Latam Cardano Governance, Mentorship and Community Hub Growth

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

José Ramón Velázquez Cáceres

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

Individual

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

12

[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)

Establishing Cardano hubs in underserved Latam countries to provide governance education, mentorship, and resources, fostering local engagement, decentralized participation, and ecosystem growth.

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

No

[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?

Yes

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

All educational materials, governance tools, and resources developed will be made publicly available, ensuring transparency and accessibility for the broader Cardano community. This approach encourages collaboration and contributions from developers, educators, and community members, allowing them to inspect, modify, and enhance the materials. Open sourcing the project outputs promotes continuous improvement, fosters innovation, and ensures that the content remains adaptable to the evolving needs of the Cardano ecosystem, particularly in underserved Latam regions.

[METADATA] Horizons

Community Outreach

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Proposed Solution

In countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay, the absence of a Cardano community presence has led to a lack of governance education, mentorship, and blockchain infrastructure. This leaves local populations isolated from participating in the broader ecosystem, missing the opportunity to engage in decentralized governance, including CIP-1694. Language barriers and geographic isolation only add to these difficulties, creating a critical need for tailored community-building, educational outreach, and mentorship programs.

How We Perceive the Problem

The core issue is the lack of accessible education and infrastructure around Cardano, which hinders the involvement of these countries in blockchain governance. Without clear guidance and resources, it becomes difficult for residents to participate in, and contribute to, the Cardano ecosystem. Additionally, there is little to no knowledge in these regions about Cardano’s key entities—such as IOG (Input Output Global), Emurgo, the Cardano Foundation, and Intersect—or their roles in the governance and development of the network.

Our Unique Approach

Our solution focuses on creating Cardano community hubs in these underserved Latam countries, designed to provide governance education, mentorship, and stake pool operation training. Each hub will serve as a foundational point for local engagement with Cardano and will be connected through Telegram and WhatsApp groups for real-time community management and communication. These platforms will not only foster engagement but also serve as gateways to the Cardano Confederation, where participants will receive continuous mentorship from experienced leaders within the ecosystem.

Stake Pool Operation Education

In addition to governance and blockchain education, we will offer in-depth training on stake pool operations. This will empower individuals to set up and manage their own stake pools, contributing to the decentralization of the Cardano network while creating financial opportunities for participants. By teaching the fundamentals of running a stake pool, we enable communities to actively contribute to network security and earn rewards, fostering sustainable growth in the region.

Education on Cardano’s Founding Entities

A critical part of the initiative is providing comprehensive education on Cardano’s founding entities—IOG, Emurgo, Cardano Foundation, and Intersect—and their roles in the ecosystem. Participants will gain an understanding of the governance structure behind these entities, their specific responsibilities, and how they interact to drive the Cardano ecosystem forward. This will give individuals in these underserved regions the knowledge needed to navigate Cardano’s governance and contribute to its ongoing development.

Cardano Confederation: A New MBO Vision

The ultimate goal of this project is to turn the Cardano Confederation into a new Member-Based Organization (MBO), with active members from across Latin America playing a direct role in Cardano’s governance. By building community hubs in these underserved regions, onboarding members into the Cardano Confederation, and providing education and mentorship, we will create a network of empowered individuals capable of shaping Cardano’s future. This new MBO would unite Latam voices to contribute to the decision-making processes within Cardano, creating a unified force to represent the region’s unique needs and perspectives in the global ecosystem.

Long-Term Vision for Sustainability

We aim to build transparent and self-sustaining community hubs in these countries, modeled after successful hubs already established in Latin American regions such as (Brazil is not included because our capabilities in terms of language is only Spanish, but shout out to Otavio and Daniela for their amazing work as well as Thiago):

Argentina:

• Key Projects and Initiatives:
• ADA Solar, ADA One Pool, ALBA, Token Allies, Token Mithrandir.
• Governance and Community: Founders of the Cardano Confederation, participants in multiple hackathons, and hosts of the Argentina Constitutional Convention.
• Intersect Participation: Includes Mauro Andreoli, multiple Civics Committee members, and Intersect Committee candidates.
• Other Highlights: Pioneering legally enforceable contracts in ADA and organizing Tech Week.

