Request for Volume-Based Integration
All applications will follow the standard Grants DAO process. This request should not be interpreted as an offer.
Overview
CoW Grants DAO is launching a Volume-Based Integration Program to support integrations that drive measurable trading volume on CoW Protocol. This initiative provides performance-based rewards to align incentives with real impact. Applications will be reviewed by the Grants Committee and approved via Snapshot. We will be accepting applications until 30th September 2025, with initiative application approvals running until the end of the current CoW Grants DAO cycle.
Background
The Volume-Based Partner Reward Program was introduced through CIP-18 as part of the CoW Grants Program. It has proven effective in incentivizing integrations, leading to partnerships with teams like Shapeshift, Yearn, and DeFi Llama. Given its success, CoW Grants DAO is now strengthening this as an ongoing program.
Program Structure
This program is open to new integrators or those who have not previously received a grant. Approved integrations will receive rewards based on the trading volume they generate. The program ensures that rewards are based on actual performance, with transparent and predefined milestones. It is designed to be scalable, allowing multiple integrators to participate based on merit and impact.
Eligibility
Applicants must integrate CoW Protocol in a way that drives measurable volume, the appID must me provided in the original application or if not yet integrated, the appID must be provided in the forum once integration is complete. All participants must be approved by the Grants Committee via Snapshot. We acknowledge that only milestones achieved within 12 months of snapshot approval, will be eligible for the milestone claim.
Reward Structure
- Milestone 1: First 1$ million in volume → 5,000 COW
- Milestones 2: First $25 million in volume → 30,000 COW
- Milestones 3: Additional $100 million in volume → 75,000 COW
- Milestones 4: Additional $250 million in volume → 150,000 COW
Any milestone achieved within the 12 months period (after successful Snapshot vote) will be paid out. Volume will be measured through Dune Analytics and CoW DAO’s integrators. Rewards will be subject to a 12-month linear vesting schedule. The Grants Committee may adjust proposals based on the expected impact and feasibility of each integration.
Exclusions
Certain types of trades are excluded from volume calculations:
- Stablecoin swaps, such as USDT <> DAI, are not eligible.
- ETH swaps to ETH-denominated assets, like ETH <> rETH, are excluded.
- BTC swaps to BTC-denominated assets, such as WBTC <> LBTC, are not counted.
Application Process
Proposals should be submitted on the CoW DAO governance forum and should include an overview of the project and the team’s background. The application must outline the integration plan, including technical details, the expected impact, and a methodology for tracking results, including a query to measure realized trading volumes. Applicants should also provide a milestone plan with a timeline and specify the requested reward structure based on projected volume. It is the sole discretion of the Grants Committee to approve or deny applications under this program.
Evaluation
Proposals will be assessed based on their technical feasibility, expected support needed and how well they align with CoW Protocol. The expected trading volume and long-term sustainability of the integration will be considered. The experience and track record of the team will also be reviewed, along with any potential security or governance risks.
The selection will be made by the Grants DAO committee at their discretion.
Committee members may ask questions or make a decision independently.
Currently, there are no official rejection criteria. If the forum discussion does not provide a clear outcome, an applicant can post their proposal to the Grants DAO Snapshot space and request a committee vote if needed.
Submission
All proposals should be submitted via the CoW DAO forum. Approved applications will proceed to Snapshot for voting. Please use the following template to submit your application and please post on the forum for the grant committee to consider.
NOTE: Integration T&Cs as modified from time to time would apply.
