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Author
Hongji Feng
Author
Hongji Feng
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U Ethereum FoundationThe ecosystem support program introduced a revised grants model on November 3, 2025, in a post by the ESP team on the Ethereum Foundation website. The update follows a pause in open applications and establishes a clearer path for funding across the ecosystem.
The post puts the change in the continuous growth of tools, protocols and public goods. The team writes that the previous hiring stretched its limited capacity, so the new approach concentrates efforts in the areas identified alongside the other groups of the Foundation.
ESP Grants: Wishlist and RFP Tracks
“The previous open grant program has successfully supported hundreds of projects that have contributed key building blocks to Ethereum,” the post says. “However, with a lean team and a broad scope, the growing volume of applications stretched our resources, limiting our ability to pursue strategic opportunities.”
“Our new model addresses this by moving from a reactive to a proactive approach, working closely with other EF teams to ensure funding aligns with ecosystem priorities and drives meaningful impact,” the Ethereum Foundation said.
The ESP remains open to applicants as they channel submissions through two pathways that frame requirements and outcomes. The Wishlist sets high-level goals and leaves room for varied approaches, inviting builders to propose initiatives that meet those goals without prescribing a single design.
Ethereum Community and Builder Impact
Requests for Proposals describe a defined problem and expected results, including scope, requirements, application windows, and estimated duration. This creates a timeline and measurement plan that candidates can review before submitting.
Office Hours continues to guide whether a concept aligns with a Wishlist area or with an active RFP, so teams can steer the right path from the start.
ESP says the first set of Wishlist and RFP items is live across encryption, privacy, application layer, security and community growth. The team notes that “Wishlist items and RFPs will be added and updated based on the evolving needs of the ecosystem,” making it an ongoing pipeline rather than a one-off.
The announcement also outlines coordination and support beyond funding. The ESP plans to align the grant with other Foundation groups, provide guidance to grantees, connect projects to peers, and draw insight from results to guide future calls.
