A Program Connecting Community Spaces with Blockchain Infrastructure
Building on the experience and needs of community spaces we’ve collaborated with over time, we’re excited to introduce Validators on the Ground — a practical initiative to bridge the worlds of decentralized technology and real-world, place-based communities.
The program aims to establish direct, mutually beneficial partnerships between community spaces and blockchain ecosystems, with three core goals:
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Sustainable financial support
Community spaces operating validator nodes “on the ground” receive conditional sponsorship while organizing relevant educational events. This creates a funding model that respects community autonomy and recognizes the value they generate.
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Values-aligned revenue streams
By running validators for selected networks, communities access alternative income sources through network rewards, in line with principles of decentralization and collective governance.
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Shared knowledge and ecosystem expansion
The program includes onboarding and educational support, enabling more community spaces to join and learn how to operate their own validator nodes, forming a growing, commons-oriented tech network.
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Unlike traditional models that treat communities as end-users, Validators on the Ground positions them as active infrastructure providers and stakeholders in decentralized systems. Blockchain projects gain real-world adoption and community engagement; communities gain technological sovereignty and new revenue streams.
When Commons Hub’s **validator node** was set up, it became clear how rare it is for grounded communities to engage meaningfully with validator infrastructure — especially with a commons-oriented focus. Despite ongoing interest in “real-world” impact across Web3 spaces, there’s a significant gap between blockchain projects and community networks. This initiative addresses that gap, practically and strategically.
We already have the technical foundations in place (including Dappnode machines and operational know-how), as well as trusted relationships with aligned projects. The groundwork is ready.
This is the current “validator” stack and interest of the community spaces we are in conversation with!