Buy Me a Coffee on Cardano: A Decentralized Platform for Supporting Creators and Innovators

[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] 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)

We propose a Cardano dApp for creators to receive ADA donations. It supports microtransactions, recurring donations, enhanced privacy, and robust security, streamlining the donation process.

[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

The project will be fully open source under the MIT License. promoting a collaborative and open development environment which can help in accelerating innovation and improvement in the project.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries

17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

SDG Subgoals

17.13 - Enhance global macroeconomic stability, including through policy coordination and policy coherence

9.1 - Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

17.13.1 - Macroeconomic Dashboard

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Perception:

Creators such as artists, writers, and developers struggle with centralized platforms due to high fees and limited payment options, hindering their ability to receive direct and efficient financial support from their audience. Additionally, direct blockchain wallet donations, while seemingly straightforward, lack user-friendly features, expose transaction details publicly, and require technical know-how, which can be a barrier for both creators and supporters.

Approach:

Our solution is to build a decentralized application (dApp) on the Cardano blockchain that utilizes ADA for transactions. We chose Cardano because of its low transaction fees, strong security features, and ability to handle smart contracts, which are essential for features like recurring donations and microtransactions. This approach addresses both the high cost of transactions on centralized platforms and the lack of functionality and privacy in direct blockchain donations.

Engagement:

The platform is designed to engage a wide range of creators—from artists and musicians to developers and educators—by providing them with tools to receive support directly from their audience. It also engages fans and supporters who seek a more direct, transparent, and meaningful way to support their favorite creators.

Impact Demonstration:

We will measure the impact of our platform through several metrics:

• Increase in the number of transactions and total value of donations on the platform.
• Feedback and usage statistics from creators regarding ease of use, reduction in fees, and overall satisfaction.
• Growth in the creator and supporter user base, demonstrating wider adoption and engagement.

Uniqueness:

This dApp is unique in integrating several advanced features tailored to creators' needs, such as:

• Customizable creator profiles that go beyond simple wallet addresses, fostering a community and enhancing engagement.
• An integrated exchange feature for accepting multiple types of cryptocurrencies, broadening accessibility.
• Compliance and tax tools that help creators manage the financial aspects of their donations.

Importance to Cardano:

By implementing this solution on the Cardano blockchain, we highlight the platform's capabilities for handling not only financial transactions but also complex, contract-based interactions. This demonstrates Cardano's utility in real-world applications beyond typical financial transactions, potentially increasing its adoption and prominence in the creative and tech communities.

How do you perceive the problem you are solving:

We see the problem as twofold: technical limitations in current donation platforms and a lack of direct, meaningful interaction between creators and supporters. Our solution seeks to eliminate these barriers, fostering a more vibrant and supportive ecosystem for creators.

What are your reasons for approaching it in the way that you have:

We chose a blockchain-based solution to leverage the benefits of decentralization—reduced fees, increased transparency, and enhanced security. The choice of Cardano specifically was due to its environmentally conscious proof-of-stake algorithm, scalability, and robust developer community.

Who will your project engage:

Primarily, our project will engage independent creators and their fans across various domains, including digital content, education, and software development. Secondary engagement will occur with tech enthusiasts and blockchain advocates who are interested in innovative uses of blockchain technology.

How will you demonstrate or prove your impact:

The impact will be demonstrated through qualitative feedback from creators and quantitative data on transaction volumes and user engagement metrics. Success stories and case studies of creators who benefit from the platform will be highlighted in community updates and reports.

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

The positive impact of our project on the wider Cardano community can be outlined in several key areas:

1. Driving Technological Adoption: By implementing a user-friendly micro-donation system on the Cardano blockchain, we showcase its capability to handle secure, transparent, and efficient transaction

1. Enhancing Community Engagement: The system fosters stronger bonds between creators and their supporters by providing a mechanism for direct financial suppor

1. Stimulating Economic Growth: Allowing creators to receive direct financial support enables them to sustain their projects without reliance on traditional funding methods like loans or external investment

1. Showcasing Cardano’s Scalability and Low Fees: Leveraging Cardano’s low transaction fees and scalable infrastructure, our micro-donation system is designed to handle a high volume of transactions efficientl

1. Supporting Global Access: With multi-currency support and a focus on privacy and security, the platform is designed to appeal to a global audienc

1. Upholding Transparency and Trust: Utilizing blockchain technology ensures that all transactions on the platform are transparent and immutabl

1. Drives Adoption of ADA: By facilitating transactions in ADA and integrating features for converting other cryptocurrencies into ADA, the project not only increases the utility and circulation of ADA but also enhances its visibility and attractiveness as a currenc

Overall, these impacts contribute to a stronger, more vibrant, and technologically advanced Cardano community, driving its growth and relevance in the broader blockchain 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?

