Decentralised, zero fee, monetisation and support platform for creators - read more on https://the.legion.gives

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Jonas Schubert Erlandsson

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Hannes Elvemyr

Anders Hansander

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

3

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

No

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

Streamline support for creators with micro-donations, leveraging ADA for efficient, secure, transparent, and decentralized funding.

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

Yes

[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.”

Jonas and Hannes own a web development company that will handle most of the development work. External parties will be contracted to perform technical/security reviews on the smart contract code and web platform. These external parties have not been chosen yet.

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

No

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

The smart contract and other code relating directly to the Cardano blockchain will be open-sourced. The main web application will not be.

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

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

12 - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

SDG Subgoals

8.2 - Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors

8.3 - Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services

9.4 - By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities

12.2 - By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources

12.5 - By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse

Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

8.3.1 - Proportion of informal employment in total employment, by sector and sex

8.2.1 - Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person

9.4.1 - CO2 emission per unit of value added

12.2.2 - Domestic material consumption, domestic material consumption per capita, and domestic material consumption per GDP

12.2.1 - Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

At "The Legion Gives," we perceive the challenge of creator support as multifaceted: creators often struggle with unstable income streams, while supporters face donation fatigue, limiting their financial backing to a few creators. By introducing a platform that facilitates micro-donations across multiple artists, we aim to dismantle these barriers, fostering a sustainable ecosystem for both creators and patrons.

Our approach capitalizes on the versatility and efficiency of Cardano's blockchain to streamline the process of micro-donations. This method allows for the secure, transparent, and frictionless transfer of funds, giving supporters the flexibility to distribute their contributions among numerous creators according to their preferences.

We will engage a diverse community of digital artists, musicians, writers, and content creators seeking alternative funding avenues, as well as philanthropically-minded individuals who value creative expression. By leveraging ADA, the native cryptocurrency of the Cardano blockchain, our platform ensures lower transaction costs and accessible participation without geographic restrictions.

To demonstrate and prove our impact, we will implement a robust tracking system within the platform, utilizing blockchain's inherent transparency to monitor the flow of contributions. Success metrics will include the number of creators funded, the distribution of donations, and the increase in creators' income stability. A feedback loop from the community will help assess the qualitative impact on creators' output and well-being.

What sets "The Legion Gives" apart is its innovative utilization of Cardano's blockchain for a cause that transcends mere financial transactions. It aligns with Cardano's mission to democratize finance and empower marginalized communities. Creators, often sidelined by traditional financial systems, will benefit from enhanced visibility and diversified income sources. Supporters will enjoy the ease of contributing and the emotional reward of directly impacting creators' lives.

The importance of "The Legion Gives" to Cardano goes beyond technical prowess; it exemplifies the human-centric potential of blockchain technology. By nurturing the creative sector, the project upholds Cardano's vision of positive global change, demonstrating the blockchain's role in driving societal and economic progress.

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

"The Legion Gives" will elevate the Cardano community by exemplifying its potential for social innovation. By infusing Cardano's blockchain with the arts and content creation, our project will attract a new demographic to the ecosystem: creators and their supporters. This diversification enriches the community, highlighting Cardano's versatility and fostering adoption beyond traditional finance.

Measuring Impact

Our measurement of impact will be both quantitative and qualitative:

• Quantitative: We'll track the number of transactions, total ADA distributed, and the growth of participating creators and supporters within the platform. Additionally, we'll measure the network effect by monitoring new Cardano wallet creations linked to our platform.
• Qualitative: Through surveys and interviews, we'll gather stories and testimonials from creators about the platform's role in their professional stability and growth.

Value to the Cardano Community

Success in our project translates to value for Cardano in several ways:

• Increased Visibility: As creators and patrons transact in ADA, they amplify Cardano's visibility across various media platforms.
• Adoption and Usage: Encouraging transactions for a non-financial use case increases the utility and circulation of ADA.
• Community Growth: Onboarding creators and patrons expand the community, bringing in fresh perspectives and talents.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

Outputs and opportunities will be shared through:

• Regular Reports: We'll publish monthly impact reports detailing measurable metrics and growth stories.
• Community Engagement: Active participation in Cardano forums and social channels will keep the community informed and involved.
• Collaborations: We aim to partner with other Cardano-based projects, fostering a collaborative environment and sharing success stories that could inspire similar initiatives.

In summary, the success of "The Legion Gives" will showcase the real-world utility of Cardano's blockchain, driving broader adoption and fostering a more vibrant and diverse community. This demonstration of Cardano's real-world application and its effect on the creative economy will not only add transaction volume but also highlight the blockchain's capacity for empowering communities, which is a core tenet of Cardano's philosophy.

[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?

