Hey everyone!

My name is Anna, I am from Croatia but I currently live in México! I’ve been in the blockchain-for-good space since January 2021, contributing to projects like Proof of Humanity, Crypto Commons Association, MetaGame, ReFi Spring and ReFi DAO, and most recently General Magic. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the regenerative finance movement in meaningful ways, helping projects and individuals grow, learn, and connect within the space.

Today, I am applying for the Gitcoin Citizens Round to gain support for my ongoing contributions space. Here is what I’ve done in the past. 👇

My Contributions to ReFi DAO 🌎🌍🌏

During my journey at ReFi DAO from January 2023 to May 2024, I’ve immersed myself in a range of activities and initiatives that align with the vision of creating a regenerative future. My focus has been on fostering community engagement, providing communication support, and helping teams and projects navigate Gitcoin and other Web3 opportunities. Here are some of the key contributions I’ve made so far:

• Local Nodes Alpha Cohort: Together with Daryl Edwards, I co-coordinated the Local Nodes Alpha Cohort, a learning and growth initiative for Local Node founders. This cohort provided founders with the necessary tools and knowledge to successfully fundraise through Gitcoin, and we saw great engagement and progress from the participants.

• Gitcoin Grants 18: I also played a key role in supporting 31 Local Nodes to join the Local Node Featured Round during Gitcoin Grants 18, providing guidance and operational support to ensure their successful onboarding.

• Local Node Onboarding: I played a pivotal role in the onboarding of 14 projects to the Local Node Featured Round during Gitcoin’s Beta Round. I worked closely with project leads, guiding them through the application process and ensuring that they had the resources and information necessary to succeed.

Expanding My Efforts 🌿

In 2024, I’ve taken on new responsibilities and further expanded my contributions to the ReFi ecosystem. These recent efforts have allowed me to deepen my engagement with the community and support more projects across a broader range of activities:

• ReFi DAO Local Node Cohort 2: I co-organized the Local Node Cohort 2 alongside Monty Briant and Scott Morris. This cohort offered a comprehensive program designed to support Local Node founders with everything from fundraising strategies to building strong community ties.

  • We hosted 13 sessions that included over 20 hours of instructional content and exercises.
  • 100+ participants attended, with over 25 tuning in consistently each week to learn and grow together.
  • We were joined by more than a dozen guest speakers who shared insights on various topics, including on-chain finance and local organizing strategies.
  • I helped mint and issue 182 POAPs to verified attendees as a token of appreciation for their participation.

• We also created 18 Local Node Profile pages, including 12 for newly incubated nodes, offering a template for future nodes to build their profiles.

ReFi Podcast - Season 3: Working alongside John Ellison, I was responsible for the marketing and communications for ReFi Podcast Season 3. I promoted the episodes via newsletters and social media, ensuring the podcast reached a wide audience within the ReFi community.

• ReFi Roundup: I’ve been involved in the writing and editing of multiple ReFi Roundup articles, which serve as a key communication tool for the community. These roundups offer valuable insights into the latest developments in the regenerative finance space, and I’m proud to have played a part in shaping the content and messaging for our readers.

• ETH Global - Volunteering: I’ve also had the pleasure of volunteering at several ETH Global events in London, Brussels, and San Francisco. These events provided me the opportunity to help hackers and builders working on cutting-edge technology have the best possible experience, ensuring they had the support they needed to bring their visions to life.

Where I Am Now: Exciting New Ventures 🚀

Looking forward, I have several exciting projects and responsibilities on the horizon:

• ReFi Latam Local Node: I’ve recently started coordinating the operations of the ReFi Latam Local Node, an initiative that aims to provide a support network for Local Nodes across Latin America. Although it’s in the early stages, I’m confident it will grow into a vital resource for the region’s regenerative projects.

• Regen Side Event in Bangkok: I am in the process of organizing a regen side event in Bangkok, Thailand, which will bring together local and international regenerative builders for discussions and collaborations. This event promises to be an exciting opportunity to network and explore innovative regenerative solutions. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

• General Magic - Grants Manager: I’m currently contributing as a Grants Manager at General Magic, where I help regenerative projects secure the funding they need to continue their important work. I’m particularly passionate about helping these projects navigate complex grant processes and find the resources they need to thrive.

Public Speaking Experience 🎤

In addition to my work in social media, communications, and community-building, I have developed significant public speaking experience. I’ve had the opportunity to share insights at several events, both in-person and virtually, where I’ve spoken about the importance of regenerative finance, decentralized systems, and community-driven change.

Some highlights include:

• Public speaking: “Regenerating the Earth One Local Node At a Time” at BlockSplit 5, Split, Croatia (2024)
• Public speaking: “Regenerating the Earth One Local Node At a Time” at MetaFest, Pula, Croatia (2023)
• Public speaking: “ReFi Local Nodes” at the ReFi Costa Rica event in San José, Costa Rica (2023)
• Podcast: “Bienes Comunes, Web3 y Vecindades Organizadas con Anna Kaić de ReFi DAO y Urbánika” Vagabonds Podcast (2024)
• Podcast: “What Makes A Good Regen” Web3Roots Podcast (2023)

Your Support Matters 🙌

I am deeply motivated by the impact we can create together and would be incredibly grateful for your support. Your donation not only helps me continue my contributions but also furthers the collective effort toward a more regenerative and just future.

Thank you so much for considering my application! 🌍💚

With love and gratitude,
Anna