Establishment of an Operations fund including funding for an Operations Lead Grants Writing Support and an extension of the Operations Working Group &&**Summary**
This proposal seeks to introduce an Operations Lead role and a Grants Writing support role within the DAO, along with an extension of the Operations Working Group. These roles and the group will focus on grant writing, compliance, documentation, payments, general ops, and future budgeting and revenues to enhance operational efficiency.
**Issue/Context**
The DAO faces challenges in maintaining compliance, securing grants, and managing operational documentation and budgeting. This proposal aims to address these issues by creating specialized roles and a working group dedicated to these tasks.
**Proposal (The Ask)**
The creation of the following:
**An Operations Lead role focused on the following**
Grant Writing:
Leading the effort in identifying, applying for, and managing grants relevant to the DAO's objectives in furtherance of the DAOs mission and sustainability.
UNA Administration for Tax and Compliance:
Overseeing the DAOs compliance with tax laws and regulations. Maintaining relationships with the DAOs Legal and Tax advisors and bringing new developments in the space to the Ops Working Group and wider DAO.
Operationalizing Documentation:
Developing and maintaining key operational and DAO documents.
Ensuring all processes and procedures are well-documented for clarity and efficiency.
Future Budgeting, Revenue, & Planning:
Planning and forecasting budget requirements.
Implementing strategies for effective financial management and resource allocation.
General Operations:
Overseeing day-to-day operational activities.
Ensuring smooth and efficient functioning of the DAOs various segments
Managing payments and multi-sigs on behalf of the DAO and creating documentation to ensure transparency of movement of funds in off chain environments
**A Grants Writing Support role** - To collaborate with the Operations Lead in grant writing and related activities.
**A 6 month extension of the Operations Working Group** - Comprising members skilled in various aspects of operations to provide ongoing support and insights.
These roles and the group will be tasked with implementing structured processes, ensuring compliance, and enhancing our DAO's operational capabilities.
Additionally the Operations Working Group provides an important check and balance on the UNA Administrators decision making on behalf of the DAO
**North Star Check**
This proposal directly aligns with our DAO's mission to build a robust and compliant infrastructure. By strengthening our operational framework and focusing on future income sources, we further our goal of sustainable and efficient DAO infrastructure development.
**Accountability**
**Budget:**

**Timeline:** The full implementation of this proposal is expected to take 3 to 6 months..
**Success Metrics:** Success will be measured by additional grants written and submitted on behalf of the DAO, the launch of a successful knowledge base on Charmverse or something similar, ongoing financial compliance, and maintaining strong communication with our legal and financial advisors.
**Updates:** Regular updates will be provided to the DAO members at the biweekly guild meetings, and are happy to engaging directly with members for any questions or discussions.
**Treasury Impact**
The total amount requested is 24.5 ETH, constituting 7% of our current treasury holdings.
**Transparency**
Conflicts of Interest: No known conflicts of interest among members of the operations working group team currently in place: Prof, Lilac, Shaz, Zamees, BillZh
**Author**
Lilac.eth
**Tax Information**
All individuals receiving payments have committed to supplying tax information to the DAOs accountants.
I support the concept of this project, the proposer, and the team behind it. Ultimately though the DAO members themselves must want to utilize this tooling so would like to see broader support come from the community. However, I'd very much be in favor of reconsidering this proposal and voting in favor of it once we have more clarity around how we budget moving forward and the team working towards broader support for this tooling.
Disbursement Request for Estimated Tax Payment For BuilderDAO&&**Summary:** This proposal seeks approval for a disbursement of 132 ETH from the Builder DAO treasury to the Operations Working Group wallet. The funds will be used to cover an estimated tax payment of 132 ETH due on September 15, 2023, ensuring compliance with federal tax obligations.
**Issue/Context:**
As outlined at the establishment of the DAO, Builder DAO is subject to taxation under US law due to its activities (see [Prop 2](https://nouns.build/dao/ethereum/0xdf9b7d26c8fc806b1ae6273684556761ff02d422/vote/2)). The DAO’s UNA structure allows the DAO to pay taxes on an entity level (individual members are not personally liable for taxes).