With 25 years of experience and running a web development company since 2015, we have consistently demonstrated the ability to deliver complex projects with precision. Our extensive background in web development, complemented by our active involvement in various NGOs and volunteer organizations, underscores our commitment to community, transparency, and ethical management.

Validating Approach Feasibility

• Proof of Concept (PoC): We will leverage our technical prowess to create a PoC, validating the seamless integration of ADA transactions within the platform.
• Market Analysis: Utilizing our deep understanding of online platforms, we will conduct market research to assess demand and refine our donation model.
• Community Engagement: Our team will draw upon our long-standing participation in community-led groups to engage the Cardano community, ensuring our solution aligns with their values and needs.

Existing Capabilities and Trust Factors

• Technical Mastery: Our portfolio showcases our ability to build secure, scalable, and user-centric web solutions.
• Project Management Expertise: Our established project management processes ensure timely and transparent delivery.
• NGO/Community Experience: Decades of leadership in non-profit sectors have honed our skills in stewardship and responsible governance.
• Familiarity with Decentralized Models: Our active roles in cooperative and volunteer-driven organizations reflect an understanding of decentralized and democratic operations, closely aligning with the principles of the Cardano community.

Our proven track record in both the web development sector and our active contributions to non-profit organizations illustrate why we are uniquely suited to deliver "The Legion Gives." We bring not only our technical and managerial expertise but also a deeply ingrained sense of community and ethical responsibility, ensuring the project will be delivered with high levels of trust and accountability.

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

Fund Seeking and Creator Cooperative Formation

Description: Secure initial funding and establish the foundation for a creator cooperative.

Outputs:

• Preliminary structure for creator cooperative.
• Available EU and regional grants researched.
• Technical boilerplate for the web application.

Acceptance Criteria:

• An initial meeting of creator cooperative members was held with roles identified:
• All founding members have agreed upon and documented their roles and responsibilities.
• A governance framework is established, detailing the decision-making process and member contributions.
• List of other grants to be applied for:
• A comprehensive list of potential grants is compiled, including details on eligibility, requirements, and deadlines.
• A strategy for grant application is drafted, detailing steps, responsibilities, and timeline for submissions.
• Web application repo, CI/CD and test runners set up.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• An initial meeting of creator cooperative members:
• Meeting Minutes: Documented minutes from the initial meeting, posted in a secure but accessible location, ensuring confidentiality and transparency. This should include a list of attendees, roles agreed upon, and decisions made regarding the cooperative's structure.
• Governance Framework Document: A publicly accessible link to a document on your site that outlines the governance model of the cooperative, ensuring transparency and providing information to potential new members.
• List of other grants to be applied for:
• Grant Application Strategy Document: A detailed strategy document that includes the list of targeted grants, planned dates for application submissions, and assigned responsibilities. This document will be made available to stakeholders and summarized in a blog post or page.
• Blog Post on Grant Seeking Efforts: Blog posts that list the outcome of fund-seeking efforts and applications sent and also include updates on the status of these applications over time. This will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.
• Creator Participation List: a publically posted list of participating creators on the site.
• Information Page for Joining the Cooperative: A dedicated page on the site that explains how interested creators can join, including benefits, requirements, and the application process.
• App login is linked from the main site, while login is not possible yet.

Final PoC Feature List and Initial Development

Description: Finalize the Proof of Concept (PoC) feature list and begin the development of core functionality, followed by alpha testing to verify functionality and stability. This milestone aims to solidify the technical scope of the PoC, initiate key components, and perform initial tests to validate the system's operations.

Outputs:

• Final feature list and sprint plan.
• Core functionality implementation started.
• Alpha testing and end-to-end tests of functionality as it is developed.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Final PoC feature list:
• The backlog of PoC user stories is reviewed and completed, ready for development.
• A rough sprint plan is created, outlining the tasks and timeline for PoC development.
• Core PoC functionalities started:
• The initial version of the web application is deployed and accessible.
• Initial tests and research for the Plutus contract are completed, with the required APIs mapped.
• Alpha testing of PoC functionality:
• Technical testers have successfully executed tests, confirming the basic functionality that is implemented.
• Initial integration tests covering the happy path scenarios are in place to prevent regressions.

Evidence of milestone completion:

• Final PoC Feature List:
• User Story Backlog Document: A document listing all planned user stories. Published via a public link to an issue management system or on the web page.
• Sprint Planning Document: A rough plan outlining the sprints, tasks, and timeline for PoC development. Posted as a blog post on the web page.
• Core PoC Functionalities Started:
• Screencast Recording: Demonstrating the deployment of the web application via the CI/CD pipeline and walkthrough of basic functionality.
• Plutus Contract Research Report: A report summarizing the initial testing and research for the Plutus contract.
• Alpha Testing of PoC Functionality:
• Alpha Test Report: A summary of the alpha testing phase, including feedback from technical testers.
• Integration Test Results: A coverage report showing the results of the happy path end-to-end tests.