Bolivia:

• Key Projects and Initiatives:
• Bolivia Community Hub founded by José Velázquez, fostering active governance participation.
• Governance and Community: Multiple candidates for the Argentina Constitutional Convention and Catalyst Fund 13 proposals by local community members. Scheduled 2025 Cardano education events.

Chile:

• Key Projects and Initiatives:
• CHIL Stakepool led by Rodrigo.
• Governance and Community: Produced candidates for the Argentina Constitutional Convention.

Colombia:

• Key Projects and Initiatives:
• Community Hubs led by Juan Sierra and Jose de Gamboa.
• Governance and Community: Argentina Constitutional Convention candidates and Civics Committee members.
• Intersect Collaboration: Creation of Intersect Colombia Hub and Cardisa social media onboarding projects.

Ecuador:

• Key Projects and Initiatives:
• Ecuador Community Hub founded by David Tacuri.
• Governance and Community: Multiple Intersect Committee candidates.
• Blockchain Solutions: Ayllu and blockchain voting projects. Hosted 12 crypto education events across the country.

Mexico:

• Key Projects and Initiatives:
• Mexico Community Hub founded by Cristian Rojas.
• Governance and Community: Argentina Constitutional Convention candidates, Intersect AMM participants, and hosted various blockchain events.

Paraguay:

• Key Projects and Initiatives:
• Paraguay Community Hub co-founded by Caleb Montiel and Thiago Nunes.
• Governance and Community: Active participation in Intersect Committee elections and organized 12 crypto education events across the country.
• Other Highlights: La Blockchain Cabin of Paraguay, Cardano Curation, and Cardano Warriors projects.

Peru:

• Key Projects and Initiatives:
• WHITE Pool led by Eugene.
• Governance and Community: Contributors like Erick from Edda Labs, winner of Midnight Hackathon, and Argentina Constitutional Convention candidates.

Venezuela:

• Key Projects and Initiatives:
• Funintec, led by Jean Carlos and Wilmer.
• Governance and Community: Argentina Constitutional Convention candidates and Intersect Committee election participants.

Puerto Rico:

• Key Projects and Initiatives:
• Drip Dropz led by Kyle Solomon.
• Governance and Community: Argentina Constitutional Convention candidates, Intersect Committee candidates, and Arcella and Adalink teams with funded proposals in Fund 12.

These transparent, self-sustaining community hubs will be replicated in the proposed new regions, ensuring long-term impact by equipping local participants with the skills and knowledge to run their own decentralized governance and stake pool operations.

Engaging Stakeholders

Our project will engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including developers, investors, students, policymakers, and blockchain enthusiasts. Participants will be onboarded into local Telegram and WhatsApp groups, which will serve as primary communication tools for the local community hubs. Moreover, they will become part of the Cardano Confederation, where they will receive ongoing mentorship from experienced leaders in governance, education, and stake pool operations.

Proving Our Impact

To measure the project’s success, we will track key metrics such as the number of community members onboarded, new stake pools created, and participation in governance through new Catalyst proposals from these regions. We will also analyze the growth of local Telegram and WhatsApp groups, engagement rates in events, and educational outcomes such as knowledge of governance processes and understanding of Cardano’s founding entities.

Unique Aspects of Our Solution

Our approach is unique because it focuses not only on governance education but also on stake pool operation training, enabling participants to actively contribute to network security and decentralization. By educating individuals on the structure and roles of IOG, Emurgo, Cardano Foundation, and Intersect, we ensure they understand the key entities driving the network, empowering them to participate more effectively in Cardano’s governance. Additionally, the long-term goal of forming the Cardano Confederation MBO ensures that Latam voices are represented in Cardano’s decision-making processes, creating a sustainable and impactful presence in the global ecosystem.

