Over the previous few years, the Ethereum ecosystem has grown in depth, variety, and maturity. Builders and communities worldwide have pushed the boundaries of what’s potential, creating new instruments, protocols, and public items that strengthen the community as an entire. Because the ecosystem grows, our method to supporting it should adapt as nicely.
Right this moment, we’re excited to share the following step in that journey: the Ecosystem Assist Program’s (ESP) new grants program.
This announcement builds on our earlier replace, the place we quickly paused open grant functions to reassess our priorities and funding method. Throughout this time, we targeted on designing a extra focused, impactful, and sustainable mannequin that evolves alongside Ethereum’s development.
Why We’re Evolving
The earlier open grants program efficiently supported tons of of tasks that contributed key constructing blocks throughout Ethereum. Nevertheless, with a lean workforce and broad scope, the rising quantity of functions stretched our assets, limiting our capacity to pursue strategic alternatives.
Our new mannequin addresses this by shifting from a reactive to a proactive method, working intently with different EF groups to make sure that funding aligns with the ecosystem’s priorities and drives significant affect.
Introducing the New Grants Program
ESP will proceed working a grants program open to all, however now structured by two pathways: Wishlist and Requests for Proposals. These channels goal the ecosystem’s most urgent wants, as recognized by groups throughout the EF.
Wishlist
The Wishlist outlines broad areas the place we see essential gaps and alternatives for progress within the ecosystem.
Defines high-level targets that information impactful areas of workHighlights broader themes quite than particular projectsLeaves room for numerous approachesInvites builders to suggest their very own concepts and initiatives that deal with these priorities
Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
RFPs describe a selected downside or alternative and invite candidates to suggest focused options.
Focuses on clear deliverables or measurable outcomesIncludes predefined scope, necessities, and anticipated resultsHas a set utility window and estimated mission durationMore prescriptive and time-bound than Wishlist objects
Alternatives Are Open
Our first set of Wishlist objects and RFPs is now dwell on our web site! They span key domains corresponding to cryptography, privateness, the applying layer, safety, neighborhood development, and extra—providing a variety of alternatives for builders to make an affect. Discover the objects and apply to carry your concepts to life.
When you have a mission thought and wish steerage on whether or not it aligns with a Wishlist merchandise or RFP, we’re completely happy to supply suggestions by way of Workplace Hours, which can stay open as regular.
Wishlist objects and RFPs might be added and up to date based mostly on the evolving wants of the ecosystem. To remain knowledgeable, observe us on X (Twitter) @EF_ESP, Farcaster @ef-esp, Lens @ef_esp, and Bluesky @ef-esp, or verify our web site periodically for brand spanking new alternatives.
Our work doesn’t cease right here. We’ll proceed coordinating grant-making throughout EF groups to make sure that help is aligned and impactful. Past funding, we’re dedicated to enhancing the grantee expertise by offering strong help all through their journey: providing steerage, fostering connections throughout the ecosystem, and drawing insights from outcomes to information future efforts.
We’re excited to see the tasks that emerge from this primary spherical of Wishlist objects and RFPs, and look ahead to collaborating with builders as we push Ethereum ahead!
