Bounties are part of Polkadot OpenGov and allow community members to actively contribute to the network's growth while getting rewarded based on specific goals reviewed by curators. If you're not entirely sure what Bounties are, we recommend checking out this article, which gives a general overview of how they work. 

In this article, we'll go over how one of the most commonly used bounties in the ecosystem works: the Meetup Bounty. As the name suggests, it's specifically designed to support the organization of local meetups that help spread awareness of Polkadot in any corner of the world.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What is the Meetup Bounty and its goals?
• Who can apply?
• How do I qualify for the Meetup Bounty?
• Organizer rewards
• How to apply?
• Meetup Bounty contact and Curators

What is the Meetup Bounty and its goals?

Meetups are a powerful tool to connect different communities around the world in a low-cost way and with a high social impact. That is why the Polkadot community decided to dedicate part of the Polkadot treasury resources to this purpose.

The meetup bounty seeks to create new connections between users, grow communities, and allow organizers to share their knowledge with all those interested in learning more about Polkadot and its incredible ecosystem in a healthy and fun way.

Meetups can have different themes: technical, educational, playful, business-related, etc.

Who can apply?

Any community member can organize a meetup, as long as they meet three essential requirements:

• On-chain identity. If you're unsure how to set it up, we recommend this article, which provides a simple step-by-step guide you can complete in just a few clicks.
• Extensive knowledge of Polkadot and its ecosystem.
• A verifiable track record of activity within the ecosystem.

Transparency is a key requirement when applying for this bounty.

ℹ️ GOOD TO KNOW

Any of the requirements mentioned below may change, so we recommend reviewing them on the official Meetup Bounty Notion site or following the Meetup Bounty on social media.

How do I qualify for the Meetup Bounty?

To organize a meetup through the Meetup Bounty, you need to take into account a few considerations. Some of them are:

• The bounty funds events up to a fixed limit.
• The event will be paid retroactively.
• The form must be completed and submitted within 30 days after the event.
• The proposal must be well-structured, clear, and concise.
• If you've never organized a Meetup through this Bounty, it's recommended that you connect with the curators before planning the event.

The curators must pre-approve events that exceed the maximum allowed, involve external funding, or include multi-chain collaborations.

Organizer rewards

Once the event has been organized and all the required documentation submitted, the organizer may be eligible to receive a reward, depending on the event's performance.

The curators will carefully review this process, taking into account aspects such as event execution, budget efficiency, and more. If you'd like to know more about the reward conditions, visit the "Organizer Rewards"  section on their Notion.

Organizers with a proven track record in this bounty will be more likely to receive the maximum reward.

How to apply?

To apply for the Meetup Bounty, you must provide clear and complete documentation about your event. This includes a short proposal, proof of expenses, and other materials. Make sure your submission is as transparent as possible. Otherwise, it may be rejected. 

Please note that the requirements may change over time, so we recommend checking the Meetup Bounty Notion page, which will give you current information about the bounty.

Meetup Bounty contact and Curators

Curators are trusted community members responsible for reviewing the organizers' work, approving rewards, and managing the bounty funds. Below, you'll find the list of Meetup Bounty curators.

If you want to connect with curators, it's best to reach out through the official Meetup Bounty Telegram channel , although they organize monthly AMAs that allow organizers and community members to ask questions and clarify doubts about hosting a meetup.

And that's all about the Meetup Bounty! As you can see, bounties are incredible tools to help grow the Polkadot ecosystem and empower local communities through real-world impact. Whether you're a seasoned contributor or just getting started, the Meetup Bounty is a great way to take action, share your knowledge, and bring the power of Polkadot to your local community.