Sample Event Itinerary

• Registration and Attendance Check-in: Participants register and check-in, receiving event materials and badge
• Breakout Sessions:
• Workshop 1: Introduction to Cardano, covering the basics of blockchain and governance.
• Workshop 2: Decentralized Governance, focusing on CIP-1694 and the role of delegators.
• Workshop 3: Smart Contracts and dApps, an advanced session exploring smart contracts on Cardano.
• Workshop 4: dRep Onboarding, focusing on how to become a Delegator Representative.
• Workshop 5: Blockchain-Based Educational Game, teaching Cardano’s principles through interactive learning.
• Workshop 6: Stake Pool Operations Training, teaching the basics of setting up and managing a stake pool.
• Workshop 7: Cardano Entities Education, providing detailed insights into IOG, Emurgo, Cardano Foundation, and Intersect, their roles, and how they contribute to the ecosystem.
• Networking and Cocktail Time: Participants engage with each other and speakers while enjoying refreshment
• Additional Breakout Sessions:
• Workshop 8: Community Improvement Ideation, brainstorming ways to improve local communities using blockchain.
• Workshop 9: Current Projects Through Catalyst, showcasing successful projects in the Latam region.
• Workshop 10: Community Onboarding, guiding participants to join Telegram, WhatsApp, and Cardano Confederation.
• Workshop 11: Minting and NFTs, offering hands-on training on NFT minting.

1. Dinner and Discussions: Formal dinner discussions on Cardano’s mission, vision, and collaboration opportunitie
2. Cardano Film Screening: Screening of the F8 documentary film, offering insights into the broader blockchain ecosyste

This proposal aims to create sustainable, transparent community hubs in underserved Latam regions, providing education on Cardano governance, stake pool operations, and the structure of Cardano’s founding entities. Through the creation of the Cardano Confederation MBO, we will unite Latam voices in Cardano’s governance, ensuring long-term engagement, sustainability, and active participation in the ecosystem’s future.

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

This project will have a profound and lasting positive impact on the wider Cardano community by significantly expanding Cardano’s reach into new regions within Latin America. By establishing community hubs in countries like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay, this project will bring diverse perspectives, fresh talent, and new opportunities for collaboration to the Cardano ecosystem. These underserved regions have vast untapped potential, and by empowering individuals with education in governance, stake pool operations, and decentralized applications, this project will help Cardano grow both in terms of geographic coverage and community participation.

Diversity and Inclusion

The project promotes diversity and inclusion by engaging individuals from countries that currently lack a Cardano presence, ensuring that voices from across all Latin American nations are represented. By creating sustainable hubs, the project will give participants the tools and resources to engage in decentralized governance, build local solutions, and drive innovation in their respective regions. This inclusivity will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among new members, empowering them to implement Cardano projects, influence legislation, and create solutions that cater to the unique needs of their communities.

Measuring Impact

Impact will be measured using both quantitative and qualitative methods:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Number of Community Hubs Established: Success will be measured by the number of new Cardano community hubs established in the target countries.
• New Stake Pool Operators: We will track the number of individuals trained in stake pool operations and the number of new stake pools created in these regions.
• Participation in Governance: A key metric will be the number of individuals who become active in Cardano governance, including delegators and participants in CIP-1694 discussions.
• Catalyst Proposal Submissions: We will track the number of new Project Catalyst proposals emerging from these countries, indicating increased participation and contribution to Cardano’s ecosystem.
• Community Growth: The growth of local Telegram and WhatsApp groups will be monitored to measure community engagement and connectivity.

