The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has officially launched an updated version of its Ecosystem Support Program (ESP), marking a major shift in how the organization funds development and innovation within the Ethereum ecosystem. The new approach focuses on strategic impact, long-term sustainability, and alignment with the network’s evolving priorities.
Over the past few years, the Ethereum ecosystem has matured significantly, expanding in depth, diversity, and innovation. According to EF, developers and global communities continue to push boundaries by creating cutting-edge tools, protocols, and public goods that strengthen the entire network. With this growth, the Foundation believes it’s time for a more targeted and proactive funding model.
The restructured ESP program introduces two new frameworks — Wishlist and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). These categories are designed to identify the ecosystem’s most pressing needs based on feedback gathered from EF teams and community members.
The Wishlist outlines high-level priorities and strategic goals where EF sees room for substantial innovation. It encourages developers to propose creative and independent solutions that align with Ethereum’s key objectives. Rather than prescribing strict guidelines, Wishlist invites open-ended contributions that can advance the network’s infrastructure, security, and usability.
The RFP model, on the other hand, targets specific challenges or technical gaps that require measurable, results-driven outcomes. Each RFP includes a clearly defined scope of work, timeline, and performance metrics. This structure ensures that funded projects deliver tangible results, fostering efficiency and accountability across the ecosystem.
EF representatives explained that the previous open grant model helped hundreds of projects build foundational layers of Ethereum’s infrastructure. However, the system became difficult to scale as the volume of proposals grew. The updated program now shifts from a reactive funding approach to a proactive, strategic model, designed to make the most of EF’s limited resources while maximizing ecosystem-wide impact.
The first round of Wishlist items and RFPs is already available on the official ESP website, covering areas like cryptography, privacy, security, community development, and applied research. EF has also promised to maintain open consultation sessions for teams seeking advice on proposal alignment with current priorities.
Beyond financial grants, the Ethereum Foundation aims to create a long-term support system that includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and project evaluation mechanisms to improve future initiatives. The organization is also actively developing the Privacy Cluster, a specialized unit focused on enhancing digital privacy within Ethereum applications.
This announcement follows a period of structural change and active debate within the EF community. Recently, Ethereum core developer Péter Szilágyi criticized what he called a “centralized influence” in the organization’s governance. Still, EF remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and empowering builders to shape the network’s future.
Conclusion
The Ethereum Foundation’s revamped grant strategy signals a powerful evolution in how the network supports innovation. By combining open creativity with structured priorities, EF is creating an environment that fosters strategic collaboration, technical excellence, and long-term ecosystem resilience. As Ethereum prepares for its next major updates — including the Fusaka hard fork in December 2025 — this renewed approach could ensure that the world’s leading blockchain continues to evolve through community-driven progress and innovation.
