The Solana Foundation has recently implemented a new policy aimed at scaling back support for long-standing validators reliant on Foundation-delegated stake in favor of new, community-backed operators. The updated guidelines state that for each new validator brought into the Foundation’s Delegation Program, three existing validators will be removed if they have received Foundation stake for over 18 months and hold less than 1,000 SOL in external delegation. This measure took effect immediately and is intended to reduce dependence on internal stake allocations and encourage community involvement in network validation.
The Solana Foundation initially launched its Delegation Program to help new validators participate in consensus without needing substantial SOL holdings. By offering stake directly, the Foundation enabled smaller operators to earn rewards and contribute to network growth. However, concerns arose over sustainability as some validators continued to receive Foundation stake without attracting external support or meeting performance standards. The new policy aims to address these issues by requiring validators to demonstrate strong technical performance and the ability to attract stake from sources outside the Foundation.
To incentivize validators to attract stake from independent delegators, the Foundation offers a matching program where validators can receive up to 100,000 SOL if they secure an equivalent amount from external sources. This move is part of the Foundation’s efforts to enhance decentralization within the Solana network. While the Foundation’s share of total network stake has decreased to approximately 13% to 16%, some validators still heavily rely on Foundation subsidies to cover operational costs. By phasing out underperforming validators and bringing in those with stronger community engagement, the Foundation aims to promote a more self-sufficient and decentralized validator ecosystem.
The shift in policy marks a turning point in Solana’s evolution, transitioning from a growth-focused strategy powered by internal capital to a performance-driven framework driven by the broader community. With the new guidelines in place, the Foundation hopes to create a more resilient, decentralized, and efficient network that is less dependent on internal stake allocations. By fostering a stronger community-driven approach to network validation, Solana aims to strengthen the role of community involvement in the governance and operation of the network.
In conclusion, the Solana Foundation’s new policy of scaling back support for long-standing validators reliant on Foundation-delegated stake in favor of community-backed operators is a strategic move to enhance decentralization and sustainability within the Solana network. By requiring validators to demonstrate strong technical performance and attract stake from outside sources, the Foundation aims to create a more resilient and efficient network that is less dependent on internal stake allocations. This shift towards a performance-driven framework underscores Solana’s commitment to fostering a community-driven approach to network validation and governance, ultimately leading to a more decentralized and inclusive ecosystem.
