Decentralized Crowdfunding DApp for Transparent Funding

[Proposal setup] Proposal title

Please provide your proposal title

Decentralized Crowdfunding DApp for Transparent Funding

[Proposal Summary] Budget Information

Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA

75000

[Proposal Summary] Time

Please specify how many months you expect your project to last

7

[Proposal Summary] Problem Statement

What is the problem you want to solve?

Most crowdfunding platforms don’t protect donors. Funds are misused, and there’s no refund if goals fail. No Cardano DApp offers milestone or refund-based protection.

[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation

Supporting links

• https://github.com/unwrapsolutions/cardano-decentralized-crowdfunding-frontend
,
• https://github.com/unwrapsolutions/cardano-decentralized-crowdfunding-backend
,
• https://github.com/unwrapsolutions/cardano-decentralized-crowdfunding-contract
,
• https://unwrapsolutions.dev/

[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies

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

No

Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'

No dependencies

[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source

Will your project's outputs be fully open source?

Yes

License and Additional Information

The project will be fully open source.

License: MIT License.

[Theme Selection] Theme

Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal.

Wallet

[Campaign Category] Category Questions

Describe what makes your idea innovative compared to what has been previously funded (whether by you or others).

This DApp introduces a decentralized crowdfunding model with milestone-based fund release, refund logic, and integrated accountability features. Unlike previously funded projects, it includes smart contract-backed transparency, on-chain progress tracking, and real-time community feedback. It also provides an open-source backend, enabling developers to replicate or expand the model for other use cases across the Cardano ecosystem.

Describe what your prototype or MVP will demonstrate, and where it can be accessed.

Our MVP will demonstrate the core functionality of the decentralized crowdfunding platform: project creation, milestone-based disbursement, refund logic, donor contribution tracking, and progress transparency. It will include a smart contract on Cardano testnet, a frontend for interacting with campaigns, and a backend to manage data securely and transparently. The MVP will be accessible via a public URL and GitHub repository, with open documentation for review and testing.

Describe realistic measures of success, ideally with on-chain metrics.

Success will be measured through both on-chain and off-chain metrics. On-chain, we will track the number of successfully launched campaigns, total ADA contributed, number of unique backers, number of milestones funded, and number of refunds issued via smart contracts. Off-chain, we’ll monitor user sign-ups, MVP engagement stats, community feedback, documentation access counts, and participation in onboarding sessions. These metrics will provide transparent proof of adoption and impact, validating the platform's utility and sustainability.

[Your Project and Solution] Solution

Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem

Crowdfunding is an amazing tool for launching new ideas. But many people hesitate to donate because they don’t trust that their money will be used correctly. In most cases, once you send your donation, there’s no control over how or when the funds are used. If a campaign fails to reach its goal, getting your money back is often manual, slow, or simply not possible.

Our solution is a Cardano-native crowdfunding DApp that solves these problems using two main features:

1. Milestone-Based Disbursement:

Campaign creators set clear goals and a timeline. Instead of receiving all funds at once, they only get funds after completing each milestone. These milestones are verified by the community or trusted mechanisms. If the milestone is not met, the funds stay locked.

2. Automatic Refunds:

If the total funding goal is not reached by the deadline, all donors get refunded automatically. This is handled by the smart contract no need for manual approval or any third party.

The platform will be developed with:

• Smart contracts in Aiken
• Frontend using React/Next.js and Backend using Nodejs
• Wallet integration (Nami, Lace, Eternl)
• A Figma UI/UX design prototype
• Testnet deployment for user testing

All logic is handled on-chain using Cardano’s eUTXO model, making the system transparent, trustless, and safe.

This solves the trust issue and makes it easier for honest creators to raise funds while protecting the community from scams or failed ideas.

[Your Project and Solution] Impact

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

This project will help build trust in blockchain crowdfunding by giving users real protection and transparency. For the Cardano community, it will:

• Bring more real use cases on-chain. Every donation, milestone approval, or refund will be an on-chain transaction. This increases activity on Cardano and encourages real-world utility.
• Boost adoption of Cardano wallets. As users interact with our platform, they will use wallets like Nami or Lace, making them more familiar with the Cardano ecosystem.
• Support project creators. Honest builders will finally have a platform where they can raise funds in stages and show progress step-by-step, building trust with their supporters.
• Set a standard for DApp transparency. This project can inspire other developers to adopt milestone-based logic and refund systems in different use cases, such as grants or DAO governance.
• Open future collaboration paths. In the future, this platform can connect with oracles, DAO governance models, or even identity verification systems for further improvement.

Overall, this project introduces a new way to fund ideas fairly and safely on Cardano, and helps Cardano grow into a more active, user-trusting network.

[Your Project and Solution] Capabilities & 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 has strong technical skills in both frontend development, backend and smart contract design. I, Kambale Mechack, have built multiple web applications using React, Next.js, Node.js and Smart Contract. I’m now working with Plutus and Aiken to fully build on Cardano. I’ve also led projects at Togree and Unwrap Solutions and worked on real-world apps for NGOs, startups, and blockchain platforms.