Because it is in the best interest of the DAO to fulfill its tax obligations accurately and promptly, the DAO granted the Operations Working Group the authority to seek guidance to quantify the DAO’s tax obligations and ensure timely payment (see [Prop 58](https://nouns.build/dao/ethereum/0xdf9b7d26c8fc806b1ae6273684556761ff02d422/vote/58)).
The Ops Working Group engaged a bookkeeper (JDFI) and accounting firm (Deloitte) to determine our tax liability and payment schedule. They have concluded that our estimated tax liability is approximately 132 ETH, due September 15, 2023.
By covering the estimated tax liability with this disbursement, we avoid potential legal and financial complications. Additional context on the DAO’s tax obligations are outlined in this [previously provided Builder DAO Tax FAQ ](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1042889124983623730/1061036058344702002/Builder_DAO_-_Taxes_and_Information_Collection_FAQ.pdf)and in this [Discourse post](https://forum.nouns.build/t/prop-25-update-and-compliance-game-plan/41).
**Proposal:** A disbursement of 132 ETH from the DAO treasury to the Operations Working Group wallet. This amount will be used solely to cover estimated taxes for the DAO, ensuring compliance with tax regulations. The following steps will be taken:
- Initiate the transfer of 132 ETH to the Operations Working Group wallet.
- Compile necessary documentation and collaborate with tax professionals to accurately report and pay the estimated taxes.
- Work with Utopia and Bridge.xyz to submit tax remittance (paid in ETH from the Operations Working Group wallet and converted to USD using Utopia/Bridge’s services)
- Report back to the DAO once the estimated tax has been paid and once we have a final return.
- Any unused funds shall be returned to the DAO treasury.
**North Star Check:** This proposal aligns with the mission of the DAO by demonstrating responsible financial management and legal compliance under our existing legal structure as an UNA.
**Accountability:** The funds will be allocated as follows:
132 ETH for tax payment
Paid on or before 9/15/2023
**Timeline:**
**Transfer of funds:** Within 2 days of proposal approval
**Estimated tax payment:** No later than 9/15/2023
**Success Metrics:**
The success of this proposal will be measured by:
- Timely and accurate tax reporting and payment
- Limited legal or financial consequences related to tax compliance
- Transparent communication regarding the process and outcome
**Treasury Impact:**
Total amount requested: 132 ETH
**Percentage of treasury funds requested:** Approximately 24.2%
**Transparency:** There are no conflicts of interest or disclosures related to this proposal.
**Authors:** Lilac.eth & Shaz
**Tax Information:** The responsible party for tax reporting are the UNA administrators who will work alongside tax professionals to ensure accurate reporting and payment.
Ratification of Mission Vision Values for BuilderDAO&&**Summary:** This proposal seeks the ratification of the Mission, Vision, and Values statement for Builder DAO, which emphasizes the creation of DAO infrastructure as a public good, supporting the Builder Protocol, and fostering an innovative and collaborative DAO ecosystem. The proposal aims to solidify the DAO's direction and guide its actions towards the stated mission and vision.
**Issue/Context:** This proposal builds upon the foundation of Builder DAO and aims to provide clarity and alignment for the DAO's mission, vision, and values. By establishing a ratified statement, the DAO can ensure that its activities and initiatives are in line with its core principles.
**Proposal:** We propose the ratification of the following Mission/Vision/Values statement for Builder DAO:
### **MISSION**
**Powering Onchain Communities.**
The Builder DAO mission is to develop DAO infrastructure as a public good, enabling decentralized, inclusive, and transparent decision-making processes that empower onchain communities to shape their collective futures.
### **VISION**
**To maintain and expand the Builder Protocol while supporting the Builder DAO ecosystem**
**Maintaining and expanding the Builder Protocol:**
We envision a future where the Builder Protocol serves as a robust and reliable foundation for DAOs. By maintaining and continuously improving the protocol, the aim is to provide a secure, efficient, and scalable framework that empowers individuals and communities to govern their resources and make collective decisions. With Builder DAO maintaining the protocol, other DAOs can focus on their communities without having to worry about the tech, which is built on a trusted foundation and maintained by a dedicated community. Through diligent stewardship and technical innovation, we strive to create a self-sustaining protocol that ensures the longevity and stability of the entire Builder DAO ecosystem.