Capability to Deliver with High Trust and Accountability

Demonstrated Expertise:

• Experienced Team: Our team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in blockchain technology, smart contract development, and decentralized application (dApp) creation, particularly within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Successful Track Record: We have a proven track record of delivering complex blockchain projects, evidenced by previous successful deployments and positive client testimonials.

Project Management and Execution:

• Structured Project Plan: A detailed project plan outlines clear milestones, deliverables, and timelines, ensuring systematic progress and accountability at every stage.
• Agile Development Methodology: We employ an agile development approach, allowing for iterative progress, continuous feedback integration, and flexibility to adapt to changing requirements.

Financial Management and Accountability:

• Transparent Budgeting: We provide a comprehensive budget breakdown, detailing the allocation of funds across various project components, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Regular Financial Reporting: We commit to regular financial reporting, detailing expenditures and budget adherence, providing stakeholders with clear insights into fund utilization.

Quality Assurance and Feasibility Validation:

• Rigorous Testing Protocols: We will implement stringent testing protocols, including unit tests, integration tests, and beta testing, to validate the functionality and reliability of Scaffold-Cardano.
• Stakeholder Feedback Integration: Feedback from beta testers and the developer community will be systematically collected and integrated, ensuring the framework meets user needs and expectations.

Risk Management:

• Comprehensive Risk Assessment: We conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential challenges and develop mitigation strategies, ensuring proactive issue resolution.
• Contingency Planning: Detailed contingency plans are in place to address unforeseen issues, ensuring project continuity and resilience.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Open Communication Channels: We maintain open lines of communication with the Cardano community, providing regular updates and soliciting feedback to ensure alignment with community needs.
• Collaborative Partnerships: We seek to establish partnerships with key stakeholders, including developer communities and Cardano-focused organizations, to enhance project credibility and support.

Governance and Compliance:

• Adherence to Best Practices: We adhere to industry best practices in project governance, ensuring ethical management and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Independent Audits: We will engage third-party auditors to review code and project processes, providing an additional layer of trust and accountability.

Documentation and Transparency:

• Comprehensive Documentation: We will provide detailed documentation, including technical guides, user manuals, and project reports, ensuring transparency and ease of use for developers.
• Publicly Accessible Resources: All project-related resources, including code repositories and documentation, will be made publicly accessible to foster transparency and community trust.

By leveraging our expertise, structured project management approach, and commitment to transparency and quality, we are well-equipped to deliver Scaffold-Cardano with high levels of trust and accountability, ensuring it meets the needs of the Cardano developer community and enhances the ecosystem.

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

Milestone 1: Initial Setup, Design, and Prototype Development(25% of the budget)

• Description: This milestone covers the initial phase of the project including planning, requirements gathering, architecture design, and the development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The objective is to translate the conceptual framework into a tangible prototype that can be iteratively refined based on user feedback.

A: Milestone Outputs

• Deliverables:
• Requirement Documents: Detailed specifications and user stories that outline the functionality and design of the platform.
• Architectural Diagrams: High-level architecture design documents showing the proposed system infrastructure, data flow, and integration points.
• Working MVP: A functional prototype of the platform that includes core features such as microtransactions, recurring donations, and basic creator profiles.
• User Feedback Reports: Initial feedback from potential users, gathered through surveys or early testing sessions, which will inform subsequent iterations.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Completion of all planning and documentation as specified in the deliverables.
• Development and deployment of a functional MVP that meets the outlined requirements.
• Successful collection and documentation of user feedback, demonstrating engagement and interest in the MVP.
• All deliverables must be reviewed and approved by the project steering committee.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Documentation: Submission of all required documentation, including requirement documents, architectural diagrams, and user feedback reports. These documents will be stored in a shared repository accessible to the project team and stakeholders.
• MVP Demonstration: A live demonstration of the MVP to stakeholders, showcasing the functionality and user interface. This demonstration will be recorded and made available as part of the milestone documentation.
• Feedback Compilation: A comprehensive report compiling all user feedback, highlighting key insights and potential areas for improvement.
• Sign-off from the Steering Committee: Official approval and sign-off on the milestone by the project steering committee, confirming that all acceptance criteria have been met.

Beta Testing and Refinement((15% of the budget)

• Description: This milestone involves deploying the MVP to a broader audience for beta testing, gathering extensive user feedback, and making necessary adjustments and improvements to the platform.

A: Milestone Outputs

Deliverables:

• Beta Version Release: A refined version of the MVP made available to a select group of users for beta testing.
• Beta Feedback Reports: Detailed feedback from beta testers, focusing on usability, functionality, and overall user experience.
• Improvement Plan: A documented plan outlining necessary changes and enhancements based on beta feedback.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Successful deployment of the beta version to the test audience.
• Comprehensive collection and analysis of beta feedback.
• Approval of the improvement plan by the project steering committee.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Beta Feedback Compilation: A report summarizing all beta feedback, highlighting key issues and user suggestions.
• Updated MVP: A refined version of the MVP incorporating feedback from the beta testing phase.
• Improvement Documentation: Detailed documentation of the improvement plan and changes made.

