TL;DR
- Ethereum’s Ecosystem Support Program (ESP) has launched a new grants program to align projects with its strategic priorities.
- The program introduces two application pathways: Wishlist, which identifies key areas and allows open proposals, and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), which address specific problems with measurable outcomes and defined timelines.
- The first Wishlist items and RFPs cover essential domains such as cryptography, privacy, security, application layers, and community growth.
Ethereum’s Ecosystem Support Program (ESP) unveiled its new grants program, designed to adapt to the ecosystem’s growth and increasing complexity. The goal is to provide a more strategic, sustainable model with measurable impact, enabling projects to align with network priorities and deliver long-term solutions.
This change responds to the ecosystem’s expansion in depth, diversity, and maturity over recent years. The previous open program supported hundreds of initiatives that contributed key building blocks to the network. However, the high volume of applications and a lean team limited the ability to focus on strategic opportunities. The new structure shifts from a reactive to a proactive approach, coordinating closely with other Ethereum Foundation teams to maximize the impact of funding.
A Program for Every Need
The program remains open to all, but now operates through two application channels: Wishlist and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Wishlist identifies areas with strategic gaps, setting high-level goals while allowing developers to propose their own initiatives. RFPs, on the other hand, define specific problems and require solutions with clear scope, measurable results, and precise project timelines.
The first Wishlist items and RFPs cover key areas such as cryptography, privacy, application layers, security, and community growth. ESP will provide guidance to developers through “Office Hours,” helping them align their projects with defined priorities and answering questions throughout the application process.
Developing Strategic Solutions for Ethereum’s Growth
The program also aims to enhance the grantee experience by providing guidance, fostering connections across the ecosystem, and using project outcomes to inform future funding decisions. Wishlist items and RFPs will be updated periodically to reflect the ecosystem’s evolving needs.
The launch of ESP’s new grants program marks a significant step in strengthening Ethereum, encouraging the creation of high-impact tools, protocols, and public goods. Developers now have the opportunity to deliver strategic, scalable, and sustainable solutions that contribute to the network’s long-term growth