**Supporting the Builder DAO Ecosystem:**
We envision a thriving DAO ecosystem, characterized by diverse and flourishing decentralized projects. To realize this vision, Builder DAO is committed to providing comprehensive support to DAO builders and communities. We intend to develop and offer a range of tools, resources, and educational materials that empower individuals to establish and operate DAOs effectively. Furthermore, we aim to facilitate DAO incubation initiatives to nurture promising projects, enabling them to kickstart their initiatives and catalyze the growth of the ecosystem. Through these efforts, we aim to foster an environment where creativity, collaboration, and innovation thrive within the Builder DAO community.
By pursuing this mission and vision, we aspire to democratize decision-making, foster global participation, and drive the adoption of decentralized governance models. Together with the onchain community, we intend to build a sustainable and inclusive future powered by DAOs.
### **VALUES**
**Transparency, Mutual Respect, Accountability, and Diversity and Inclusion.**
Nouns Builder strives to build a community that is welcoming to all and to create an environment that is conducive to collaboration. Some welcome behaviors include being proactive, engaged, communicating in a collaborative manner, engaging in good faith, leading with empathy, and accepting constructive feedback with grace. Unacceptable behaviors include ad hominem attacks.
**North star check:** This proposal clarifies the mission of Builder DAO by ratifying the mission, vision, and values statement. It further solidifies the commitment to creating DAO infrastructure as a public good and supporting the Builder DAO ecosystem.
**Accountability:** Ultimately it will be up to each DAO member of the community to view future governance proposals in the context of furthering the Mission, Vision, and Values of Nouns Builder. The MVV statement provides a north star that may govern the direction and decision making of the DAO.
**Treasury Impact:** No treasury funds are being requested for this proposal.
**Timeline:** The ratification process will commence immediately upon approval and is expected to be completed within two weeks.
**Success Metrics:** Success for this proposal would be the successful ratification of the Mission/Vision/Values statement and the alignment of the Builder DAO community around these principles. This will be measured by the widespread acceptance and adoption of the statement within the DAO.
**Treasury Impact:** No funds are being requested for this proposal.
Doesn't feel mission aligned to me as JPEGS are a much different culture in the space than DAO Builders.The podcast is great but just feels like it's much more geared towards collectors.
Establishment of an Operations Working Group&&### **Summary:**
This proposal requests funding to create an Operations Working Group within Builder DAO. The aim is to improve efficiency and effectiveness in managing administrative tasks such as hiring service providers, tax compliance, expense organization, payables oversight, developing DAO processes, and implementing best practices and documentation standardization.
### **Context:**
Builder DAO faces challenges in effectively coordinating and managing administrative tasks, leading to inefficiencies and delays. This proposal intends to address these issues and streamline administrative operations in a smaller group for smoother DAO management and to allow the rest of the DAO to focus on the mission. The DAO’s UNA Structure requires certain administrative tasks to remain compliant. The two UNA administrators will work within this group to execute those tasks.
### **Proposal:**
1. **Formation of an Operations Working Group:** We propose establishing an Operations Working Group, comprising committed DAO members. The primary focus will be on improving administrative efficiency, developing best practices, and providing oversight and guidance for various administrative tasks.
2. **Hiring Service Providers and Tax Compliance:** The Operations Working Group, in conjunction with the UNA Administrators, will be responsible for identifying, hiring, and managing service providers required for operational compliance, such as accountants or legal advisors. They will ensure timely and accurate payment of taxes, and counseling on any potential legal or financial issues.
3. **Expense Organization and Payables Oversight:** The group will develop and implement a system for organizing expenses, tracking invoices, and overseeing payables. This will ensure proper management of financial obligations and improve transparency in financial transactions within the DAO.
4. **Development of DAO Processes and Best Practices:** The Operations Working Group will collaborate with DAO members to develop standardized processes and best practices for various administrative tasks. This includes creating guidelines for onboarding service providers, expense approval workflows, and documentation protocols.
5. **Documentation Standardization:** The group will recommend and establish comprehensive documentation standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent practices across the DAO. This will include creating templates, checklists, and guidelines for administrative tasks, facilitating smoother operations and reducing errors.
