Zcash Community Grants Committee Google Meet Meeting: June 23, 2025
[Minutes taken by FPF]
Attendance:
- Artkor (not present, voted async)
- Brian
- GGuy
- Jason
- Zerodartz
- Alex (FPF resource, notetaker)
Key Takeaways:
- Open Grants
- Ledger Live Integration
- Rejected.
- ZSAs in NU7 (H2 2025)
- Approved.
- Block Explorer & Test Infrastructure (2025)
- Approved.
- Centi and ZSAs
- Remains open for comment.
- Privacy Executive Roundable
- Remains open for comment.
- Myaza: Spend Crypto Across Africa
- Too early to vote.
- Ledger Live Integration
Open Grant Proposals
- Ledger Live Integration
- Zondax: This project’s main objective is to integrate the new Zcash Ledger Shielded application with Ledger Live to enable transparent transaction support. While they intend to explore shielded transaction integration in a subsequent phase, their initial focus is on delivering transparent transaction support within a reasonable timeframe to ensure a successful and timely release. The requestor is asking for $95,000.
- ZCG is finally making progress with Ledger directly (link).
- As a result of the progress being made directly with Ledger the Committee voted to reject this grant.
- Zondax: This project’s main objective is to integrate the new Zcash Ledger Shielded application with Ledger Live to enable transparent transaction support. While they intend to explore shielded transaction integration in a subsequent phase, their initial focus is on delivering transparent transaction support within a reasonable timeframe to ensure a successful and timely release. The requestor is asking for $95,000.
- ZSAs in NU7 (H2 2025)
- This grant proposal from QEDIT continues the work initiated in Grant #6 to integrate Zcash Shielded Assets (ZSAs) into Network Upgrade 7 (NU7). As ZSA development has evolved alongside other core components like Zebra and Orchard, integration now requires focused engineering to avoid misalignment and inefficiencies. A dedicated team of eight engineers and architects will implement protocol updates across the stack, ensure compatibility with other NU7 efforts, collaborate with ECC on OrchardZSA reviews, and maintain tools such as zcash_tx_tool. By concentrating efforts on resolving the “moving target” challenges, this grant ensures timely and coordinated ZSA support throughout the NU7 release cycle. They are requesting $708,000.
- There was a call with Daira-Emma, QEDIT and ZCG to understand what is required to get ZSAs into the protocol. The meeting was helpful and alleviated some misunderstandings.
- There will be an additional technical call in the next week or so.
- Language has been included in the grant allowing for a maximum invoice amount per month. QEDIT will provide justification for the amount invoiced.
- Voted to approve.
- This grant proposal from QEDIT continues the work initiated in Grant #6 to integrate Zcash Shielded Assets (ZSAs) into Network Upgrade 7 (NU7). As ZSA development has evolved alongside other core components like Zebra and Orchard, integration now requires focused engineering to avoid misalignment and inefficiencies. A dedicated team of eight engineers and architects will implement protocol updates across the stack, ensure compatibility with other NU7 efforts, collaborate with ECC on OrchardZSA reviews, and maintain tools such as zcash_tx_tool. By concentrating efforts on resolving the “moving target” challenges, this grant ensures timely and coordinated ZSA support throughout the NU7 release cycle. They are requesting $708,000.
- Block Explorer & Test Infrastructure (2025)
- This grant supports the continued development and public hosting of a Zcash block explorer for both testnet and mainnet, from May 2024 through April 2025. Building on previous work that transitioned infrastructure from zcashd to the zebra node, the project ensures developers and users have accessible, up-to-date tools to explore and test the privacy-preserving features unique to Zcash. The grantee will maintain a Kubernetes-based deployment inspired by the Testnet-in-a-Box (TNB) project, providing essential infrastructure for onboarding and experimentation within the Zcash ecosystem. Hosting costs for this public resource are included in the grant. The requestor is asking for $8,400.
- Voted to approve.
- The requestor will close out his previous grant and roll BE support during 2025-2026 into the new grant request.
