---
title: (DRAFT) RFPs Explained
description: A brief explainer on the DAO Proposal Process
tags: dao-wide, information, secretary
---

# ==DRAFT==

# Table of Contents

[toc]

# Introduction
The ENS DAO has three specific ways to request funding.
1. **Proposal**
2. **Request for Proposal**
3. **Prop House Grants** *(Pending Development)*

This document explains the differences between these three funding methods.

# Proposals
Proposals are direct requests for ENS DAO funds. Proposals are initiated on the forum and vetted by the entire DAO through the on-chain voting process.; this is a non-competitive process.

Funding is requested from the DAO multisig or available working group funds.

## Conditions for initiation
- The work has already been performed
- A pre-defined executor or grantee is identified

## Examples
### Proper Implementation
:::success
Contributor A has developed a protocol update. This work is complete, and a recipient is pre-defined.
:::

**Improper Implementation**
:::danger
Contributor C has an idea for a protocol update. They cannot perform the work themselves, and no work has begun.
:::

# Request for Proposals (RFPs)
Request for Proposals (RFPs) solicit the general public to perform work on an idea or project that does not already have a grantee identified. This is a competitive process.

RFPs will have a proposal manager that will oversee the vetting of applicants. At their discretion, they may choose to select an applicant and put their plan to a DAO proposal to execute work and payment.

Funding is requested from the DAO multisig or available working group funds.

## Conditions for initiation
- The community or DAO desires to solicit work from the general public
- The is no pre-defined executor or grantee
- It is desired to have an open and competitive process

### Proper Implementations
:::success
Contributor C has an idea for a protocol update. They cannot perform the work themselves, and no work has begun. Contributor C drafts an RFP and oversees the vetting of applicants.
:::

### Improper Implementation
:::danger
Contributor A has developed a protocol update. This work is complete and is so specialized that only one or two people can complete the tasks involved.
:::

# Prop House Grants
Prop House Grants are an automated way for projects to receive funding. This is a competitive process where applicants can submit their project or idea to the prop house grant rounds to be voted on. Those projects that receive the most votes will receive funding.

Working groups provide funding. The amount given for each grant round is defined by the budget established at the beginning of the term.

## Conditions for initiation
- The work may have begun
- A grantee has been identified
- Funds are required to complete a project/task
- The applicant desires an open and competitive process governed by smart-contract

### Proper Implementations
:::success
Contributor E wants to create videos for the DAO. They desire to be compensated for their time and work. They have a plan but no deadline and do not need working group oversight. Contributor E applies to the monthly small grants round.
:::

### Improper Implementation
:::danger
Contributor F has an idea for a project but does not have a plan to complete it. It is also unclear whether the project needs funding at all.
:::

## Decision Diagram

st=>start: Should DAO Fund Something?
e1=>end: Proposal
e2=>end: RFP
e3=>end: Prop House
op=>operation: Do you want a competitive selection process?
op2=>operation: Has someone been identified to perform the project/task?
cond=>condition: Yes or No
cond2=>condition: Yes or No

st->op->cond->
cond(no)->e1
cond(yes)->op2
op2->cond2
cond2(no)->e2
cond2(yes)->e3