Over the previous few years, the Ethereum ecosystem has grown in depth, range, and maturity. Builders and communities worldwide have pushed the boundaries of what’s doable, creating new instruments, protocols, and public items that strengthen the community as a complete. 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 briefly paused open grant purposes to reassess our priorities and funding method. Throughout this time, we centered 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 lots of of tasks that contributed key constructing blocks throughout Ethereum. Nevertheless, with a lean crew and broad scope, the rising quantity of purposes stretched our assets, limiting our skill to pursue strategic alternatives.

Our new mannequin addresses this by shifting from a reactive to a proactive method, working carefully with different EF groups to make sure that funding aligns with the ecosystem’s priorities and drives significant impression.

Introducing the New Grants Program

ESP will proceed operating a grants program open to all, however now structured by means of 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 necessary gaps and alternatives for progress within the ecosystem.

• Defines high-level objectives that information impactful areas of labor
• Highlights broader themes quite than particular tasks
• Leaves room for various approaches
• Invitations builders to suggest their very own concepts and initiatives that handle these priorities

Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

RFPs describe a selected drawback or alternative and invite candidates to suggest focused options.

• Focuses on clear deliverables or measurable outcomes
• Contains predefined scope, necessities, and anticipated outcomes
• Has a set utility window and estimated venture length
• Extra prescriptive and time-bound than Wishlist gadgets

Alternatives Are Open

Our first set of Wishlist gadgets and RFPs is now stay on our web site! They span key domains comparable to cryptography, privateness, the appliance layer, safety, neighborhood development, and extra—providing a variety of alternatives for builders to make an impression. Discover the gadgets and apply to convey your concepts to life.

When you’ve got a venture concept and wish steering on whether or not it aligns with a Wishlist merchandise or RFP, we’re comfortable to supply suggestions through Workplace Hours, which is able to stay open as normal.

Wishlist gadgets and RFPs will probably be added and up to date based mostly on the evolving wants of the ecosystem. To remain knowledgeable, comply with us on X (Twitter) @EF_ESP, Farcaster @ef-esp, Lens @ef_esp, and Bluesky @ef-esp, or verify our web site periodically for brand new alternatives.

Our work doesn’t cease right here. We are going to 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 steering, 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 gadgets and RFPs, and stay up for collaborating with builders as we push Ethereum ahead!