The Zcash community has spoken. Recent polling results signal a clear path forward for the future of the Zcash Development Fund (Dev Fund). After a thorough and collaborative process, the community expressed strong support for continuing the Dev Fund under a model that balances funding decision-making power between coinholders and the broader community—and for making this a top priority ahead of other upcoming consensus changes.
This decision marks a pivotal moment for Zcash, reinforcing its commitment to decentralization, inclusivity, and resilience. As the current funding model approaches its expiration in November 2025, the next phase will focus on implementing a coinholder grant polling mechanism and preparing for a potential network upgrade to support the transition. Here’s a closer look at the journey so far, the results, and what comes next.
A Community-Driven Process
This consensus-building process began months ago, driven by a shared desire to align Zcash’s funding model with its core values of decentralization and community governance. Building on the success of the 2020 Dev Fund established through ZIP 1014 and the consensus reached in August of last year, the community sought to evolve the model further. The focus was on empowering both the community and ZEC coinholders to have a direct say in how funds are allocated.
The process was highly collaborative, involving multiple groups within the Zcash ecosystem to ensure a broad range of voices was heard. Independent surveys were distributed to members of ECC’s Zcash Ad Hoc Caucus (ZAC) and ZF’s Zcash Community Advisory Panel (ZCAP). The ZecHub DAO independently decided to poll its membership as well.
The community also leveraged a first-of-its-kind coinholder voting mechanism. This allowed ZEC holders to directly vote on their preferred funding proposals.
The process and options considered were discussed publicly on the Zcash Community Forum, providing full transparency of the ongoing dialogue.
The Polling Results: A Clear Mandate
The results of the polls were remarkably consistent. Across all four polls, one model emerged as the clear favorite: the Community and Coinholder Funding Model (C&C). This model proposes a balanced approach where both the community and ZEC coinholders have a say in funding allocation.
The strong support for prioritizing the Dev Fund extension across all four polls demonstrates the community’s recognition of the importance of sustainable funding for Zcash’s continued development, even if it means delaying NU7 (the next network upgrade).
What the Results Mean for Zcash
Taken together, the polling results affirm the community’s desire to extend the Dev Fund using a model that shares governance between coinholders and community members. The Community and Coinholder Funding Model (C&C) will serve as the basis for the next phase of Zcash’s development.
The strong support for prioritizing the Dev Fund extension also signals the community’s willingness to adapt timelines to ensure the new model is implemented thoughtfully. While NU7 may be postponed, the community is committed to enacting these changes on or before the current Dev Fund expires in November 2025.
Next Steps: Building a Decentralized Future
With the community’s mandate in hand, the Zcash ecosystem is now focused on the next steps to bring this vision to life. Key priorities include:
- Developing the Coinholder Grant Polling Mechanism: Building on the success of the voting system used in this process, the community will formalize a mechanism for coinholders to participate in grant allocation decisions. This will ensure that ZEC holders have a direct voice in how funds are distributed.
- Planning for a Network Upgrade: Implementing the new funding model will require changes to the Zcash protocol, necessitating a network upgrade. The community will develop a timeline to ensure this upgrade is completed on or before the November 2025 expiration of the current Dev Fund.
- Continued Engagement: The Zcash Community Forum will remain a hub for ongoing discussions, ensuring transparency and inclusivity as the new model takes shape. Community members are encouraged to stay involved and share their perspectives.
A Milestone for Zcash
By coming together, the Zcash community has demonstrated its ability to navigate complex decisions while staying true to its values of decentralization and privacy.
As we look ahead, the Zcash ecosystem is poised to become more decentralized, inclusive, and resilient than ever. The new funding model will support the continued development of Zcash, helping it remain a best-in-class tool for protecting individual privacy, security, and human dignity in an increasingly chaotic digital world.
The work ahead is critical, but Zcash’s future is grounded in the unity and resolve of its community. Stay tuned for updates as we finalize the details of the new funding model and prepare for the next chapter in Zcash’s evolution. Together, we’re building the future of unstoppable private money.
Onward.