• Qualitative Metrics:
• Participant Feedback: We will gather feedback from participants before, during, and after events to gauge their understanding of governance, stake pool operations, and Cardano’s structure.
• Mentorship Success: Feedback from individuals onboarded into the Cardano Confederation will be collected to assess the value of ongoing mentorship and guidance provided by seasoned leaders.
• Social Media and Forum Engagement: We will monitor sentiment and engagement on social media and Cardano forums, analyzing how participants feel about their involvement and growth within the ecosystem.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities

The outputs of the project will be shared widely within the Cardano community to maximize their impact:

• Reporting and Data Sharing:
• We will publish quarterly reports detailing the progress of the hubs, community growth, and stake pool operations. These reports will be shared on Project Catalyst, the Cardano Forum, and through social media channels to keep the community informed.

  

• Case Studies and Success Stories:
• Case studies on the successful establishment of the new hubs and the impact on local communities will be published and shared at Cardano community events, including town halls and governance workshops.

• Workshops and Educational Resources:
• The educational materials developed, including governance workshops, stake pool guides, and insights into Cardano’s founding entities (IOG, Emurgo, Cardano Foundation, and Intersect), will be made available to the wider Cardano community. These resources will be distributed through local Telegram and WhatsApp groups and shared on platforms like GitHub and YouTube for broader access.

• Mentorship Program Expansion:
• The Cardano Confederation will continuously mentor and guide new community leaders from these hubs, ensuring that they can take on active roles in the ecosystem. Future goals will include expanding this mentorship program to include members from even more Latin American countries.

Value to the Cardano Community

By expanding Cardano into new regions within Latin America, this project will significantly increase the diversity of perspectives within the ecosystem. These newly established hubs will foster innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of their communities, contributing to Cardano’s mission of decentralized governance and inclusive growth. Additionally, the involvement of previously underserved regions will create opportunities to implement Cardano-based solutions for local challenges, including blockchain-based governance, legal frameworks, and sustainable economic growth.

By empowering individuals in these regions to run stake pools, submit Catalyst proposals, and engage with Cardano’s founding entities, this project will ensure that the community continues to grow in a sustainable, decentralized, and inclusive way, creating long-term value for the entire ecosystem. The outputs and lessons learned from this project will pave the way for future initiatives, enabling even more Latin American countries to join the Cardano network and take active roles in shaping its future.

[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 team, consisting of Jose Velazquez and members of the Cardano Confederation, is uniquely suited to deliver this project due to our proven track record and extensive experience in community building, governance, and blockchain education. With deep connections across Latin America and a structured approach to fund management and accountability, we are confident in our ability to expand Cardano’s reach in the region.

Jose Velazquez has a long history of leadership in the Cardano ecosystem. He is a candidate for the Civics and Budget Committees, a member of the Intersect Marketing Working Group, and the founder of the Bolivia Community Hub. Jose’s extensive experience in governance and community building makes him a critical leader for this project. He has organized over 24 Cardano events across Ecuador and Paraguay, focusing on governance, stake pool operations, and decentralized applications. His candidacy in governance roles demonstrates his commitment to transparency and accountability.

The Cardano Confederation brings together experienced community leaders from across Latin America. The Confederation has a proven track record of launching and managing hubs in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Chile, and Venezuela. By empowering local leaders and fostering decentralized governance models, the Cardano Confederation has successfully created self-sustaining hubs that contribute meaningfully to the global Cardano ecosystem.

Proven Track Record and Existing Capabilities

• Stake Pool Operation Expertise: Our team has extensive knowledge of running successful stake pools and will provide hands-on training to new members in the targeted regions, helping them contribute to the decentralization and security of Cardano.

  

• Governance Leadership: Both Jose have been deeply involved in Cardano governance, including active participation in Intersect and Catalyst projects. This experience equips them to guide new hubs in their involvement with Cardano governance processes, including CIP-1694.

• Event and Workshop Facilitation: Our team has organized over 24 successful events focused on governance, decentralized applications, and stake pool operations. These events have contributed to onboarding hundreds of new members to the Cardano ecosystem.

