Hello Zcash Community,
I have been a part of this community since September 2024 and currently lead the Zcash Türkiye team. We have been actively working for over 1.5 years, during which time we have been supported by ZCG.
One of the core topics I have been thinking about for a long time is how to build a sustainable structure. In particular, I have been focusing on what steps need to be taken for the Zcash Türkiye team to reach a self-financing model in the medium term.
ZCG’s support of community initiatives and its contribution to the global adoption of Zcash is extremely valuable to us, and we are genuinely grateful for it. One of the main reasons we are able to submit this proposal today is the support we have received from ZCG so far. Thanks to the trust ZCG has placed in communities and the opportunities it has provided, we have gained hands-on experience in the field and the chance to think deeply about sustainability.
However, my personal goal is to create a structure that can continue operating without requesting funding from ZCG within a potential 9–12 month timeframe, by using resources more efficiently.
After completing the necessary planning, I believe it is now the right time to submit a proposal and transparently share all details with the community. Please carefully read the explanations below before evaluating the proposal. All feedback is highly valuable to us.
Overview of 2026 Community Proposals
When we look at the current landscape of 2026 community proposals, the picture is as follows:
| Proposal | Total Annual Budget | Monthly Average |
|---|---|---|
| #157 – Zcash Global en Español | $111,100 | ~$9,258 |
| #155 – Zcash Brazil 2026 | $344,989 | ~$28,749 |
| #163 – Zcash Türkiye Q1–2 | $52,800 (12-month equivalent) | ~$4,400 |
| #150 – Zcash Nigeria 2026 | $68,600 | ~$5,717 |
As shown above, different communities are funded at different levels depending on team size and the initiatives they are running.
All communities are achieving great things, and we have a lot of respect for each of them. The Spanish and Brazilian teams have been part of this community for a long time and, in my opinion, are among its cornerstone members. Inspired by them, we decided to take a path that would allow us to make a unique contribution.
As the Zcash Türkiye team, we submitted a 6-month proposal and have continued our work consistently throughout this period.
Purpose of the New Proposal
Considering the funds allocated to communities and long-term sustainability, we decided to take an initiative and, with ZCG support, establish a structure that can eventually finance itself.
The primary goal of this proposal is to ensure that starting from the last quarter of 2026 (November–December), the Zcash Türkiye team transitions into a sustainable, self-financing model.
We would like to emphasize that this proposal is also designed as a transition model. Our aim is to build a community structure that is supported by ZCG in the short term, but does not require ZCG funding in the medium and long term. We believe this approach will help ZCG budgets be used more efficiently in the future and create room for new community initiatives.
The ZBase Vision
The structure we are planning will be a broader, more comprehensive, and more professional version of the ZBase organization we previously launched.
ZBase will be positioned as a structure focused on marketing, community development, and events.
Our goal is that, starting from 2027, for at least two years, the Zcash Türkiye team will continue operating actively and consistently without receiving any funding from ZCG.
Scope of the Requested Funding
The requested funding will cover the following needs:
- Office rental
- Procurement of necessary equipment and materials
- Marketing and visibility efforts
- Onboarding new team members
The requested budget corresponds to a total of 31,000 USD, equivalent to 7 months of ZCG funding based on the Zcash Türkiye team’s current monthly allocation.
At the end of this period, our goal is to transition to a financially independent and self-sustaining structure starting from the last quarter of 2026.
At this point, I would like to clearly state that, on behalf of myself, Batuhan Yıldırım, and my team, we accept and are willing to sign any contracts required as part of this process.
Why This Model?
The continuous increase in community budgets and the fact that total annual funding provided to communities has reached approximately 500,000 USD highlights the importance of developing more sustainable solutions.
For this reason, we aim to establish a structure that is not dependent on ZCG funding starting from the last quarter of 2026. As we have done since day one, we will continue to work consistently, but now with the goal of turning this effort into a self-sustaining system.
What Kind of Structure Will ZBase Be?
