Methodology
Our approach to measuring and presenting web3 project impact through transparent, comparable metrics that capture both financial sustainability and real-world outcomes.
Core Principles
Our methodology is built on four foundational principles that guide how we collect, verify, and present impact data for web3 projects. These principles ensure transparency, fairness, and actionable insights for the entire ecosystem.
Transparency
All metrics are self-reported by projects with public verification where possible. We encourage open data sharing and provide clear attribution for all information sources.
Comparability
Standardized metrics enable fair comparison across different types of projects, from infrastructure to applications to public goods funding mechanisms.
Global Impact
We measure real-world outcomes across geographic regions, focusing on beneficiaries served and value distributed to communities worldwide.
Sustainability
We track funding models to assess long-term viability, distinguishing between grant-dependent and revenue-generating sustainability approaches.
Metrics Framework
Our comprehensive metrics framework captures both financial health and real-world impact, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions about resource allocation and project evaluation.
Financial Metrics
Funding Received
Total lifetime funding from all sources including grants, investments, and donations.
Sustainable Revenue %
Percentage of funding from recurring revenue models vs. one-time grants or investments.
Annual Budget
Current annual operating budget including team salaries, infrastructure, and operations.
Funding Distributed
Total value distributed externally through grants, UBI, loans, or other funding mechanisms.
Impact Metrics
Geographic Distribution
Countries served with user/beneficiary counts and value distributed per region.
Team Efficiency
Full-time equivalent team members and funding-per-team-member ratios.
Quantifiable Outcomes
Project-specific metrics like users served, emissions reduced, or democratic participation.
Distribution Efficiency
Ratio of funding distributed externally vs. total funding received.
Data Sources & Verification
Primary Sources
- Project self-reporting through standardized submission forms
- Public financial disclosures and annual reports
- On-chain transaction data for distribution tracking
- Grant registry databases (Gitcoin, Ethereum Foundation, etc.)
Verification Process
- Cross-reference with public funding databases
- On-chain verification where applicable
- Community review and correction process
- Regular updates and data refresh cycles
Limitations & Considerations
Self-Reported Data: Most metrics rely on project self-reporting, which may introduce bias or inconsistencies despite verification efforts.
Metric Standardization: Different project types require different impact measurements, making perfect comparability challenging.
Attribution Complexity: Real-world impact often involves multiple factors beyond a single project's contribution.
Temporal Considerations: Impact metrics may lag behind funding, and long-term sustainability requires ongoing assessment.