• Mentorship Programs through the Cardano Confederation: The Cardano Confederation will mentor new community leaders, guiding them through the process of building sustainable community hubs and connecting them with experienced leaders across Latin America.

Steps to Ensure Proper Fund Management

• Milestone-Based Funding: Funds will be distributed based on the completion of key milestone

• Transparent Financial Reporting: Detailed reports will be provided quarterly, documenting how funds have been allocated and what milestones have been achieve

• Third-Party Audits: We will conduct independent audits of the project's financial management to ensure that resources are being used responsibly and efficientl

• Community Oversight: We will encourage the active participation of the local hubs in monitoring the project’s progress and financial management, ensuring that the new communities have a say in the decision-making proces

Validating the Feasibility of Our Approach

• Previous Successes as Proof of Concept: The successful establishment of hubs in Bolivia, Paraguay, and Ecuador serves as a blueprint for creating new hubs in the targeted region

• Continuous Feedback and Adaptation: Throughout the project, we will collect feedback from participants and local communities to ensure that our approach is responsive to their need

• Educational Integration with Cardano’s Founding Entities: The project will educate participants about IOG, Emurgo, Cardano Foundation, and Intersect, giving them a comprehensive understanding of how these organizations shape the ecosystem and governanc

• Building Long-Term Sustainability through Confederation Membership: New community members will be onboarded into the Cardano Confederation, where they will receive mentorship and support from seasoned leader

Long-Term Vision

In addition to immediate goals, this project aims to lay the groundwork for Cardano Confederation to become a new MBO (Member-Based Organization) with members across Latin America. The Cardano Confederation will provide governance support, educational resources, and a decentralized structure to ensure that Latin American stakeholders can actively participate in and shape Cardano’s future. This regional MBO will bring new perspectives, innovation, and solutions to the Cardano ecosystem, further strengthening its global presence.

With a structured approach to fund management, clear milestones, and a proven track record of successful community building, Jose Velazquez and the Cardano Confederation team are confident in delivering this project with the highest level of trust, accountability, and impact.

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

Milestone 1: Development of Curriculum and Initial Event Planning (30% of funds – 30,000 ADA)

Timeframe: Months 1-3

A: Milestone Outputs:

• Develop a comprehensive educational curriculum covering governance, stake pool operations, and onboarding to Cardano’s ecosystem, specifically tailored for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay.
• Creation of training materials, guides, and tutorials related to governance (CIP-1694), stake pool operations, and the structure of Cardano’s founding entities (IOG, Emurgo, Cardano Foundation, Intersect).
• Finalize event venues and logistics for all 9 countries.
• Create and establish active Telegram/WhatsApp groups for each new community hub to ensure ongoing engagement.
• Plan onboarding of new members into Cardano Confederation for long-term support and mentorship.

B: Acceptance Criteria:

• Curriculum, training materials, and guides are completed and reviewed by experts.
• Venues and logistics are secured for events in each country.
• Telegram/WhatsApp groups are fully established and active for all new community hubs.
• Onboarding structure for the new hubs to integrate with the Cardano Confederation is confirmed.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Documentation of the educational curriculum and training materials.
• Signed contracts or agreements with venues and caterers.
• Screenshots of active Telegram/WhatsApp groups.
• Confirmation from the Cardano Confederation regarding the onboarding process.

Milestone 2: Event Execution in Central America (25% of funds – 25,000 ADA)

Timeframe: Months 4-6

A: Milestone Outputs:

• Host events in Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala, with a focus on governance, stake pool operations, and Cardano onboarding.
• Deliver workshops about the structure of IOG, Emurgo, Cardano Foundation, and Intersect and how they contribute to the Cardano ecosystem.
• Begin mentoring new community members and onboarding them to the Cardano Confederation.
• Launch Telegram/WhatsApp groups for active coordination in these hubs.