We will work with two experienced freelance smart contract developers to handle the Plutus/Aiken logic and make sure everything works as planned.

To ensure feasibility:

• We will start with a smart contract architecture plan based on Cardano’s eUTXO model.
• We will write and test the logic on testnet, starting small (fund lock/unlock, refund).
• We’ll create a clickable UI/UX prototype in Figma to test user flow early.
• We will test the MVP with real users and improve it based on their feedback.
• All code will be on GitHub, so the community can track our progress.

We will publish regular updates, show the testnet link, and provide full documentation, making it easy to track our work and hold us accountable.

[Milestones] Project Milestones

Milestone Title

Project Planning & Backend Architecture Design

Milestone Outputs

We will have a complete technical plan of the DApp, including a clear and simple user flows, backend architecture, smart contract planning, and UI wireframes. The roadmap will also outline team roles and tools.

Acceptance Criteria

The team will have to produce a clear and impactful technical document, approved UI wireframes, database models, backend architecture, and blockchain integration strategy, reviewed and validated internally.

Evidence of Completion

A public document containing technical architecture, wireframes (via Figma), GitHub repo for backend planning and smart contracts, and internal approval report.

Delivery Month

1

Cost

8000

Progress

10 %

Milestone Title

Backend Development and Smart Contract Setup

Milestone Outputs

Backend API with Node.js/Express and database (PostgreSQL), user auth system using connected wallet based, and Cardano wallet integration. Smart contracts deployed on testnet. Admin dashboard backend also initiated.

Acceptance Criteria

To make sure that the backend server running with tested APIs via postman for tests, user registration/login functioning, Cardano testnet wallet connection working, and smart contract testnet deployment confirmed.

Evidence of Completion

GitHub repository with backend code and smart contracts, testnet deployment links, screenshots of working backend endpoints and test results for all endpoints.

Delivery Month

2

Cost

22000

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Frontend Development and DApp UI Integration

Milestone Outputs

We will make sure that the development of all user interface pages using Next.js, Tailwind CSS, and wallet connection features are done. All frontend components integrated with the backend and blockchain logic.

Acceptance Criteria

Functional user dashboard, campaign listing, detailed views, project creation form, and real-time wallet integration fully tested on testnet and connected to backend API. User authentification based on wallet connection.

Evidence of Completion

Public GitHub with frontend code, working demo video showing connected UI and wallet, testnet interactions, and smart contract calls from the UI.

Delivery Month

1

Cost

15000

Progress

30 %

Milestone Title

Full System Testing, QA, and Feedback Integration

Milestone Outputs

We have to makesure that the system is tested across devices, campaign flows tested, edge cases validated. Users invited to test and give feedback. Bugs fixed, performance optimized, and security audit completed.

Acceptance Criteria

The full DApp passes test cases for campaign creation, contributions, withdrawal, and refund logic. Security audit completed and major bugs resolved from tester feedback. Provide the project link working on the testnet

Evidence of Completion

QA test report, bug tracking sheet, resolved issues documented on GitHub, security audit report, and user feedback summary showing implemented improvements.

Delivery Month

2

Cost

15000

Progress

20 %

Milestone Title

Deployment, Documentation, and Community Launch

Milestone Outputs

We will launch the DApp on Cardano mainnet, with full backend and frontend integration. Detailed user and developer documentation will be provided. A community onboarding plan and launch campaign will run to engage users. A final report will be published, covering outcomes, challenges, and next steps for sustainability.

Acceptance Criteria

The platform is successfully deployed on Cardano mainnet with complete backend and frontend integration. Full documentation is published online. A community onboarding session is conducted, and project success metrics are collected and reported to Catalyst.

Evidence of Completion

Mainnet URL, launch announcement post, public documentation link, feedback from early users, and final report shared with Catalyst and the Cardano community.

Delivery Month

1

Cost

15000

Progress

10 %

[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Item ADA

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Smart Contract Development ₳25,000

Frontend Development & Integration ₳18,000

UI/UX Design & Prototyping ₳5,000

Infrastructure & Hosting ₳4,000

Testing & Community Engagement ₳6,000

Project Management & Documentation ₳8,000

Buffer / Unexpected Costs ₳9,000

---

Total ₳75,000

We plan to allocate the budget carefully across development, design, testing, and operations. We also include a small buffer for unexpected technical issues or delays.

[Final Pitch] Value for Money

How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?

This project offers high value to the Cardano ecosystem by introducing a new type of decentralized application that solves real problems. It will:

• Create a working MVP that the community can use and build upon.
• Generate real on-chain transactions, helping to grow network utility.
• Introduce two important smart contract models: milestone-based disbursement and refund logic.
• Help both campaign creators and donors feel safer using Cardano.
• Promote open-source development, helping other developers learn and contribute.

The budget is balanced and focused on real output: code, UI, testnet deployment, and documentation not marketing or vanity metrics. Every ADA spent helps build something useful and new for the Cardano ecosystem.

[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation

Terms and Conditions:

Yes