Under ZBase, we will carry out workshops, seminars, events, and project-based work with:
- Privacy-focused VPN projects
- Mobile crypto wallets
- Other Web3 projects
We do not plan to engage in ongoing monthly social media management for any projects. The reason for this is that our primary focus will always remain Zcash, and we are committed to maintaining this balance in order to work sustainably within the Zcash ecosystem.
Through the revenue generated from workshops and events conducted with other projects, we aim to create a Zcash-focused yet financially sustainable ecosystem.
In this new model:
- We will have a dedicated office
- At least two Zcash-focused workshops will be organized each month
- Work conducted with other projects will form a revenue model
Revenue Sharing and Commitment
If the proposal is accepted and approved by ZCG, we commit that 25% of all revenue generated until the beginning of 2027 will be:
- Returned to ZCG, or
- Donated to ZecHub
Our expectation is that by Q4 2026, the system will be fully established and generating consistent revenue.
Risk and Responsibility Assessment
We are fully aware that this model involves certain risks. However, these risks are neither unplanned nor uncontrolled. The requested funding will be used within a defined timeframe and according to clear objectives, and all progress will be shared transparently with the community throughout the process. In this way, the risk for ZCG will remain measurable and limited.
Even if the expected revenue model does not progress as projected, we clearly state that we will not request additional funding from ZCG and that we will fully assume responsibility for the outcome.
Long-Term Commitment
Except in extraordinary circumstances (health issues, force majeure, etc.), we guarantee that starting from 2027, we will not request any funding from ZCG for at least two years, while continuing to actively serve the Turkish Zcash community.
Based on a conservative estimate, we expect that by the end of 2026, even in the worst-case scenario, ZBase’s total annual revenue will exceed 30,000 USD.
We are fully aware that this represents a significant responsibility, and we are moving forward with this awareness. We understand that ZCG grants must directly benefit and contribute to Zcash, and we are acting accordingly. By establishing a sustainable ecosystem, we believe we can represent Zcash in the field in a more professional, stronger, and more consistent manner.
Throughout the entire process, transparency will remain a non-negotiable principle for us. If needed, all activities, expenditures, and outcomes will be shared openly and clearly with the community. We would like to emphasize our commitment to accountability and consistency.
We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Kind regards,
Zcash Türkiye Team
Application Owners (@octocat, @octocat1)
Organization Name
Batuhan
How did you learn about Zcash Community Grants
Zcash Forum
Requested Grant Amount (USD)
31000
Category
Media
Project Lead
Name:Batuhan Role: Team Leader Background: More than 6 years of experience in the cryptocurrency sector; references in privacy-focused projects, and over a year of active work with the Zcash Türkiye team on privacy advocacy and project promotion. Responsibilities: Content , Social Media , Community
Additional Team Members
- Name:@Mustafa
Role:CM
Background: Mustafa is a university student with strong English communication skills. You have seen him many times at the IBW Conference and in Zcash-focused street interviews conducted in the field. He has an entrepreneurial mindset in the areas of cryptocurrency and privacy. Responsibilities: Video , CM ,
**Name:**A.bulut7777
**Role:**CM / Social Media Background: His main profession is Computer Programming but he has a high level of performance in the organization of many events that I have realized in Turkey in the last 2-3 years. Responsible, able to work actively in the field and has experience in creating content on social media & creating Youtube videos. He has recently become a part of our strong team. In addition, we will be seeing him in front of the camera many times in our new initiative, Zbase.
Responsibilities: Social media content creation Youtube video Idea generator Community Support team -
Name: Fatma
Role: Community Management, Women empowerment Background: Fatma has actively worked behind the scenes at many crypto events. In the past, she has also taken part in various individual events. She was the unsung hero of the event where we distributed Ramadan food packages. Her ultimate goal is to eliminate the lack of knowledge among women regarding privacy and to introduce the opportunities offered by Zcash. During this period, she will organize at least one Privacy Women (Zcash) event every month.