B: Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful execution of events in Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala with at least 100 participants across the events.
• Workshops are completed, and feedback from participants is collected.
• Onboarding of new members into the Cardano Confederation and governance discussions is initiated.
• Telegram/WhatsApp groups actively engage participants from each hub.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Event videos and livestreams from each event.
• Feedback forms and participant analysis.
• Reports showing the number of new members joining governance and stake pool activities.
• Screenshots and engagement reports from Telegram/WhatsApp groups.

Milestone 3: Event Execution in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama (25% of funds – 25,000 ADA)

Timeframe: Months 7-9

A: Milestone Outputs:

• Host events in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, focusing on advanced governance, decentralized stake pool operations, and the Cardano ecosystem.
• Continue mentoring and onboarding members into the Cardano Confederation.
• Establish the framework for transparent community hub models in these countries.

B: Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful execution of the events in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama with at least 100 participants across the events.
• Communities show interest in self-sustaining hub models.
• Mentorship programs are fully active with increasing engagement from participants.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Event videos and livestreams.
• Feedback forms and event analysis.
• Data on the number of new participants involved in governance and stake pool operations.
• Mentorship reports from the Cardano Confederation.

Final Milestone: Event Execution in Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay & Project Close-out Report (15% of funds – 15,000 ADA)

Timeframe: Months 10-12

A: Milestone Outputs:

• Host final events in Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay, ensuring attendees are equipped to create self-sustaining Cardano community hubs.
• Educate on creating transparent community hub models similar to the successful hubs in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
• Begin mentoring these communities with ongoing guidance from the Cardano Confederation.
• Compile and submit a final Project Close-out Report and video documentation of the project journey, including interviews and event highlights.

B: Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful execution of the events with at least 100 participants across the events.
• Communities are onboarded into the Cardano Confederation and demonstrate a clear understanding of self-sustaining hub models.
• The close-out report and video showcase the full project impact and lessons learned.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Final event videos and livestreams from Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay.
• Submission of the project close-out report, documenting the entire project lifecycle.
• Video featuring interviews, testimonials, and key highlights from the events.

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

The team members for this project are all experienced leaders in the Cardano ecosystem, and their roles are clearly defined to ensure efficient and accountable project delivery. The team members have already been engaged and are committed to the success of the initiative. No additional recruitment will take place for this project.

Jose Velazquez – Project Lead & Event Planner

• LinkedIn: [Jose Velazquez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-velazquez-809665186)
• Role: Jose Velazquez will serve as the Project Lead, responsible for overseeing the entire project. He will coordinate event planning, ensure logistics are in place for each hub's creation, and manage stakeholder engagement. With extensive experience as a Civics and Budget Committee candidate and Intersect Marketing Working Group member, Jose will ensure that all milestones are achieved, funds are properly managed, and that the project progresses with transparency and accountability. He has successfully hosted 24 Cardano-related events and will use this experience to expand outreach to new countries.

Cardano Confederation – Mentors and Advisors

• Website: [Cardano Confederation](https://www.cardanoconfederation.org/)
• Role: The Cardano Confederation members, with extensive experience in running hubs across Latin America, will serve as mentors for the new hubs being established. They will guide the newly onboarded communities on decentralized governance, stake pool operations, and self-sustainability, ensuring that each hub is well-prepared to thrive independently. These members will be available for continuous mentorship and will work to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the new community hubs.

Engagement with Relevant Stakeholders

All necessary stakeholders, including those from the Cardano Confederation, have been engaged to support this project. The team has established direct lines of communication through Telegram, Discord, and other community channels. This ensures smooth coordination and the availability of resources required to deliver this project successfully.

The project team has prior experience managing funds from Project Catalyst, and their commitment to transparent fund management will continue through regular reporting, ensuring accountability at every stage of the project.

This project team is well-suited to deliver the proposed work without the need for additional recruitment, drawing on the extensive skills and experience of the existing members.

