Exploring Decentralized Governance for NPOs (DAO4Solidar)

DAO4Solidarity investigates how Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and blockchain-based governance can be applied in the nonprofit sector to improve transparency, fairness, and stakeholder participation.

In collaboration with Solidar Suisse, the project explores two concrete use cases:

1. transparent allocation of funds through smart contract–based voting mechanisms, and
2. a stakeholder governance DAO enabling partners and beneficiaries to engage democratically in project planning and prioritization via innovative voting models such as reputation-based systems.

Unlike existing DAO initiatives in crypto-native communities, this study adapts decentralized governance to the realities of humanitarian NGOs, addressing Swiss legal compliance, accountability standards, trust challenges in partner countries, and measurable beneficiary-level outcomes. The project will deliver a feasibility assessment and practical playbook outlining how hybrid DAO models can support more inclusive, efficient, and mission-driven governance in development cooperation.