The non-profit Ethereum Foundation (EF) has unveiled a revamped grant program featuring a “proactive approach” to project support.
1/ ESP’s grant applications are now OPEN! ✨
Our new grants program is structured through two pathways:
💡 Wishlist
🎯 Requests for Proposals (RFPs)Explore the new opportunities and apply below!https://t.co/qg4gBL62ED
— EF Ecosystem Support Program (@EF_ESP) November 3, 2025
In August, the organization suspended the acceptance of funding applications under the previous ESP initiative, citing the need to reassess priorities.
“The growing volume of applications has depleted our resources, limiting our ability to pursue strategic opportunities,” the foundation stated regarding the program’s relaunch.
The updated ESP model aims to address this issue by transforming a reactive approach into a proactive one, ensuring that funding is directed towards ecosystem priorities. The program is structured through two channels: “Wishlist” and “Requests for Proposals.”
The first list identifies general areas where EF sees “important gaps and opportunities for ecosystem progress.” The second outlines specific problems and “invites applicants to propose targeted solutions.”
The ESP team has initially published sets of work directions for both lists.
“They cover key areas such as cryptography, privacy, application layer, security, community development, and more,” noted EF.
Regarding the funding amounts, the organization stated that sums will be determined individually for each case. Applicants may include budget estimates in their requests.
Back in July, EF introduced a development plan for the next decade.