> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.trustednode.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.trustednode.io/trusted-node-architecture/dao-escrow-contract.md).

# DAO Escrow Contract

Any user interested in joining the Trusted Node DAO and participating in Trusted Node governance can deposit any amount of $TNODE tokens into the **DAO escrow** for a period from **1 day to 1 year**. Depositing coins is necessary for governance functionality. It lets the network know which users have a right to vote.

DAO members receive **voting power** proportional to their deposit and valid for the period that $TNODE tokens remain in the escrow contract.

They also receive other **member benefits** based on the period and amount of $TNODE they submit: 

* A share of Trusted Node **transaction fees**
* A **yield multiplier** for liquidity vaults, and 
* **Member discounts** on Trusted Node services (the PoS Portal and Liquid Staking).

Currently, the DAO Trusted Node is stored in a smart contract. In the future, the capital could theoretically be invested into liquidity vaults or DeFi portfolios to enable more revenue streams for DAO and its members (tbd).