Ethereum Foundation Revamps Grant Framework
The Ethereum Foundation has revamped its grant framework within the Ecosystem Support Program to foster greater innovation and broaden the adoption of its blockchain technology. This change was shared via a blog post by the Ethereum ecosystem support program team.
New Structure and Pathways
In a departure from open applications, the updated structure incorporates two distinct pathways: a Wishlist and formal Requests for Proposals (RFPs). This shift follows a decision made in late August 2025 to briefly suspend open application processes. This suspension was necessary after significant leadership restructuring within the non-profit, allowing the Foundation to refine its strategy for grants, aiming for a more targeted and sustainable approach that reflects Ethereum’s ongoing development.
Previous Grant Program and New Strategy
Previously, the Foundation’s open grant program facilitated financial assistance for hundreds of projects operating on the Ethereum platform. However, after the leadership changes, managing the influx of applications became unfeasible for the newly streamlined team. The newly introduced strategy aims to proactively engage with ecosystem stakeholders to synchronize funding priorities with the pressing demand for impactful projects.
Wishlist and RFPs
The Wishlist is designed to catalyze innovative initiatives across areas like cryptography, security, and community engagement, while the RFPs will concentrate on specific outcomes, requiring applicants to present direct solutions.
Commitment to Support
The Ecosystem Support Program team emphasized their ongoing commitment, stating, “Our work doesn’t stop here. We will continue coordinating grant-making efforts across the EF teams to ensure that support is both aligned and effective. We are also dedicated to improving the experience for grantees by providing substantial support throughout their projects.”
Upcoming Fusaka Upgrade
This announcement regarding the revamped grants framework coincides with Ethereum’s impending Fusaka upgrade, scheduled for launch in early December. The preliminary deployment on Ethereum testnets has been successful, and there is considerable excitement about the capabilities that Fusaka will introduce, even amid the current challenges facing Ether’s market price.