### **North Star Check:**
This proposal aligns with the DAO's mission of creating and developing DAO infrastructure as a public good. By establishing an Operations Working Group, we aim to enhance administrative efficiency, furthering the DAO's mission and vision.
### **Accountability:**
- **Funding:** We estimate 50 ETH will be required from the treasury to support the establishment and functioning of the Operations Working Group. Those funds will be sent to a multi-sig that the Operations group will maintain. Each member of the Operations working group will be a signer and the safe will require approval by 3 of 5 signers.
- **Term Limits:** While the UNA Administrators will always remain part of the working group we suggest a two year term limit for all members with reauthorization by the DAO every 6 months.
- **Budget Allocation:**
- Compensation for Working Group Members: 9 ETH, (.5 eth per month per non-admin group member for 6 months with the option to re-up)
- Expense Organization and Payables Oversight
- Documentation and SOP Development
- ETH for gas and other miscellaneous costs
- Hiring Service Providers and Tax Compliance:

### **Timeline:**
- Month 1 (June 2023): Hiring service providers and developing tax compliance procedures, establishing expense organization systems
- Month 2: Forming the Operations Working Group, defining responsibilities and processes, allocating budgets and resources
- Month 3: Developing DAO processes and best practices, implementing documentation standards
- Ongoing: Receiving, summarizing, and implementing advisor guidance
### **Success Metrics:**
- Hiring service and paying service providers no later than June 30th.
- Ratification of Mission/Vision/Values
- Develop and document standardized administrative processes for Builder DAO
**Ongoing Updates and Engagement:** We commit to providing regular status updates on the progress of the Operations Working Group and engaging with DAO members to address questions and provide necessary information. Additionally, we commit to providing weekly minutes to the community and holding a monthly meeting where all DAO members can attend and ask questions or participate.
### **Treasury Impact:**
- Total funds requested: 50 eth
- Percentage of treasury funds requested: Approximately 7% of the current treasury holdings
### **Transparency:**
**Authors:** Shaz & Patti
The authors and beneficiaries of this proposal disclose the following potential ethics disclosures:
Shaz: Current General Counsel for Zora and an Administrator for Builder DAO
Prof: Currently compensated by Builder DAO as Community Lead
Patti: Currently a paid consultant for Zora and an Administrator for Builder DAO
**Tax Information:** All members of the working group agree to provide their relevant tax information for any compensation received.
**About the Working Group:**
Prof: ⌐◨-◨ Prof Werder (@profwerder, TheNounishProf.eth, kellywerder.eth) BuilderDAO community resident, Nounish builder, Nouncillor and Instructor at Florida Gulf Coast University in the School of Entrepreneurship. Prof Werder holds a Juris Doctor and MBA, with expertise in the area of copyright and trademark, along with overall business development. Prof Werder built FloriNouns with her students as the first nounish NFT project created as part of a university course.
BillZ: Bill Zheng is an active builder and participant in the DAO space. He is a co-founder of Alphacaster where he leverages web3 social to create better community experience for DAOs. He sits on Nouns BuilderDAO's Builder Guild and is also a long-term member of Purple where he helps fund public goods projects in the Farcaster ecosystem.
Zameeser: Bob is a long-time marketing and strategy generalist, serial entrepreneur, web3 enthusiast, business owner, DEI advocate and published author/writer who does a little bit of everything – in 25 years of startups, corporations and agencies, including Sam’s Club, the University of Chicago, Globant, Walmart, Red Belly Honey, Universal Technical Institute, Yahoo!, Health Mart, FIFA, Arvest Bank, and a co-founder of HealthMeans who continues to build his own companies by seeing the little things that tie the big things together.
Shaz: Shahab is currently GC at Zora. Prior to that he advised crypto clients at Scale LLP, and before that he spent 6.5 years at Coinbase working primarily on regulatory and data privacy issues.
Patti: Patti joined Friends with Benefits as Operations Lead two years ago, where she focused on people operations, finance, legal, compliance, and treasury management before taking on consulting work for DAOs. Prior to her experience in web3 she has decades of experience as a music industry executive working across both major and independent labels. She served as the General Manager for three independent labels including, most recently, for the in-house label at Paradigm Talent Agency.