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GnosisDAO Governance

Last updated: April 2026

Overview​

GnosisDAO is the on-chain governance layer of Gnosis. GnosisDAO does not control the Gnosis Chain blockchain network directly or take direct operational decisions; instead, it is primarily a capital allocator and high-level steward of ecosystem priorities. Any GNO holder can propose developments, treasury movements, or strategic directions by following the GnosisDAO governance process.

Governance Process​

Community members create GIPs (Gnosis Improvement Proposals) which generally pass through four phases of governance across the GnosisDAO forum (forum.gnosis.io) and GnosisDAO Snapshot space (snapshot.org/#/gnosis.eth).

1. Ideation​

  • Community members propose an idea on the governance forum
  • Other members offer feedback and the idea is revised
  • Once polished, the proposal should be turned into a formal GIP and moved to Phase 2
  • Proposals should generally not proceed to Phase 2 without meaningful engagement from the wider community

2. Formal GIP Creation​

  • The proposal should be structured into a formal GIP following the GIP template
  • Fine-tuning occurs based on feedback, but major changes should generally result in the proposal returning to Phase 1
  • A forum poll should be held to gauge community approval

3. Snapshot Voting​

  • The GIP should be moved, without changes, to snapshot.org/#/gnosis.eth for a formal vote by GNO holders
  • Votes should last for at least seven days
  • Vote options are FOR, AGAINST, and ABSTAIN
  • Voting power is weighted by GNO holdings
  • At least 75,000 GNO must be allocated to FOR to reach quorum
  • To pass, a vote must reach quorum and FOR votes must outweigh AGAINST

4. Accountability​

  • GIPs which pass the Snapshot vote are considered approved
  • Authors of passed GIPs are expected to provide regular performance updates in the forum (minimally after 30, 60 and 90 days)

GIP (Gnosis Improvement Proposal) Details​

Material decisions are expected to be made via passed GIPs, either directly or through mandates the DAO has previously approved. Proposed GIPs which do not pass the governance process should generally not lead to material decisions being made as a result.

Requirements​

  • Any GNO holder can submit a proposal (no minimum holding required)
  • 75,000 GNO votes FOR needed to meet quorum
  • Proposals should conform to the GIP template, and include technical specifications
  • Should pass technical review

Timeline​

  • Discussion: 5–7 days minimum
  • Voting: 5–7 days
  • Total typical: 14–21 days

Quorum & Voting​

Thresholds​

  • Quorum: 75,000 GNO votes FOR
  • Majority: FOR votes must outweigh AGAINST
  • Abstain votes don't count toward quorum

Issues Identified​

  • 33% quorum failure rate — biggest governance challenge
  • Many proposals pass majority but fail on quorum
  • Low engagement from smaller holders

Recent Key Governance GIPs​

GIP-101 (Jun 2024)​

  • Created a formal delegate program for a six-month trial period
  • 10 delegates were selected via a nomination process
  • Each delegate was delegated control of 5,000 GNO
  • GIP-137 was created to extend the delegate program but was rejected
  • There is currently no formal delegate program, but the Snapshot strategy supports delegation and extensive delegation occurs

Snapshot link

GIP-128 (July 2025)​

  • Funds Gnosis Ltd as the primary builder of Gnosis Chain, Gnosis Pay, and core infrastructure
  • Grants a $30M annual budget ($7.5M quarterly) to Gnosis Ltd
  • To be renewed annually following approval from the DAO
  • Was made possible following Gnosis Ltd's transition into a "quasi-foundation" to align fully with the DAO

Snapshot link

GIP-143 (Nov 2025)​

  • Marked the formal termination of GnosisDAO's relationship with treasury management partner Karpatkey (KPK)
  • Created following a long-running community debate; it ultimately passed with 88% approval
  • Cited reasons for termination included: performance issues, cost concerns, alignment
  • Led immediately to GIP-148 to find a replacement

Snapshot link

GIP-148 (Jan–Feb 2026)​

  • Following GIP-143, GnosisDAO opened an RFP (request for proposals) for a new treasury manager ($1.5M annual budget cap)
  • Received 22 proposals (full scope and partial scope applicants)
  • Noca (Noctua) selected via ranked choice voting runoff (54.57% of final vote)
  • Mandate includes: multi-currency liquidity, endowment management, governance participation, and reporting
  • Noca announced all performance fees would be waived for Q1 2026

Snapshot link

Voter Data​

MetricValue
Total Voters6,037
Total Votes39,260
Top 20 voter participation77–79 proposals each (likely automated)
Voters participating in ≤5 proposals68%

Resources​