: * Getting contributor status * Updating eligibility * Accepting terms * Registering wallet * Submitting application details ### Disbursement Process #### Step 1: Verification Check The system verifies all requirements are met: * Submission approved by judges * Contributor completed application * KYC verification (if required) * Valid XRPL wallet connected #### Step 2: Payment Processing Payments are processed through XRPL transactions to the contributor's registered wallet. #### Step 3: Transaction Recording All disbursements are recorded for transparency and audit purposes. ### Integration Points The workflow integrates with several external systems: #### Email Service * Used for notifications to contributors * Account verification * Status updates #### XRPL Network * Wallet connectivity * Transaction signing * Payment disbursements #### KYC Provider * Identity verification * Compliance checks ### Security Measures The workflow includes multiple security controls: * Role-based access control * Wallet signature verification * Multi-judge approval requirements * KYC verification * Transaction validation # User Roles & Permissions Detailed explanation of user roles and permissions in the Glow platform The Glow platform uses a robust role-based access control system with five distinct user roles. Each role has specific permissions and responsibilities within the platform ecosystem. ### Admin Role Administrators have full system access and management capabilities. #### Permissions * Create, edit, and delete users of all roles * Manage Waves (create, update, close) * Access all platform data and metrics * Configure system settings * View audit logs * Manage projects and contributors #### Responsibilities * System oversight and maintenance * User management and support * Monitoring program integrity * Managing the Wave lifecycle * Overseeing the disbursement process ### Scout Role Scouts identify and nominate valuable contributions to the XRPL ecosystem. #### Permissions * Create and manage nominations * Create and edit project records * Create and edit contributor profiles * View nomination status and voting metrics * Access personal profile settings #### Responsibilities * Identify impactful projects and contributors * Submit high-quality nominations * Ensure nomination data accuracy * Follow the Glow Code of Conduct #### Nomination Process 1. Search for or create project records 2. Search for or create contributor profiles 3. Create a nomination with detailed contribution description 4. Monitor nomination status through voting and judging phases ### Judge Role Judges evaluate submissions and determine reward allocations. #### Permissions * Review all submissions in assigned Waves * Access voting statistics and community feedback * Create and edit assessments for submissions * Rate contributions according to defined criteria * Approve final distributions #### Responsibilities * Evaluating eligibility of submissions * Reviewing contribution quality and impact * Assigning appropriate shirt sizes (Small, Medium, Large) * Providing feedback on contributions * Participating in final assessment meetings * Approving Wave distributions #### Assessment Criteria Judges evaluate submissions based on: * Eligibility (18+, not in sanctioned regions, etc.) * Whether the contribution falls within an eligible category * Recency of work (within 6 months) * Whether the work was previously funded (through Glow or another program) * Community votes and support * Overall impact on the XRPL ecosystem ### Contributor Role Contributors are developers recognized for their valuable contributions to XRPL projects — whether they submitted their own work directly or were nominated by a Scout. #### Permissions * Submit their own projects directly * Complete eligibility verification * Submit funding applications * Connect XRPL wallet for payments * View application status * Access personal profile settings #### Responsibilities * Confirming eligibility status * Disclosing whether a contribution overlaps with their employment * Accepting terms of service and code of conduct * Providing accurate application information * Connecting a valid XRPL wallet for disbursements * Completing KYC verification when required #### Application Process 1. Submit a project directly, or be nominated by a Scout 2. Review and accept terms of service 3. Review and accept code of conduct 4. Complete eligibility questionnaire 5. Register wallet for fund reception 6. Submit application with additional project details 7. Complete KYC verification ### Voter Role XRPL wallet holders who participate in the community voting process. #### Permissions * Connect XRPL wallet to the platform * Cast votes on submissions * View public submission details and metrics * Monitor voting impact #### Responsibilities * Evaluating submissions objectively * Providing community input on contribution value * Supporting deserving projects through votes #### Voting Process 1. Connect XRPL wallet to the platform 