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Bounties are an upcoming feature on Boundless. This guide describes how they will work when they launch.
TL;DR: Find a bounty, apply or claim (some bounties cost Sparks to apply), deliver the work, and get paid. This guide walks you through the process.

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What you’ll learn

  • What to have ready before you apply
  • How to browse and filter bounties
  • The three bounty types: fixed price, competition, and milestone-based
  • How to deliver work and what happens when you’re approved or need revisions
  • Where to get help if something goes wrong

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Before you start

Make sure you have:
  • A Boundless account (sign up in a few minutes)
  • At least one Spark if the bounty requires it to apply (new users may start with some)
  • A skill to offer (design, code, writing, research, community all welcome)
Complete your profile (skills, portfolio, bio) before applying. Projects review profiles when selecting contributors.

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Step 1: Browse bounties

Go to Bounties on Boundless. You can filter by:
  • Skill: Design, code, writing, research, marketing, community, and more
  • Budget: Entry, medium, or premium ranges
  • Type: Fixed price, competition, or milestone-based
  • Bounty window: Time-limited windows (e.g., next 7 days, next 30 days) when bounties are open for claims
What to look for:
  • Clear requirements
  • Reasonable timeline
  • Budget that matches the effort
  • A project or organization with a good track record when that’s visible

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Step 2: Understand the bounty type

Not all bounties work the same way. Boundless has three types:

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Fixed price

  • How it works: You claim the bounty; it locks to you. You deliver; you get paid.
  • Best for: Clear, well-defined tasks.
  • Risk: Low (once you claim, you’re the one doing the work).

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Competition

  • How it works: Multiple people can submit. The best submission wins the reward.
  • Best for: Creative or subjective work (e.g., design, naming).
  • Risk: Higher (only the winner gets paid).

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Milestone-based

  • How it works: The bounty is split into milestones. You complete each part; you get paid for each part that’s approved.
  • Best for: Larger or multi-step tasks.
  • Risk: Lower (you earn as you deliver).
Four claiming models goes deeper into how bounties are structured.

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Step 3: Apply or claim

If it’s a fixed-price bounty:
Click Claim, confirm (use a Spark if required), and the bounty locks to you. Start working. If it’s a competition or application-style bounty:
Click Apply, write a short proposal (experience, approach, timeline, portfolio links), and submit (use a Spark if required). Wait for the project to review often within a few days.
If the bounty requires a Spark to apply, you’ll spend one when you submit. Check that you have at least one before applying. How to get Sparks.

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Step 4: Deliver the work

Once you’re selected or have claimed:
  1. Use the work dashboard See requirements, acceptance criteria, and deadline.
  2. Do the work Follow the requirements and meet the stated quality bar.
  3. Submit Upload files or add links, add a short note, and click Submit for review.
Submit a day or two before the deadline so you have time for any revision requests.

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Step 5: Review and revisions

If you’re approved:
The project approves your submission. Escrow releases the payment to your wallet. You get notified. Your reputation can increase. If revisions are requested:
You get feedback. Make the changes (often within a few days) and resubmit. If you’re rejected:
You get feedback. You may be able to appeal within a short window. If the bounty reopens, your Spark may be returned depending on the rules.
Handle disputes if you disagree with an outcome.

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Step 6: Get paid

After approval:
  • Escrow releases XLM to your wallet.
  • The transaction appears in your wallet history.
  • You may receive an email confirmation.
What you can do with XLM:
  • Keep it in your wallet for future use
  • Send it to another wallet
  • Convert to fiat where off-ramping is available

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Tips for success

Increase your chances:
  1. Complete your profile so projects can see your skills and portfolio.
  2. Start with smaller or clearer bounties to build reputation.
  3. Read requirements carefully many rejections come from misunderstanding scope.
  4. Ask questions before submitting.
  5. Apply during bounty windows when competition may be lower.
Avoid:
  • Applying to bounties you’re not qualified for (you may waste Sparks).
  • Over-promising in proposals (under-delivering can hurt your reputation).
  • Submitting late (can trigger penalties).
  • Ignoring feedback (revision requests are normal).

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Next steps

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Need help?