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

The total requested budget for this project is 100,000 ADA, which will be allocated across the following areas to ensure the successful completion of the proposed work in four milestones over 12 months. The project will host events in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. Below is the breakdown per country.

• Venue and Event Costs – Total per country: 2,000 ADA  

Each country event requires a venue, breakout spaces, and catering preparation area.

• Conference Hall Rental: 1,000 ADA (per event)
• Breakout Room Rental: 500 ADA (per event)
• Catering and Food Preparation Area: 250 ADA (per event)
• Outdoor Space Rental (if applicable): 250 ADA (per event)

  

Total across 9 countries: 18,000 ADA

• Event Materials and Printing – Total per country: 1,700 ADA  

Ensuring branding and professional presentation materials.

• Badges and Lanyards: 300 ADA
• Event Banners and Signage: 200 ADA
• Printed Materials (agendas, pamphlets): 700 ADA
• Branded Promotional Items (notebooks, pens, etc.): 500 ADA

Total across 9 countries: 15,300 ADA

• Marketing and Promotion – Total per country: 1,000 ADA  

Effective promotion to ensure maximum participation and visibility.

• Social Media Advertising (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram): 500 ADA
• Google Ads: 100 ADA
• Printing Flyers & Posters: 150 ADA
• Email Marketing Campaigns: 50 ADA
• Content Creation (video, graphics): 200 ADA

Total across 9 countries: 9,000 ADA

• Catering and Refreshments for Events – Total per country: 1,100 ADA  

To foster a conducive networking environment, formal dinners and cocktail receptions are provided.

• Formal Dinner Catering: 700 ADA
• Cocktail Reception: 300 ADA
• Beverages: 100 ADA

Total across 9 countries: 9,900 ADA

• Transportation and Travel Costs – Total per country: 1,200 ADA  

Travel costs for the project team and guest speakers.

• Speaker Travel (flights, accommodation): 600 ADA
• Staff Travel (local): 400 ADA
• Guest Transportation: 200 ADA

Total across 9 countries: 10,800 ADA

• Technical Equipment Rental – Total per country: 1,000 ADA  

Necessary technical equipment for presentations, live streaming, and sound systems.

• Projector and Screen Rental: 250 ADA
• Microphones and Sound System: 250 ADA
• Lighting Equipment: 200 ADA
• Laptops and AV Equipment Rental: 300 ADA

Total across 9 countries: 9,000 ADA

• Professional Services – Total per country: 600 ADA  

This budget covers third-party professional services for audits and legal support.

• Legal Support (contracts, venues): 200 ADA
• Audit Services (transparency and reporting): 250 ADA
• Administrative Services: 150 ADA

Total across 9 countries: 5,400 ADA

• Documentation and Reporting – Total per country: 400 ADA  

Ensuring detailed reporting and documentation of each event.

• Video Documentation of Events: 200 ADA
• Comprehensive Project Report Writing: 200 ADA

Total across 9 countries: 3,600 ADA

• Miscellaneous Expenses – Total per country: 700 ADA  

For unplanned or emergency costs, this covers contingencies and venue deposits.

• Event Insurance: 200 ADA
• Security Deposits for Venues: 250 ADA
• Contingency Fund: 250 ADA

Total across 9 countries: 6,300 ADA

• Final Milestone: Project Close-out and Future Planning – Total: 10,000 ADA  

This milestone covers strategic planning, reporting, and final video documentation.

• Project Close-Out Report: 4,000 ADA
• Final Video Documentation: 3,000 ADA
• Future Hub Sustainability Planning: 3,000 ADA

Summary of Budget Breakdown by Category:

• Venue and Event Costs: 18,000 ADA
• Event Materials and Printing: 15,300 ADA
• Marketing and Promotion: 9,000 ADA
• Catering and Refreshments: 9,900 ADA
• Transportation and Travel: 10,800 ADA
• Technical Equipment Rental: 9,000 ADA
• Professional Services: 5,400 ADA
• Documentation and Reporting: 3,600 ADA
• Miscellaneous Expenses: 6,300 ADA
• Final Milestone (Close-out and Future Planning): 10,000 ADA

Total Requested Budget: 100,000 ADA

By allocating the budget across these areas, the project aims to deliver maximum value in developing sustainable Cardano hubs in the target countries and foster long-term engagement. The funds are managed with a focus on transparency and ensuring each milestone is achieved efficiently.

