docs: add sponsorship information

3 files changed, 74 insertions, 1 deletions

diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index ef89e0f3..49c7bd58 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -12,6 +12,23 @@ Terminal based agent runtime for coding agents.
 - **Screen detection is evidence-based.** When changing `src/detect/manifests/`, first capture the relevant bottom-buffer state with `herdr agent read <pane> --source detection --format text` and, when styling or alternate screen behavior matters, `--format ansi`. Decide which visible controls are invariant, which are alternatives, and encode them as explicit AND/OR gates. Do not match whole-pane incidental text, and do not use the user-visible viewport for agent status because users can scroll it.
 - **UI patterns should be reused.** Herdr is a mouse-first TUI. New dialogs, onboarding, settings, and post-update flows should follow the existing UI/UX language and interaction patterns instead of inventing one-off screens. Prefer reusing existing modal/screen structure, affordances, and close actions so the app feels consistent.
 
+## Runtime/client boundary guardrail
+
+Herdr is migrating toward a server-owned runtime protocol with the TUI as one client. New work should not deepen the current server/TUI coupling.
+
+Before adding state, API fields, events, commands, or socket messages, classify the feature:
+
+- Shared runtime/session fact: belongs in server state and should be exposed through the JSON API/event path when practical.
+- TUI presentation state: belongs only in the TUI/client layer.
+
+Do not add new shared behavior that only works through the private TUI client socket. Use neutral server/API names, not UI-surface names like sidebar, row, card, or widget.
+
+Examples:
+
+- Pane/agent metadata, process state, terminal state, events: server/runtime.
+- Sidebar layout, token placement, colors, selection, modals, mouse/viewport state: TUI/client.
+- Workspace/tab/pane remain shared session organization for now, but avoid making them mandatory identity for unrelated runtime features.
+
 ## Multi-agent isolation
 
 Read-only investigation can happen in the shared checkout.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 9645a01b..01ec8493 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
 </p>
 
 <p align="center">
-  <a href="https://herdr.dev">herdr.dev</a> · <a href="#install">install</a> · <a href="#quick-start">quick start</a> · <a href="#supported-agents">supported agents</a> · <a href="https://herdr.dev/docs/integrations/">integrations</a> · <a href="https://herdr.dev/docs/configuration/">configuration</a> · <a href="https://herdr.dev/docs/socket-api/">socket api</a>
+  <a href="https://herdr.dev">herdr.dev</a> · <a href="#install">install</a> · <a href="#quick-start">quick start</a> · <a href="#supported-agents">supported agents</a> · <a href="https://herdr.dev/docs/integrations/">integrations</a> · <a href="https://herdr.dev/docs/configuration/">configuration</a> · <a href="https://herdr.dev/docs/socket-api/">socket api</a> · <a href="#sponsors">sponsor</a>
 </p>
 
 ---
@@ -283,6 +283,12 @@ just test        # unit tests
 just check       # formatting, tests, and maintenance checks
 ```
 
+## sponsors
+
+herdr is built full-time, in the open, with no revenue behind it. sponsoring directly funds development, stability, and the path to a real agent runtime.
+
+[**→ become a sponsor**](https://github.com/sponsors/ogulcancelik) · enterprise / partnership: hey@herdr.dev · see [SPONSORS.md](./SPONSORS.md) for tiers. thank you 🐑
+
 ## license
 
 Herdr is dual-licensed:
diff --git a/SPONSORS.md b/SPONSORS.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e6295955
--- /dev/null
+++ b/SPONSORS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+# Sponsors
+
+herdr is independent, open source, and built full-time with no revenue behind it.
+Every sponsorship goes directly toward development, stability, and reaching herdr's
+goal of becoming the runtime for coding agents.
+
+→ Sponsor: https://github.com/sponsors/ogulcancelik
+→ Enterprise / partnership: hey@herdr.dev
+
+## Tiers
+
+| Tier | Amount | Recognition |
+|------|--------|-------------|
+| Backer | $25/mo | Name + link in this file |
+| Gold | $500/mo | Logo in README |
+| Platinum | $1,000/mo | Lead sponsor — logo in README and on herdr.dev |
+| Enterprise | custom | hey@herdr.dev |
+
+GitHub also allows a custom amount, so a sponsor lands in the tier their amount
+qualifies for.
+
+---
+
+## Platinum
+
+<!-- platinum sponsors render here -->
+
+## Gold
+
+<!-- gold sponsors render here -->
+
+## Backers
+
+- [Zack Drach](https://github.com/babymastodon)
+- [Alexandre Gressier](https://github.com/alexandregressier)
+- [MathiasFranceschi](https://github.com/MathiasFranceschi)
+
+## One-time supporters
+
+- [takaya-ishiyama](https://github.com/takaya-ishiyama)
+- [u-ways](https://github.com/u-ways)
+- [mtxmiller](https://github.com/mtxmiller)
+- [Sacha Wharton](https://github.com/sachajw)
+- [dsfortescue](https://github.com/dsfortescue)
+- [Hank](https://github.com/hank-warren)
+- [Adam Houston](https://github.com/ahstn)
+
+---
+
+Thank you to everyone who supports herdr. The herd keeps moving because of you. 🐑