Responsibilities: Content , Community , Social Media -
Project Summary
Zcash Türkiye is requesting funding to establish ZBase, a dedicated operational structure designed to enable long-term, self-sustaining Zcash-focused community work. This initiative aims to strengthen the team’s capacity, professionalism, and independence while continuing to deliver consistent value to the Zcash ecosystem.
Project Description
Zcash Türkiye has been actively contributing to the Zcash ecosystem through community building, education, and on-the-ground outreach. Over time, one clear question has become central to our work: how can a local Zcash community initiative remain effective, professional, and consistent without being permanently dependent on grant funding?
This proposal is our answer to that question.
We are proposing the establishment of ZBase, a dedicated operational structure designed to support Zcash-focused community work through a sustainable and accountable model. ZBase is not a pivot away from Zcash; on the contrary, it is an infrastructure layer created to ensure that Zcash-related activities can continue with greater stability, capacity, and long-term commitment.
ZBase will operate as a workshop- and event-driven initiative. Its core activities will include Zcash-focused workshops, seminars, and community events, alongside limited, project-based collaborations with privacy-oriented and Web3 initiatives. These collaborations are not intended to dilute focus, but rather to generate complementary revenue that enables continued Zcash advocacy without compromising priorities.
The requested funding will be used to establish the foundational elements of this structure: a small dedicated office, essential equipment and materials, and the operational capacity required to organize regular events and workshops. This foundation allows the team to work more efficiently, coordinate locally, and maintain a visible, professional presence.
ZBase is intentionally designed with clear boundaries. We will not engage in long-term social media management or agency-style retainers for external projects. Zcash remains the primary focus, and all external activities are structured to support—not replace—our commitment to the Zcash ecosystem.
Our goal is straightforward: to build a structure that allows Zcash Türkiye to continue delivering consistent value while taking full responsibility for its own sustainability. This project reflects a long-term mindset—one that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and resilience over short-term dependency.
We believe that ZBase can demonstrate how community initiatives supported by ZCG can evolve into independent, self-sustaining contributors to the broader Zcash ecosystem. If successful, this model may also serve as a reference point for other communities exploring similar paths toward sustainability.
Proposed Problem
Community work can only remain consistent and effective in the long term if it is supported not just by motivation and goodwill, but by a solid operational structure. Grant funding plays a crucial role in helping initiatives start and grow; however, relying entirely on external funding can naturally create limitations over time.
A structure that depends solely on recurring funding cycles can make long-term planning more difficult, slow down operational maturity, and introduce uncertainty into day-to-day work. For teams that are actively working on the ground, this often means spending energy managing uncertainty instead of focusing fully on producing value for the community.
This is the core challenge Zcash Türkiye aims to address. We want to continue delivering professional, reliable, and long-term Zcash-focused community work, but doing so without remaining permanently dependent on external funding requires a clear and intentional structure. What is needed is not a temporary fix, but a model that takes responsibility and is capable of standing on its own.
Proposed Solution
Our proposed solution is to establish ZBase as a dedicated operational structure that allows Zcash-focused community work to be carried out in a more organized, professional, and scalable way.
ZBase is designed to bring structure and clarity to how we operate. Zcash remains the central focus of all activities, including workshops, meetups, and community education. The structure also enables limited, project-based collaborations with privacy-focused and Web3 initiatives, creating an environment where skills, experience, and resources can be shared without shifting priorities.
The requested funding will be used to set up the practical foundation of ZBase: a small working space, essential equipment, and the operational capacity required to run regular workshops and events. This allows the team to work more efficiently, coordinate better on the ground, and maintain a consistent presence within the local ecosystem.
By establishing ZBase, we aim to formalize what we are already doing well and strengthen it with a clearer structure. This approach supports long-term consistency, accountability, and quality in our Zcash-related activities, while enabling the team to take full responsibility for execution and outcomes.
Solution Format
The solution will be delivered as an operational and service-based structure, rather than a single software product or publication.