- This grant supports the continued development and public hosting of a Zcash block explorer for both testnet and mainnet, from May 2024 through April 2025. Building on previous work that transitioned infrastructure from zcashd to the zebra node, the project ensures developers and users have accessible, up-to-date tools to explore and test the privacy-preserving features unique to Zcash. The grantee will maintain a Kubernetes-based deployment inspired by the Testnet-in-a-Box (TNB) project, providing essential infrastructure for onboarding and experimentation within the Zcash ecosystem. Hosting costs for this public resource are included in the grant. The requestor is asking for $8,400.
- Centi and ZSAs
- Centi Ltd proposes a transformative integration of Zcash (ZEC) and Zcash Shielded Assets (ZSA) into its established, compliance-ready financial platform serving 25,000+ users and 500+ merchants across Europe and Africa. This 7-month project will deliver the first regulatory-compliant, commercial-scale deployment of privacy-preserving payments in one of the world’s strictest financial jurisdictions. Key deliverables include a Zcash Wallet Proxy, full point-of-sale merchant integration, remittance network functionality, and the launch of a Swiss Franc–pegged ZSA stablecoin (CCHF). By embedding ZEC and ZSA into Centi’s consumer and merchant interfaces, this project establishes Zcash as a real-world cross-border payment solution, drives mainstream adoption, and creates a replicable model for institutional integration worldwide. They are asking for $350,000. ZCG members were asked to provide input.
- Gguy: I would need some more positive indications that real Zcash users would be interested in this as a feature. And, the Zcash wallet ecosystem is interested in providing support for these assets. At the moment neither seems positive.
- Brian: I’m less concerned about Zcash users using this because I think ZSAs bring an opportunity to merge external user bases with the Zcash community. However, I am hesitant about the proposal. First of all, ZSA’s still have a little bit of time before they will actually be launched. Secondly, this proposal comes from an entity that prior to now was a little lesser known. So, it’s not clear how used this iteration of ZSAs would be and because of the large amount of funding it just feels more appropriate to maybe wait a few months, see if we can get a couple more proposals in and then look at the at the field of proposals and see which one is the most well rounded.
- ZeroDartz: It likely won’t have too much adoption because it’s not a dollar based stablecoin and with this grant amount, it’s not probably worth it right now. But yeah, let’s see if there are other stablecoin issuers who will propose grants in the near future.
- Jason:I was initially excited about this proposal because it came from a company proactively interested in issuing a ZSA, which is the kind of engagement we want to see. That said, after further review, I do have a few concerns. First off, I agree with Zerodartz on user adoption. I don’t think there is a strong use case for Zcashers other than if you wanted to hedge out some ZEC risk, you would convert it into the CCHF like you would USDT. But the problem is once you do that, there’s not much else you can do. There’s also very limited liquidity, currently only around CHF 250,000. I’m also concerned about the company’s connection to BSV, which is viewed very negatively in much of the crypto community and has been delisted from most major exchanges. I think Brian makes a good point and we should wait to see what other proposals we receive and not jump at the first opportunity that comes along.
- Brian: I’ll just add that I’m also excited about the executive round table conversations and hoping that those generate some interest.
- Remains open for comment.
- Centi Ltd proposes a transformative integration of Zcash (ZEC) and Zcash Shielded Assets (ZSA) into its established, compliance-ready financial platform serving 25,000+ users and 500+ merchants across Europe and Africa. This 7-month project will deliver the first regulatory-compliant, commercial-scale deployment of privacy-preserving payments in one of the world’s strictest financial jurisdictions. Key deliverables include a Zcash Wallet Proxy, full point-of-sale merchant integration, remittance network functionality, and the launch of a Swiss Franc–pegged ZSA stablecoin (CCHF). By embedding ZEC and ZSA into Centi’s consumer and merchant interfaces, this project establishes Zcash as a real-world cross-border payment solution, drives mainstream adoption, and creates a replicable model for institutional integration worldwide. They are asking for $350,000. ZCG members were asked to provide input.