Full System Development (25% of the budget)

• Description: This milestone focuses on the comprehensive development of the full system, integrating all planned features into the decentralized application (dApp). The aim is to transition from the MVP to a fully functional, feature-rich platform ready for final pre-launch testing and security evaluations.
• 
  

A: Milestone Outputs

• Deliverables:
• Fully Functional dApp: A complete version of the dApp that includes all functionalities such as microtransactions, recurring donations, multi-currency support, enhanced privacy features, creator profiles, compliance tools, and community engagement features.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• Completion of development for all features as outlined in the project documentation and initial requirements.
• The dApp must pass all unit tests, integration tests, and system tests ensuring functionality and performance as per specifications.
• Successful deployment of the dApp on a testnet for internal testing and bug fixes.
• All features must be documented, and comprehensive user manuals and system documentation must be provided.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• System Documentation and Code Repositories: Complete and up-to-date documentation detailing the system architecture, codebase, and all features, alongside access to the version-controlled repositories containing the final code.
• Testing Reports: Detailed reports of all testing phases, including unit, integration, and system tests, showing all tests passed and any bugs identified and resolved.
• Demo Video: A demonstration video of the fully functional dApp, showcasing all features and functionalities, available for review by stakeholders.
• Testnet Deployment Confirmation: Confirmation of the dApp’s deployment on the testnet, including access links and test accounts for stakeholder review.

Security Audits, Marketing Campaign and Public Launch (25% of the budget)

• Description: This milestone is dedicated to ensuring the security and robustness of the dApp before its official launch. Comprehensive security audits will be conducted to identify and rectify any vulnerabilities. Following the successful completion of these audits, the dApp will be deployed to the Cardano mainnet.

A: Milestone Outputs

• Deliverables:
• Audit Reports: Detailed reports from security audits conducted by reputable third-party security firms. These reports will identify any security issues and the measures taken to address them.
• Marketing Campaign: Execution of Marketing Campaign and Marketing Outcome Report
• Launched dApp: The final dApp fully deployed on the Cardano mainnet, accessible to users and operational with all functionalities.

B: Acceptance Criteria

• The dApp must pass all security audits with vulnerabilities addressed, ensuring compliance with the highest security standards.
• Successful deployment of the dApp on the Cardano mainnet, with stable operation and performance.
• Clear Marketing Campaign Report
• Confirmation of the dApp’s availability and functionality on the mainnet through independent tests and initial user feedback.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

• Security Audit Documentation: Submission of all security audit reports, detailing the audit process, findings, and remediations. This includes pre and post-remediation reports.
• Deployment Records: Documentation of the deployment process, including timestamps and the deployment status on the Cardano mainnet.
• Operational Metrics: Initial performance data and user activity reports showing the dApp’s stability and functionality upon launch.
• Marketing Campaign Reports

Post-Launch Support and Maintenance(10% of the budget)

• Description:
• After the official launch, ongoing support and maintenance will be provided to ensure Buy me coffee on Cardano remains effective and up-to-date. This includes establishing support channels for user assistance, releasing regular updates and enhancements based on user feedback and technological advancements, and maintaining comprehensive documentation to support continuous user engagement and satisfaction.

A. Milestone Outputs:

• Ongoing support channels.
• Regular updates and enhancements.

B. Acceptance Criteria:

• Support system is active.
• Updates are released periodically.

C. Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Documentation of support channels.
• Changelog with updates and improvements.

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

1: Dawit Mekonnen - Blockchain Developer,Web Developer and Project Manager

• Fullstack developer | Node.js | React | svelte | Next.js | sveltekit | Postgress | Typescript | Docker
• LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn account
• GitHub: github account
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)

• projects:
• Svelte faces
• Canvas Text
• Role: Responsible for web development, focusing on Web-development, UI/UX design and implementation. Dawit brings expertise in creating an intuitive and engaging user interface.

 2: Lekun Ejigu - Blockchain Developer, Backend and Devops | Top Talent Freelancer

• Back-end development.
• LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn account
• Upwork account
• Github account
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)

• Role: Leykun is responsible for the Smart contract development, DevOps aspects within the project.