Deliverables will include:
In-person workshops and events, with Zcash as the main ongoing focus
Educational workshops and sessions for other Web3 projects
Content creation (educational materials, event outputs, and outreach content)
Translation and localization work for technical and educational documents
Event organization and coordination
Establishment of ZBase as a small operational workspace and working structure
ZBase will generate value through workshops, events, translations, and content production, while maintaining Zcash as the primary and continuous focus of the team’s activities.
Dependencies
No single external partner or provider is a critical dependency; the structure is designed to remain flexible and operate independently while collaborating where it adds value.
Technical Approach
The project does not require a complex or experimental technical architecture. The technical approach is intentionally lightweight, practical, and execution-focused, supporting workshops, content production, translations, and event coordination.
Upstream Merge Opportunities
NA
Hardware/Software Costs (USD)
NA
Hardware/Software Justification
NA
Service Costs (USD)
NA
Service Costs Justification
NA
Compensation Costs (USD)
31000
Compensation Costs Justification
Minimum 1-Year Office Rent
Office Decoration and Equipment
Marketing Activities
New Team Members and Zcash Workshops
Total Budget (USD)
31000
Previous Funding
Yes
Previous Funding Details
The Zcash Türkiye team is currently receiving regular funding from ZCG.
All fund usage has been shared transparently with the community, and the outcomes have aligned with expectations. This process demonstrates our team’s competence in fund management and operational sustainability.
Other Funding Sources
No
Other Funding Sources Details
NA
Implementation Risks
Some minor challenges may arise during project implementation, but all are predictable and manageable:
Revenue may not reach expected levels: Even if income from workshops and events does not fully reach the planned level, our team’s experience and flexible planning will ensure the process remains optimized.
External factors: Effects from health issues or unforeseen circumstances will be minimal, and our team will continue operations with alternative plans as needed.
Regardless of the outcome, the Zcash Türkiye team will actively manage the community for at least two years starting from Q4 2026 without requesting additional funding from ZCG.
Potential Side Effects
Since this project is primarily focused on sustainability and community development, no significant negative impacts are expected.
Success Metrics
We will evaluate the success of the project using the following criteria:
Community Engagement: Participation in events and community activities, as well as feedback received.
Revenue Generation: Income from workshops and other project-based activities to ensure the sustainability of ZBase.
Transparency and Reporting: All activities and revenues will be shared openly with the community.
Using these criteria, we will be able to clearly measure whether the project is creating Zcash-focused value and achieving financial sustainability.
Startup Funding (USD)
21000
Startup Funding Justification
Startup funding is needed to establish ZBase and ensure its operations are sustainable. This funding will enable us to implement activities such as workshops, events, and content creation for the community and other projects quickly and professionally.
The funding will be used for:
Office Rental: To host professional work, live streams, workshops, guests, and event activities.
Office Decoration and Equipment: Procurement of professional infrastructure, including wall decorations, cameras, desks, microphones, chairs, etc. The office will be open for anyone interested, where visitors can have coffee or tea and learn more about Zcash.
Marketing Activities: To increase visibility for Zcash-focused and other project-related initiatives, strengthening marketing efforts before presenting proposals to projects.
New Team Members and Workshops: To expand team capacity and prepare events for the community.
This initial investment will accelerate ZBase’s transformation into a revenue-generating and sustainable structure, enabling the project to operate independently of ZCG in the medium term.
Milestone Details
- Milestone: 1 Amount (USD): 10000 Expected Completion Date: 10-03-2026 Deliverables: After the startup funding, all developments will be actively shared and regular updates will be provided. Any subsequent funding requested will be used to ensure the continuity of the work initiated during the startup phase. The funds will be used for: Office Rental Office Setup Equipment Procurement Brochures Marketing Requirements All details will be transparently shared with ZCG, and the results and statistics of the work carried out will be actively communicated to the community. Unused funds will be held in $ZEC.
Supporting Documents
As the Zcash Türkiye team, we have always strived to use Zcash resources in the most effective way. ZCG’s long-standing support of our team is the clearest indication that we are on the right path.