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

The 100,000 ADA requested is strategically allocated to ensure that every investment drives both immediate and long-term value for the Cardano ecosystem. Here’s how this project stands out in terms of value for money:

• Building an Ecosystem in Untapped Countries:

The project targets nine countries where Cardano has little to no presence: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. The goal is to establish local community hubs, introduce Cardano governance education, and develop a grassroots network of stakeholders who can take an active role in Cardano governance and blockchain innovation.

This investment is unique in its focus on expansion into new territories, where the return on investment is maximized by unlocking entire regions for Cardano. The creation of sustainable hubs in these countries opens the door for future proposals, new dApps, and governance participation, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to the ecosystem.

• Cost Efficiency through Local Networks:

The budget is tailored to leverage local economies, where costs for event venues, catering, and promotional materials are lower than global averages. For example:

• Venue rental costs of 2,000 ADA per country are proportional to local rates in Latin America, ensuring that events are held in high-quality venues while keeping costs reasonable.
• Marketing and promotion expenses are designed to maximize outreach within local digital channels, allowing for significant visibility with a relatively low budget.

By engaging local service providers and networks, the project not only supports community engagement but also stimulates the local economy, making it a cost-effective approach to regional expansion.

• Long-Term Value and Self-Sustaining Hubs:

Unlike a one-off event, this project creates self-sustaining community hubs that will continue to drive Cardano’s growth in these regions long after the funding period. By onboarding local leaders into the Cardano Confederation and providing mentorship on governance and stake pool operations, the hubs are set up to thrive independently, ensuring continuous engagement and innovation in each country.

Moreover, these hubs will serve as launching pads for future Catalyst proposals, encouraging local projects and stake pools to emerge, ensuring a return on investment through continuous contributions to the ecosystem.

• Unique Focus on Governance and Cardano MBO Structure:

This project introduces mentorship and education on Cardano’s governance model, stake pool operation, and the roles of founding entities such as Intersect, Emurgo, Cardano Foundation, and IOG. By creating a direct connection between new participants and seasoned leaders in the Cardano ecosystem, the project fosters a deeper understanding of how to actively participate in governance and shape the future of Cardano.

Additionally, the project's long-term vision is to establish a regional Cardano MBO (Member-Based Organization) that will allow Latin American countries to collectively play a pivotal role in global Cardano governance, providing lasting governance infrastructure that brings Latin American voices to the forefront.

• Transparent Fund Management and Community Engagement:

The budget includes audit services, legal guidance, and detailed reporting, ensuring full transparency in the use of funds. Each step of the project will be documented and shared with the Cardano community, allowing for open feedback and accountability. This not only builds trust within the ecosystem but also sets a standard for future community projects in transparency and responsible governance.

• Immediate and Long-Term Impact:

The project’s dual focus on immediate community engagement and long-term sustainability ensures that the investment continues to generate value well beyond the initial funding period. The creation of community hubs will lead to more decentralized projects, an increase in proposals from these regions, and greater diversity in governance participation — all contributing to Cardano's global mission of decentralization.

Conclusion:

The proposed 100,000 ADA is a strategic investment in building sustainable and self-reliant community hubs across nine new countries. The combination of cost-efficiency, long-term impact, and a focus on governance and sustainability makes this project uniquely valuable to the Cardano ecosystem. The project not only expands Cardano’s reach but also lays the foundation for continuous growth, innovation, and diverse participation from new regions.