Proposal to Expand on Cardano Marketing and Relevant Content

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

CryptoforChange (Twitter handle)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

To solve this problem we'll host YouTube podcast interviews, add a Cardano focused page on our website, and write educational blogs to boost Cardano's growth and awareness.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

As a podcast show with a website, our project outputs primarily consist of audio content, written articles, and other media materials. While these outputs are not code-based and therefore not suitable for open-source licensing, they are accessible to the public through our website and various podcast platforms. Our decision to not open-source these outputs is based on their nature as creative and original content produced by our team. However, we remain committed to transparency and accessibility, ensuring that our content is freely available to our audience.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The unique aspect of our solution lies in our comprehensive approach to community engagement, content expansion, and podcast amplification within the Cardano ecosystem. Drawing from our extensive experience of conducting over 100 live shows in the past two years, featuring interviews with prominent figures across blockchain and cryptocurrency companies, as well as key opinion leaders, we possess a deep understanding of the industry and its nuances.

Moreover, our recent launch of a dedicated website for crypto education and blog posts showcases our commitment to providing quality information and educating our audience. Our project will benefit both existing Cardano users and newcomers, as well as builders within the ecosystem. By delivering content in various formats such as video, audio, and written materials, we aim to cater to diverse audiences and effectively share valuable insights. 

This initiative is vital for Cardano as it fosters a vibrant and informed community, facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration, and ultimately contributes to the growth and advancement of the ecosystem. By engaging users through multiple channels and offering educational content, we empower individuals to actively participate in the Cardano community, driving innovation and adoption forward.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project will bring tangible benefits to the Cardano community. Through our community-focused show, we'll feature experts from Cardano's ecosystem, various builders, providing diverse perspectives and valuable insights. The new website will offer written blogs and other media formats, enriching the community experience. Strategic promotion of The Next Block podcast will significantly increase visibility to non-Cardano users, expanding our reach. 

To measure our impact, we'll track metrics such as audience engagement, website traffic, and podcast viewership. We'll share our outputs and opportunities through social media, blogs, podcast shows. We'll also collaborate with key stakeholders to amplify our reach and ensure recognition within the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our existing capabilities make us well-suited to deliver this project effectively. Our live show airs once a week making us visible and easy to reach. With a strong presence on Twitter and YouTube for several years, we have established a solid platform for engaging with our audience and promoting our content. Additionally, our track record of securing sponsors and successfully managing grants in the past demonstrates our ability to handle resources responsibly.

To ensure proper management of funds, we stick to a process that includes transparent financial reporting, budget allocation based on project needs, and regular communication with stakeholders. We implement thorough planning and monitoring to track expenses and ensure that funds are utilized efficiently and effectively.

Overall, our demonstrated capabilities in audience engagement, sponsorship management, and grant administration, coupled with our commitment to transparency and accountability, position us as a reliable and trustworthy partner for delivering this project.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

A: Milestone outputs:

• Host podcast interviews and videos focused on Cardano.

B: Acceptance criteria:

• Ensure that podcast interviews and videos are centered on Cardano topics.

C: Evidence of milestone completion:

• Evidence will be visible on platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and our website.

A: Milestone outputs:

• Publish and promote blog content focused on Cardano on our website.

B: Acceptance criteria:

• Ensure that blog content is centered on Cardano topics.

C: Evidence of milestone completion:

• Evidence will be visible on our website.

We will compile a Close-out Report and Video summarizing all the work accomplished for this project. It'll be posted on our YouTube channel and website.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

List of team members:

Sea Will (https://twitter.com/seawillpdx) Co-host & content creator.

CRYPTOforCHANGE (https://twitter.com/CRYPT0forCHANGE) Co-host & content creator.

Additionally, we're in the process of recruiting a writer to assist in expanding our blog production. We've already interviewed several candidates for the role.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

We already have production equipment, software and a working website. This budget is mainly for project management, promoting, and adding writers to the team.

1. Project Management: 10000 ADA
2. Promotion and Marketing: 3000 ADA
3. Writer Recruitment: 4000 ADA

Total Project Budget: 17,000 ADA ($7,310 at current time of submission)

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

As a USA based podcast we've aimed for low costs to respect the process and our understanding that this is our first proposal. Despite the small budget, we're committed to delivering value for money and ensuring transparency in our financial management.