2. Verify wallet ownership through a small transaction 3. Browse and review submissions 4. Cast votes (yay, nay, or null) on submissions 5. Monitor voting impact on submission prioritization ### Role Interactions The Glow platform facilitates seamless interaction between these roles: 1. **Scouts** identify worthy contributions and create nominations 2. **Contributors** can also submit their own projects directly 3. **Voters** provide community input through voting 4. **Judges** evaluate submissions and determine shirt sizes 5. **Contributors** complete applications and receive rewards 6. **Admins** oversee the entire process and manage platform operations Each role plays a vital part in ensuring that valuable contributions to the XRPL ecosystem are properly recognized and rewarded. # Scout Guide A comprehensive guide for scouts on using the Glow platform This guide provides detailed instructions for Scouts on how to nominate valuable contributions to the XRPL ecosystem through the Glow platform. ## Introduction As a Scout, you play a vital role in the Glow program by identifying and nominating impactful contributions to the XRPL ecosystem. Your nominations help direct funding to developers, encouraging ongoing development and innovation. ## Getting Started ### Accessing Your Account 1. **Log In:** Access the Glow platform at [glow.xrpl-commons.org](https://glow.xrpl-commons.org/login) using your credentials. 2. **Scout Dashboard:** After logging in, you'll be directed to your Scout dashboard. ### Understanding Your Role As a Scout, you can: * Create and manage nominations * Add new projects and contributors to the system * Monitor the status of your nominations * View voting and assessment results ## The Nomination Process ### Step 1: Finding or Creating a Project Before submitting a nomination, identify the project: 1. Navigate to the "Nominations" section and click "Add Nomination." 2. Search for the project by name. 3. If the project exists, select it from the search results. 4. If the project doesn't exist, click "New Project" and provide: * Project name (required) * Project description (required) * GitHub repository URL (required) * X/Twitter handle (optional) * Website URL (optional) ### Step 2: Adding a Contributor If the contributor is not already in the system, add them by providing: * First name (required) * Last name (required) * Email address (required) * GitHub username (required) * X/Twitter handle (optional) * XRPL wallet address (optional) ### Step 3: Submitting a Nomination 1. Select the project and contributor. 2. Provide a detailed description of the contribution and its impact. 3. Confirm eligibility (age, location, sanctions). 4. Submit the nomination for review. ## Monitoring Nominations * Track the status of your nominations from your dashboard. * View community voting and judge assessments as they become available. *** For questions or support, contact . # Judge Guide A comprehensive guide for judges on evaluating submissions in the Glow platform This guide provides detailed instructions for Judges on how to evaluate submissions and determine reward allocations in the Glow platform. ## Introduction As a Judge in the Glow program, you play a critical role in determining which contributions receive funding and at what level. Your assessments directly impact fund distribution and the recognition of valuable work in the XRPL ecosystem. ## Getting Started ### Accessing Your Account 1. **Log In:** Access the Glow platform at [glow.xrpl-commons.org](https://glow.xrpl-commons.org/login) using your credentials. 2. **Judge Dashboard:** After logging in, you'll be directed to your Judge dashboard where you can see your current tasks. ### Understanding Your Role As a Judge, you are responsible for: * Reviewing submitted contributions * Assessing their eligibility and impact * Assigning appropriate shirt sizes * Approving final distributions ## The Evaluation Process ### Step 1: Reviewing Submissions 1. Navigate to the "Evaluations" section from your dashboard. 2. You'll see a list of submissions requiring assessment, typically showing: * Contributor name * Project name * Brief description * Vote count * Assessment status ### Step 2: Assessing Eligibility and Impact * Review the details of each submission, including the contribution description, project information, and community votes. * Verify eligibility (age, location, recency, and funding status). * Consider the impact and quality of the contribution. ### Step 3: Assigning Shirt Size * Choose the appropriate shirt size (Small, Medium, Large, or Decline) based on your assessment and the [shirt size criteria](/program-information/core-principles/shirt-size). * Submit your evaluation for each submission. ### Step 4: Final Review and Approval * After all Judges have submitted their assessments, review the compiled results. * Approve the final distribution list for the Wave. *** For questions or support, contact . # Contributor Guide A comprehensive guide for