- Privacy Executive Roundable
- Privacy-X Executive Roundtable, proposed by Iron Fish Foundation, is a six-month pilot program designed to accelerate adoption of Zcash Shielded Assets (e.g., private USDC) by engaging C-level leaders from wallets, exchanges, AI infrastructure, and fintech companies through a curated virtual salon series. Each session includes live demos, expert speakers, and real-time exploration of integration opportunities, with public-facing deliverables such as “Privacy Pulse” briefs and short video highlights. The project also includes a micro-grant pool to fund up to five Proof-of-Concept (PoC) integrations and provides ZCG/ECC with access to all recordings, transcripts, KPIs, and participant data. A final report will assess the model’s effectiveness and offer recommendations for scaling the series in 2026. They are asking for $51,000.
- Brian: Risk of lack of participation but the ask is low enough to give it a try and hope we have good participation.
- Gguy: Given the importance of ZSAs for the future of Zcash. I support this understanding this is a bet but it’s a bet in the right direction.
- ZeroDartz: I like the idea although I think the proposal is a bit high.
- Jason: I like this in theory but I wonder if they’ll be able to organize high-quality events to justify the expense. I’d hate to be disappointed, but each event is a milestone, and if we’re not happy with their execution after the first or second event, we could cancel the grant.
- ZeroDartz: Maybe one solution would be to get some confirmed names who are going to participate and we decide after that.
- Remains open. ZCG to ask the proposer for more information on their first event.
- Privacy-X Executive Roundtable, proposed by Iron Fish Foundation, is a six-month pilot program designed to accelerate adoption of Zcash Shielded Assets (e.g., private USDC) by engaging C-level leaders from wallets, exchanges, AI infrastructure, and fintech companies through a curated virtual salon series. Each session includes live demos, expert speakers, and real-time exploration of integration opportunities, with public-facing deliverables such as “Privacy Pulse” briefs and short video highlights. The project also includes a micro-grant pool to fund up to five Proof-of-Concept (PoC) integrations and provides ZCG/ECC with access to all recordings, transcripts, KPIs, and participant data. A final report will assess the model’s effectiveness and offer recommendations for scaling the series in 2026. They are asking for $51,000.
- Myaza: Spend Crypto Across Africa
- Myaza is building ZEC-powered financial infrastructure for Africa, integrating Zcash into a secure multi-currency wallet that enables users to save, spend, and send ZEC with ease. With over 7,000 users already on the platform, this project will embed ZEC into everyday financial use through features like USD virtual cards, mobile top-ups, bill payments, and fiat/stablecoin swaps. Focused on Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, Myaza aims to onboard 100,000 new users by combining practical financial tools with education around digital privacy and crypto adoption, making Zcash a meaningful part of daily life in underbanked markets. They are asking for $101,300. It’s too early to vote so ZCG members were asked to provide their initial impressions.
- The proposal was received just prior to the meeting. ZCG will provide input at the next meeting.
- Myaza is building ZEC-powered financial infrastructure for Africa, integrating Zcash into a secure multi-currency wallet that enables users to save, spend, and send ZEC with ease. With over 7,000 users already on the platform, this project will embed ZEC into everyday financial use through features like USD virtual cards, mobile top-ups, bill payments, and fiat/stablecoin swaps. Focused on Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, Myaza aims to onboard 100,000 new users by combining practical financial tools with education around digital privacy and crypto adoption, making Zcash a meaningful part of daily life in underbanked markets. They are asking for $101,300. It’s too early to vote so ZCG members were asked to provide their initial impressions.
Brainstorm Session Follow-Ups
- Least Authority
- Zip 233 and 6.1 Zebra implementation audits have been approved and will be completed shortly.
- Maya Protocol
- FPF and ZCG to meet with Maya on Friday to further discuss providing $100,000 of liquidity for the service. ZCG continues internal deliberations on this subject.
- BTCPayServer
The second and final milestone is complete. Version 1.0.2 has been released with support for new settings via the UI. Installation is now supported using Docker fragments. Details: forum post. Next steps: Before the official announcement, we plan to conduct the first major integration with the NYM protocol in a testing environment. Once we confirm stability, we will proceed with a public launch and initiate a code audit.