Proposal Summary:
The Decentralization Research Center (DRC) is requesting a USD $50,000 grant (in USDC, to the wallet address at the end of this post) from LEGO to scale our advocacy and education initiatives in support of decentralized blockchain ecosystems. Given the current alignment of the Administration and Congress, the policy decisions made in the next two years will shape this technology’s trajectory for decades to come—yet most existing advocacy is driven by centralized exchanges and protocols. The DRC’s mission is to ensure that regulators and policymakers recognize and uphold decentralization’s fundamental value, thereby contributing to the ongoing growth and resilience of Ethereum and other decentralized networks.
By incorporating our “Full Stack Advocacy” approach—combining detailed research partnerships with top academic institutions, public-facing summits that bring together key stakeholders, and hands-on policymaker education in Washington, D.C.—this grant will help us to deepen our engagement, shape influential narratives, and advocate for regulatory frameworks and legislation that incentivizes decentralization.
Overview of the Decentralization Research Center (DRC):
The Decentralization Research Center is a 501(c)(4) social welfare non-profit that advocates for decentralization as a fundamental characteristic of emerging technologies. Our primary focus is blockchain, championing technologies that are immutable, transparent, secure, censorship-resistant, and that enable data self-sovereignty.
We accomplish this by:
- Identifying and tailoring compelling narratives for policymakers, emphasizing how and why decentralization matters.
- Supporting these narratives with research in partnership with high-signal academic institutions and industry.
- Ensuring these narratives spread, using summits, a podcast series, and tactical distribution of our research through mainstream media to reach policymakers and the public.
Through these efforts, the DRC ensures that decentralization remains at the forefront of policy discussions in the United States and beyond.
Alignment with LEGO’s Mission:
The DRC’s work aligns with LEGO’s mission in the following ways:
*** Ethereum Ecosystem Support:** We advocate for decentralized blockchains, like Ethereum, to receive regulatory treatment that aligns with the unique character of the technology including receiving relief from redundant disclosure obligations and limiting legal liability for their developers.
*** Proof-of-Stake and DeFi Awareness:** Through research and education, we highlight the advantages of PoS and DeFi.
*** Policy Advocacy for Decentralization:** Our outreach ensures that policymakers understand the risks of centralization and promote frameworks that incentivize and protect decentralized blockchains.
Use of Funds:
This grant will fund three core areas: research, policy advocacy, and community engagement.
Research -
- Publish research on decentralization’s role and importance in the blockchain ecosystem.
- Compelling narratives on why decentralization matters including in limiting the power of Big Tech and mitigating AI risk (see our past work on the ‘Research’ tab of our website)
Policy Advocacy -
- Engage directly with policymakers and regulators in Washington, D.C., to advocate for favorable legislation that supports decentralized blockchains.
- Host private briefings with policymakers and regulators to ensure they understand the unique characteristics of decentralized networks.
- Develop educational materials to help policymakers distinguish between centralized and decentralized staking models.
Community Engagement -
- Host summits / workshops on decentralization, featuring Ethereum researchers, policymakers, and industry experts. Like the third annual Decentralized Tech Summit we are hosting in DC on April 2nd, 2025. Featuring leading policy advocates for decentralization and SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce as keynote (see event page on our website - and more to come summarize this event on our LinkedIn and Twitter over the coming weeks)
- Expand our podcast series featuring discussions on staking, DeFi risks, and the role of decentralization in Ethereum’s future.
- Publish op-eds and articles, in major media outlets to shape the public narrative around decentralization.
Team - these efforts will be led by Connor Spelliscy and Tony Douglas Jr., cofounders of the DRC, as well as by Kyle Bligen, Head of Policy at the DRC. Connor co-founded the Blockchain Association and the Canadian Web3 Council, the largest blockchain industry associations in the US and Canada, advises blockchain foundations on policy and advocacy, and has experience as a venture partner and tech lawyer. Tony co-founded the blockchain and AI startup Convex Labs, worked in organization design and operations automation at Goldman Sachs, and was Head of Governance at the Stanford Blockchain Club. He holds an M.B.A. from Stanford and an M.A. from New York University. Kyle served as the Policy Advisor for Representative Juan Vargas, where he executed the Congressman’s legislative and communications strategy for the House Financial Services Committee and Congressional Sustainable Investment Caucus.
Expected Outcomes & Benefits to the Lido Community:
*** Secure a Sustainable Crypto Industry**
Provide research-backed advocacy and educational materials that helps policymakers understand the importance of decentralization and make policy recommendations that protect the industry from scammers/reputational harm.
*** Public and Institutional Support**
Summits, media outreach, and direct engagement help shift public and institutional narratives in favor of PoS and decentralized governance frameworks.
Key Deliverables:
- February 2025 - Published report outlining decentralization criteria to be applied in policy (see report on the ‘Research’ tab of our website)
- March 2025 - Published recommendations to SEC’s Crypto Task Force
- April 2025 - Hosted the 2025 Decentralized Tech Summit in DC
- May 2025 - Publish policy recommendations supported by high-signal industry stakeholders
- May 2025 - Continue ongoing work with staffers and policymakers to make recommendations on comprehensive crypto legislation, likely taking the form of the next iteration of FIT21
- February - May 2025 - Educational campaign on Capitol Hill
Conclusion:
We appreciate LEGO’s consideration of this proposal. With your support, we can expand our research, advocacy, and engagement efforts to develop a sustainable crypto industry that protects stakeholders in decentralized crypto ecosystems, like Lido.
For further details or discussions, please contact:
Info [at] TheDRCenter [dot] org
Website: TheDRCenter [dot] org
Other Resources to Learn more about DRC and their work:
- Website - TheDRCenter [dot] org
- Podcast - podcasts [dot] apple [dot] com / us / podcast / techquitable / id1730611363
- LinkedIn - linkedin [dot] com / company / thedrcenter
- Research - thedrcenter [dot] org / research
ETH Address to receive USDC:
0xBe0A9f3E54f867db15A805d523742a0481e3EEC7