contributors in the Glow platform This guide walks you through completing your application as a contributor — whether you submitted your own project or were nominated by a Scout. ## **Introduction** This guide covers the application steps for receiving Glow funding, recognizing your valuable contributions to the XRPL ecosystem. If you submitted your own project, you continue straight to these steps. If you were nominated by a Scout, you'll receive an email notification inviting you to apply. Either way, the steps below are the same. ## **Getting Started** *Accessing Your Account* 1. **Access the platform:** If you submitted directly, log in at glow\.xrpl-commons.org to continue your application. If you were nominated, you'll receive an email notification with instructions to set up your account or log in. 2. **Create or access your account:** New to Glow? Follow the setup instructions. Already have an account? Simply log in. *Your Dashboard* After logging in, you'll be directed to the contributor dashboard where you can see your submission(s) or nomination(s) and the application steps you need to complete. ## **Application Steps** You must complete these steps in sequence to be eligible for funding: ### **1. Review and Accept Terms of Service** * Navigate to the "Terms of Service" section. * Read the document carefully. * Check the acceptance box at the bottom. * Click "Accept Terms" to proceed. ### **2. Review and Accept Code of Conduct** * Navigate to the "Code of Conduct" section. * Read the document and agree to abide by the community standards. * Check the acceptance box and click "Accept Code of Conduct." ### **3. Complete Eligibility Questionnaire** * Answer questions about your age, location, and funding status. * You'll also be asked whether your contribution is independent of your employment — if it overlaps, you'll briefly describe how. This disclosure is shown to voters and does not disqualify your contribution. * Confirm you meet all eligibility requirements. ### **4. Connect Your XRPL Wallet** * Use a supported provider (Xaman, GemWallet, Crossmark) to connect your wallet. * Follow the on-screen instructions to verify ownership. ### **5. Submit Additional Information** * Provide details about previous XRPL Grants or Aquarium participation (if any). * Optionally, add your website, GitHub profile, or X/Twitter account. * Add any other relevant information to support your application. After completing all steps, your application will be reviewed by administrators. If approved, you will receive your funding directly to your registered XRPL wallet. *** For questions or support, contact . # Program Documents This directory contains the official documents and legal agreements for the Glow platform. These documents define the formal policies, procedures, and agreements that govern the operation of the Glow program and the relationships between all participants. ## Available Documents ### [Code of Conduct](/documents/code-of-conduct) Outlines the expectations for all participants in the Glow community—including contributors, scouts, judges, and voters. Adherence to this code is required for participation in the program. ### [Terms of Service](/documents/terms-of-service) The legal agreement between users and the Glow platform. It governs platform usage, account creation, wallet connections, and general program participation. ### [Self-Eligibility Criteria](/legal-documents/documents/self-eligibility-criteria) A detailed questionnaire and checklist that contributors must complete to confirm their eligibility for the Glow program. This includes age verification, geographic restrictions, sanctions compliance, and more. ### [Nominee Application Form](/legal-documents/documents/nominee-application-form) The formal grant agreement that successful nominees must complete to receive funding. It includes legal details about the grant amount, payment process, obligations, and conditions. ## Document Completion Process As part of the application workflow, contributors must review and accept these documents at various stages: 1. The **Terms of Service** and **Code of Conduct** must be accepted during initial account creation. 2. The **Self-Eligibility Criteria** must be completed during the application process. 