Explorer - indicate in the UI whether the operators funded the round

[marsrobertson]

Currently, the size of the matching round is the default sort crtiterium on the explorer.

Currently, there are 3 rounds that have very sizeable maching round but hardly any projects: https://explorer.gitcoin.co/ - it looks strange / weird / suspicious - see screenshot below:

Currently, it is possible to create a round without matching funds. In other words, the availability of funds is not enforced. It raises a question: is the matching round for real? As a user, creator, entrepreneur, potential applicant I would like to know if they are funded - in that way I would know if there is ROI on time energy effort in writing application and (upon approval) promoting the project.

There is additional element of courtesy / branding / good manners, it would sound weird:

Hey project, I saw you on Gitcoin, before applying I would like to ensure you really have funds

It does not sound great, it can prompt a reaction:

How dare you ask this question of course we are, we are all frens here, this level of suspicion is not aligned with our values, we don't want people who ask questions, bye bye

Potential solution 1:

Indicate in the UI whether the operators have funded the round.

Currently it might be possible to lookup on-chain. Requires some knowledge where to look.

Potential solution 2:

Require round operators to fund the rund before going live. Might be problematic when funds are not ready

RELATED

#3464 - an issue about curating on the homepage and use case for $GTC, auctioning premium "above the fold" digital real estate

RELATED RELATED

Some major protocols / L2 / networks are running a round. They are reputable, well-established, with sizeable market cap and community, for them matching round in region of $100k is aligned with marketing budget:

• Metis: https://x.com/MetisL2/status/1834563254850335054
• LUKSO: https://x.com/LUKSOFoundation/status/1833862732715638941
• Octant: https://x.com/gitcoin/status/1831307578002796991
• Polygon Farcaster: https://x.com/gitcoin/status/1828877020211654787

As a user of Gitcoin I much prefer if well-established rounds were promoted on the homepage. Parallel to that, I much prefer if not-so-well-established rounds with massive match have some indication whether the funds are for real (or just a SEO strategy to be on top of the explorer).

SUMMARY

• indicator if the round funded (for real)
• community collections to be kept up to date
• curation on the homepage
• auction for digital real-estate using $GTC

[linear]

PAR-416 Explorer - indicate in the UI whether the operators funded the round