Create contributing guide

.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/issue-template.md

@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+---
+name: Issue
+about: Report a bug or request a feature
+title: "[Bug] <summary>" or "[Feature] <summary>"
+labels: needs-triage
+assignees: ''
+---
+
+## Type
+
+<!-- Please check one -->
+- [ ] Bug
+- [ ] Feature
+- [ ] Proposal / Discussion
+
+## Summary
+
+<!--
+Describe the issue or request in 1–2 sentences.
+Include relevant context or background.
+-->
+
+## Reproduction (for bugs)
+
+<!--
+Include minimal steps to reproduce the bug. Example:
+
+1. Run `make start`
+2. Submit a tx via `evm.send()`
+3. Observe panic in logs
+-->
+
+## Impact
+
+<!--
+Explain the potential severity and who is affected.
+E.g., critical bug for validators, minor UX issue, etc.
+-->
+
+## Related
+
+<!--
+Link related issues or PRs.
+-->
+
+## Checklist
+
+- [ ] Linked to a GitHub Issue (or this is the Issue)
+- [ ] Repro steps included (for bugs)
+- [ ] Impact described
+- [ ] I understand minor typo/style doc fixes will not be accepted

.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md

@@ -21,19 +21,3 @@ I have...
 - [ ] tackled an existing issue or discussed with a team member
 - [ ] left instructions on how to review the changes
 - [ ] targeted the `main` branch
-
-## Reviewers Checklist
-
-**All** items are required.
-Please add a note if the item is not applicable
-and please add your handle next to the items reviewed
-if you only reviewed selected items.
-
-I have...
-
-- [ ] added a relevant changelog entry to the `Unreleased` section in `CHANGELOG.md`
-- [ ] confirmed all author checklist items have been addressed
-- [ ] confirmed that this PR does not change production code
-- [ ] reviewed content
-- [ ] tested instructions (if applicable)
-- [ ] confirmed all CI checks have passed

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+# Contributing to Cosmos EVM
+
+We appreciate community contributions! To ensure a smooth process, please follow these guidelines.
+
+---
+
+## Requirements for Pull Requests
+
+1. **Issue Link Required**
+   - All pull requests must be linked to an existing [GitHub Issue](https://github.com/cosmos/evm/issues).
+   - PRs without a corresponding issue **will not be reviewed**.
+   - Issues should include:
+      - **Reproducibility**: If the issue is a bug, describe steps to reproduce the problem clearly.
+      - **Context & Explanation**: Provide enough background so others can understand the problem or motivation.
+      - **Potential Impact**: Explain how this affects the project or user experience (e.g., severity, user scope, downstream effects).
+
+2. **Signed Commits**
+   - All commits must be [signed](https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/managing-commit-signature-verification/signing-commits).
+   - Unsigned commits will be rejected.
+
+3. **Documentation Contributions**
+   - We only accept documentation PRs that make **substantial or impactful changes**.
+   - Minor typo or style-only fixes in documentation will not be accepted.
+
+---
+
+## Getting Started
+
+- Fork the repo and create your branch from `main`.
+- Run tests and linters before submitting.
+- Make sure your code adheres to the project's style and conventions.
+
+---
+
+Thank you for helping improve Cosmos EVM!

README.md

@@ -184,6 +184,10 @@ make test-solidity
 make benchmark
 ```
 
+## Contributing
+
+We welcome open source contributions and discussions! For more on contributing, read our [guide](./CONTRIBUTING.md).
+
 ## Open-source License & Credits
 
 Cosmos EVM is open-source under the Apache 2.0 license, an extension of the license of the original codebase (https://github.com/evmos/OS)