The Run A Node Grants Round wanted to reach different users exploring blockchain, learning, community efforts, and research purposes. The aim of this round was to encourage the exploration of a diverse range of ideas for operating nodes beyond running a validator, such as facilitating data queries for research, examining node performance under severe conditions, or enhancing node UX. Applicants had the option to select a Dappnode or provide specs to receive a stipend for a custom build.

We received a total of 243 applications. Out of all the applications we evaluated, we selected 35 recipients from 23 different countries to receive support to run nodes. Eligibility requirements for this round included that applicants must have fast, stable internet connections with high data thresholds, must be able to demonstrate technical competency of nodes and clients, and must be willing and able to run the node for at least 2 years. In our evaluation, we prioritized unique proposals from geographically diverse regions, as well as student blockchain clubs and academic institutions.

The graphs below show a distribution of awarded grants by location and a breakdown of awarded node type:
Here is a short description of each project running a node from the proactive grants round.

1. ETHKL – Malaysia: Using the node to bootstrap the Ethereum Kuala Lumpur community with the knowledge as well as hardware capabilities to run a full Ethereum node. Members gain hands-on experience in maintaining a node, not limited to downtime, hardware troubleshooting, pruning, and more. Node provides a secure and free community RPC endpoint and serve as a testing ground for university students to learn about blockchain.
2. SDSU Distributed System Security Lab – United States: Over the past four years, the research team has been working on discovering and mitigating vulnerabilities and DoS attacks in the Ethereum network through research that relies on running an Ethereum node.
3. FranklinDAO / Penn Blockchain – United States: Running a node to provide an easily accessible API to the blockchain for developers and researchers at FranklinDAO – a student-run organization promoting blockchain adoption at University of Pennsylvania.
…and so on.