Finished Proof of Concept (PoC)

Description: A proof of concept to validate the micro-donation mechanism, payment provider integration and Plutus contract running on test/staging environments.

Outputs:

• Bare bones version of the entire PoC web application live
• Stripe payment service integration finished to allow for contributions
• The initial version of the Plutus contract live on the test net
• Feedback collection mechanism from early adopter users/creators

Acceptance Criteria:

• Bare bones version of the web application live on staging:
• The web application is operational with core functionality allowing users to navigate and interact without critical errors.
• Basic user interface (UI) elements are in place to facilitate user interaction.
• Stripe test environment payment service integration finalised to allow for contributions:
• Successful integration of Stripe's test environment that allows users to make secure micro-donations via the web application.
• Transactions are processed successfully with confirmation receipts generated for test users.
• The initial version of the Plutus contract live on the test net:
• The Plutus contract is deployed and operational on the Cardano test net.
• The contract handles transactions according to specified business logic without failure.
• Feedback collection mechanism from early adopter users/creators:
• A feedback system is integrated into the web application, allowing users and creators to submit their experiences and suggestions easily.
• Initial feedback indicating user understanding and usability of the platform.

Evidence of milestone completion:

• Bare bones version of the web application live on staging:
• Screencast recording: Providing visual evidence of the operational web application, showing core functionality.
• URL to staging application: A live link to the web application hosted on a public server.
• Stripe payment service integration to allow for contributions:
• Screencast recording: Showing the donation process, including how users enter their payment information and receive confirmation of their transactions using Stripe's test servers.
• The initial version of the Plutus contract live on the test net:
• Smart contract address and details: The address of the smart contract on the test net, along with a detailed description of its functions, is posted on the site.
• Links to Blockchain Explorer showing successful transactions.
• A blog post describing the testing phase and outcome.
• Feedback collection mechanism from early adopter users/creators:
• Feedback system screencast: Visual proof of the feedback mechanism integrated into the application.

Project Close-out Report and Video presentation.

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

Jonas Schubert Erlandsson, technical lead and project initiator. Architecture, lead technical designer and lead developer. LinkedIn, Github

Hannes Elvemyr, project manager and senior developer. LinkedIn, Github

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

Total Initial Budget: 100,000 ADA, or roughly $50,000

Development Costs

A full-time developer:

• Senior Developer: $100/hour.
• Estimated 168 hours/month for 3 months: $100/hour x 168 hours/month x 3 months = $50,400

The work will be split between Jonas and Hannes depending on what tasks fit their skills best. Any budget overrun will be borne by the project initiators personally.

Total for PoC: $50,400

Hosting of the staging environment can be done on existing hardware until the project reaches MvP and requires its own servers.

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

Impact on the Wider Cardano Community

"The Legion Gives" will elevate the Cardano community by exemplifying its potential for social innovation. By infusing Cardano's blockchain with the arts and content creation, our project will attract a new demographic to the ecosystem: creators and their supporters. This diversification enriches the community, highlighting Cardano's versatility and fostering adoption beyond traditional finance.

Measuring Impact

Our measurement of impact will be both quantitative and qualitative:

• Quantitative: We'll track the number of transactions, total ADA distributed, and the growth of participating creators and supporters within the platform. Additionally, we'll measure the network effect by monitoring new Cardano wallet creations linked to our platform.
• Qualitative: Through surveys and interviews, we'll gather stories and testimonials from creators about the platform's role in their professional stability and growth.

Value to the Cardano Community

Success in our project translates to value for Cardano in several ways:

• Increased Visibility: As creators and patrons transact in ADA, they amplify Cardano's visibility across various media platforms.
• Adoption and Usage: Encouraging transactions for a non-financial use case increases the utility and circulation of ADA.
• Community Growth: Onboarding creators and patrons expands the community, bringing in fresh perspectives and talents.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

Outputs and opportunities will be shared through:

• Regular Reports: We'll publish monthly impact reports detailing measurable metrics and growth stories.
• Community Engagement: Active participation in Cardano forums and social channels will keep the community informed and involved.
• Collaborations: We aim to partner with other Cardano-based projects, fostering a collaborative environment and sharing success stories that could inspire similar initiatives.

In summary, the success of "The Legion Gives" will showcase the real-world utility of Cardano's blockchain, driving broader adoption and fostering a more vibrant and diverse community. This demonstration of Cardano's real-world application and its effect on the creative economy will not only add transaction volume but also highlight the blockchain's capacity for empowering communities, which is a core tenet of Cardano's philosophy.