Unlike other cryptocurrencies like BTC and LTC that require specialised hardware to mine, Gridcoin (GRC) can be earned using almost any type of hardware, ranging from mobile phones to desktop PCs. How it is able to achieve this is through rewarding users for contributing their computing power towards BOINC (Berkely Open Infrastructure for Network Computing). In fact, BOINC existed before GRC, and people were contributing their computing power towards science, maths and medical research for free. With GRC, there is now a way to monetise this altruistic endeavour and reward contributors for their generosity. It is truly a win-win situation as BOINC can now attract more computing power and contributors can also be subsidised.

However, if you are unable to contribute computing power for some reason -- possibly high electricity costs or lack of hardware -- you can also contribute by purchasing GRC and helping to secure the blockchain by leaving the wallet running to stake your coins. This consumes much less power than running the research jobs and you will also be able to earn 20 GRC each time you successfully stake a block. However, do note that the probability of staking a block depends on the amount of GRC in your wallet. The more GRC you have, the more you earn for a given period of time.