3: Martereza Eshetu: Project Manager | Technical Lead | Blockchain Strategist

• Role: Oversees the project's execution, manages resources, and ensures timely delivery.
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)

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

Initial Setup, Design, and Prototype Development

Total Budget: 20000 ADA

• Project Communication Channels Setup (2,000 ADA)
• Justification: Effective communication is critical for project success. Costs cover premium collaboration tools and platforms to enhance team coordination and project management.
• Project Plan and Timeline Development (2000 ADA)
• Justification: Detailed planning is essential for structured development. Costs cover time and resources for thorough planning, including defining tasks, timelines, and deliverables.
• System design and Architecture(6000 ADA)
• Justification:
• Design of system architecture by software architects.
• Creation of detailed UI/UX wireframes and interactive prototypes.
• Initial security framework setup consultations.
• Technical Prototype Development (10000 ADA)
• Justification: Developing a functional MVP requires skilled blockchain developers. Costs are based on average developer rates, reflecting the complexity and innovation required for the prototype.

Beta Testing and Refinement

Total Budget: 12,000 ADA

• Beta Version Release (6000 ADA)
• Justification: Deploying the MVP for beta testing involves server costs and initial support infrastructure, ensuring a smooth testing process.
• Beta Feedback Collection and Analysis (2000 ADA)
• Justification: Collecting and analyzing user feedback is crucial for refinement. Costs cover tools and personnel to gather and interpret beta tester input.
• Improvement Plan Development (2000 ADA)
• Justification: Based on feedback, a detailed improvement plan ensures the MVP evolves effectively. Costs include documentation and implementation of necessary changes.
• 
  

Full System Development

Total Budget: 20,000 ADA

• Feature Development (12,000 ADA)
• Justification: Comprehensive feature development requires extensive coding and integration efforts. Costs reflect average developer rates and the complexity of features.
• System Testing and Bug Fixes (6,000 ADA)
• Justification: Rigorous testing is essential for quality assurance. Costs cover multiple testing phases and bug resolution to ensure a robust system by QA analysts.
• Documentation and User Manuals (4,000 ADA)
• Justification: Clear documentation is vital for user adoption and maintenance. Costs cover the creation of detailed guides and manuals.

Security Audits, Marketing Campaign and Public Launch

Total Budget: 20,000 ADA

• Security Audits (8,000 ADA)
• Justification: Third-party security audits are crucial for identifying vulnerabilities. Costs are based on standard rates for professional security auditing services.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT) (2,000 ADA)
• Justification: UAT validates the platform’s functionality and user experience. Costs include user incentives and tools for comprehensive testing.
• Marketing Plan Development and Execution (3000 ADA)
• Justification: A robust marketing plan ensures a successful launch. Costs cover strategic planning and creation of marketing materials.
• Marketing Execution (2000 ADA)
• Justification: Effective marketing is essential for user acquisition. Costs cover the execution of planned marketing strategies and campaigns.
• Platform Launch (5000 ADA)
• Justification: Final deployment involves setup and configuration tasks. Costs reflect the resources needed for a smooth live launch.

Post-Launch Support and Maintenance

Total Budget: 8,000 ADA

• Project Completion Report (4000 ADA)
• Justification: A comprehensive report documents project achievements and insights. Costs cover time and resources for thorough documentation.
• Project Completion Video (4000 ADA)
• Justification: A video presentation effectively communicates the project’s success. Costs include production and editing to create a professional video.

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

The cost of the 'Buy me a coffee on Cardano' represents excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem due to several compelling reasons:

1.Increased Adoption: By simplifying the process of making micro-donations, this project could significantly increase the usage of the Cardano blockchain for small transaction

2. Empowering Creators: The system will empower artists, writers, developers, and other creators by providing them with a direct, efficient, and low-cost method to receive support from their audience. This can foster a more vibrant and supportive community within the Cardano ecosystem, attracting more creative talents to the platform.

3. Enhanced Functionality: By addressing the limitations of current donation methods through features like recurring donations, privacy options, and multi-currency support, the project adds significant functionality to the Cardano network. This functionality can serve as a model for future financial applications and services on the blockchain.

4. Financial Inclusivity: The proposal aims to minimize transaction fees and simplify currency conversions, making it easier for supporters across different regions to contribute, thus promoting financial inclusivity. This is particularly valuable for users in regions with less stable currencies or limited access to traditional banking.

5. Long-Term Value Creation: The project's focus on compliance and security features, as well as its scalable architecture, means that it is built not just for immediate needs but also for future growth. This ensures long-term value creation as the ecosystem expands.

6. Network Effect and Ecosystem Growth: By providing a tool that enhances the interaction between creators and their communities, the micro-donation system can stimulate more transactions on the Cardano network. Each transaction not only generates fee revenue but also contributes to the network's robustness and long-term viability.

Investing in this 'Buy me a coffee on Cardano' is therefore not just about enhancing the functionality of the Cardano blockchain but also about fostering a more interconnected and financially empowered community. This aligns with the broader goals of blockchain technology in terms of decentralization and democratization of access to financial resources.