3. The **Nominee Application Form** is completed by approved nominees before grant disbursement. All acceptances and submissions are recorded in the platform database for compliance and audit purposes. *** For questions or support regarding these documents, please contact the Glow support team at . # Self-Eligibility Criteria **Overview** Before receiving funding through the Glow program, all contributors must confirm their eligibility by answering a series of questions designed to ensure compliance with program requirements and regulations. **Eligibility Checklist** As part of the application process, contributors must verify the following criteria: **Age Verification** * You are at least 18 years of age. * The Glow program is not available to minors. **Geographic Restrictions** * You are not located in, and are not a resident or national of: * Syria * Iran * Cuba * North Korea * The Crimea, Donetsk People's Republic, or Luhansk People's Republic regions of Ukraine **Sanctions Compliance** * You are not on any sanctions list. * You are not acting on behalf of or for the benefit of any person on a sanctions list. * You are not the target of any sanctions laws. **Independence Disclosure** * Glow funds independent work — contributions made outside the scope of your employment — and is not intended to compensate anyone for work performed as part of their day job. * You'll be asked whether the contribution you're submitting is independent of your employment: * Yes — this work was done independently of any job or paid role * No / Partly — this work overlaps with your employment or a paid role * If you answer No or Partly, you'll briefly describe the overlap (the employer or role, and how the contribution relates to it). This disclosure is shown to voters, who weigh that context when deciding. Disclosing an overlap does not disqualify your contribution. **Role Conflict Check** * You are not a Scout or Judge in the Wave for which you are submitted. **Contribution Recency** * The contribution was made within the last 6 months. **Funding Status** * The contribution has not already been funded through Glow or another program. *** **Note:** Falsifying eligibility information may result in disqualification from the program. For questions about eligibility, contact . # Nominee Application Form ## Overview This document contains the official retroactive grant agreement that contributors must complete after being nominated and verified through the Glow platform. The agreement is presented to contributors only after they have: 1. Received a nomination from a Scout 2. Created an account on the platform 3. Completed the eligibility verification process 4. Connected their XRPL wallet The application form collects the necessary legal information to process the grant payment and establishes the contractual relationship between the contributor and XRPL Commons. This includes personal details, wallet address verification, and acceptance of the grant terms. ## Application Process Integration Within the Glow platform, this agreement is presented as a digital form with built-in validation. Contributors can: * Review all terms before accepting * Provide required personal information * Verify their connected XRPL wallet address * Digitally sign the agreement Once submitted, the application is reviewed by administrators before final grant approval and disbursement. *** ## Retroactive Grant Agreement **Between:** XRPL Commons, a French association (*loi de 1901*), headquartered at 15, rue Alasseur, 75015 Paris, registered under number 923 128 151, represented by Mr. David BCHIRI, duly authorized for the purposes hereof (email: ), *hereinafter referred to as the “Association”* **And:** *The grantee, as identified in the digital application form.* *** *The remainder of this agreement is completed and signed digitally within the Glow platform. For questions, contact* [*info@xrpl-commons.org*](mailto:info@xrpl-commons.org)*.* # Communication All official communication material and copy for the Glow platform This directory contains official communication materials and copy used in the Glow platform. These resources ensure consistent messaging and branding across all touchpoints with users. ## Communication Categories ### User Notifications The Glow platform sends various notifications to users based on their roles and actions: * **Scout notifications**: Updates on nomination status and reminders * **Contributor notifications**: Nomination alerts, application requirements, and grant status updates * **Judge notifications**: Review requests, Wave assignments, and approval requirements * **Voter notifications**: Registration confirmations and voting impact updates ### Email Templates Standard email templates used throughout the platform workflow: * Nomination notifications to contributors * Application completion reminders * Eligibility verification requests * Wallet connection instructions * KYC verification requests (when applicable) * Grant approval notifications * Payment confirmations ### Website Content The [website.md](/legal-documents/documents/communication/website) file contains official copy for key website sections, ensuring consistent messaging about the program's purpose, processes, and benefits. ## Usage Guidelines When communicating about the Glow platform: 1. Maintain a professional, inclusive tone 2. Use consistent terminology as defined in the [glossary](/program-information/core-principles/glossary) 3. Clearly explain technical concepts when necessary 4. Provide specific next steps for users when applicable 5. Include relevant links to documentation for additional information # Website Content This is the copy for the landing page ## Website Content ### Welcome