The Ethereum Foundation has temporarily halted all open grant applications while it updates its Ecosystem Support Program (ESP) to a more streamlined and growth-focused model.
Key Highlights
- Open grant applications are paused during the program redesign.
- In 2024, the ESP granted over $13 million to 105 projects.
- The foundation is shifting toward a proactive and efficient funding model for developers.
A New Direction for the Ecosystem Support Program
The Ecosystem Support Program, which started in 2018 to provide grants to projects supporting Ethereum’s growth, is entering a new phase. This transition follows a wider organizational update in June 2025, which included staff restructuring and changes to operational processes.
The revised model emphasizes improving efficiency, simplifying procedures, and adopting a more proactive approach to supporting developers. The ESP team stated that this change allows the foundation to focus on strategic initiatives while better coordinating with other teams within the organization.
Supporting Ethereum Developers
Ethereum continues to expand, with more than $91 billion in total value locked (TVL) in decentralized finance and over $148 billion in stablecoins. As developer activity increases and adoption grows, the foundation sees the need for a funding approach that reflects the ecosystem’s scale.
Grants and Achievements
In 2024, the Ecosystem Support Program distributed nearly $3 million across 105 projects. Funded initiatives covered areas such as developer tools, research, data analytics, and education. Some of the projects supported include Commit-Boost, BundleBear, Web3Bridge, and the Ethereum Cypherpunk Congress.
Even with new applications temporarily paused, the foundation continues to support existing grant recipients. More information about the updated program and its priorities is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
This move demonstrates the Ethereum Foundation’s commitment to adapting its support programs to meet the evolving needs of its ecosystem, ensuring developers continue to receive guidance, resources, and opportunities to build and scale innovative projects.
