# How it Works For Backers

Locking Autonomi tokens lets you back your favourite projects in with [**Pledge Points**](/impossible-futures-a-guide/how-it-works-for-backers/pledge-points-explained.md).

You choose which project(s) to support by adding **Pledge Points** to them.

### What's on offer?

Your total number of Pledge Points across all apps determines your split of the [Rewards Pool ](/impossible-futures-a-guide/how-it-works-for-backers/how-rewards-are-shared.md)— but only if those projects successfully deploy by **21 August 2025**.

The [**Rewards Pool**](/impossible-futures-a-guide/how-it-works-for-backers/how-rewards-are-shared.md) is up to **1.5 Million** Autonomi tokens in size.

If you back a prize-winning project **during Week 1**, you’ll also earn a share of its **USDC cash prize**.

### What does Locking Autonomi tokens mean?

When you **lock** Autonomi tokens, you’re temporarily committing your tokens for **12 months** (until 13 June 2026 to be precise). \
\
During this time, they can’t be moved or used — but in return, you gain **Pledge Points** that let you support projects and earn rewards if they succeed.

At the end of the lock period, your Autonomi token is returned to your wallet automatically, along with any rewards you've earned.

{% hint style="info" %}
If none of the projects you backed deploy, your Pledge Points are void but your Autonomi tokens **are still unlocked and returned** on the **13th of June 2026**.
{% endhint %}

### USDC Cash Prizes

Only applies to backers of the **top 3 prize-winning apps** — and only if you backed in the first week.<br>

* 1st — $25,000
* 2nd — $10,000
* 3rd — $5,000
* These are split **among early backers** of those apps, proportional to their Pledge Points.


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