to Glow Fostering a thriving XRPL developer community through rewards and recognition #### For the Aspiring Developer Join a project, contribute valuable feedback, or correct a community repository. Your efforts are recognized and rewarded with a small reward, setting you on a path of growth and community engagement. #### For the Dedicated Contributor Glow encourages ongoing contributions to XRPL ecosystem projects. As you consistently innovate and collaborate, your contributions are recognized with medium rewards, building a reputation that attracts further opportunities. #### For the Core Maintainer Take on a leadership role, implementing major features or maintaining critical infrastructure for XRPL projects. Your extensive experience and dedication are rewarded with a large reward, recognizing your significant impact on the ecosystem. #### Long-term Vision Glow aims to create a consolidated database of projects to inspire ongoing developer contributions, fostering a sustainable and innovative development ecosystem. #### Sourcing Projects can enter Glow two ways: respected community members serve as Scouts, identifying and nominating valuable contributions to XRPL projects, and contributors can submit their own projects directly. Scouts include developer relations professionals, past grant recipients, and active ecosystem participants. Projects are also sourced algorithmically (through GitHub pools, Kudos, social networks, and more). A contribution can be submitted directly or nominated by multiple Scouts. #### Community-Driven Evaluation XRPL wallet holders participate in the evaluation process by connecting wallets and casting votes on submissions. Each vote can be an upvote (+1) or downvote (-1), with the ability to change your vote at any time. Your participation helps identify the most impactful contributions and directly influences the judge assessment process. #### Transparent Assessment Experienced judges review all submissions, considering community votes, contribution quality, and project impact to determine appropriate shirt sizes. The entire process is documented and transparent. #### Verification and Disbursement To receive funding, contributors complete an application on the Glow platform. Contributors who submitted directly continue straight to these steps; those nominated by a Scout receive an email invitation to apply. The streamlined process includes: 1. **Eligibility Verification**: Answer questions confirming age (18+), location (not in restricted regions), sanctions compliance, and funding status 2. **Wallet Connection**: Connect your XRPL wallet securely to receive funds directly 3. **Application Submission**: Provide additional information about your contribution and background 4. **KYC Verification**: Complete KYC checks through our integrated verification system (required for certain shirt sizes) Rewards are disbursed through the Kudos system directly to your connected XRPL wallet once all verification steps are completed. The platform provides real-time status updates throughout the process. #### Get Involved **For Contributors** Have you made valuable contributions to XRPL projects? Submit your project directly, or connect with a Scout to be considered for nomination in the next Wave. **For Voters** Connect your XRPL wallet to register as a voter and help recognize the most impactful contributors to the ecosystem. **For Scouts** Experienced community members can apply to become Scouts and help identify deserving contributors. #### Wave Timeline Each funding Wave follows a structured timeline: * **Submission Period**: Contributors submit their own projects and Scouts nominate contributions * **Voting Period**: Community members cast votes on submissions * **Assessment Period**: Judges evaluate submissions and determine shirt sizes * **Distribution Period**: Approved rewards are disbursed to contributors Continuous sourcing ensures each Glow Wave follows the previous without interruption. #### Community Input All sourced projects are visible on a dedicated website, allowing community members to support their favorites. Each wallet can support a project only once, and project prioritization is based on collected data and community engagement. #### Final Judging Judges, distinct from the Scouts, oversee the final project evaluations. Judges review submissions continuously, with a minimum of 3 judges per project. They tier selected projects (S / M / L) based on community support, Scout nominations, and GitHub activity, then hold a final meeting to review nominees and finalize reward allocations. #### KYC and Disbursement Phased disbursement ensures deliverability of projects. Kudos conducts KYC to verify recipients. Recipients are invited to apply: "You've been nominated to apply for a Glow Grant." Full disbursement occurs upon KYC validation, with undisbursed funds reallocated to the next Glow Wave. [Apply Now](https://glow.xrpl-commons.org/login) | [Learn More](https://glow.xrpl-commons.org/about)