The Ethereum Foundation has announced a temporary pause in its open grant application process under the Ecosystem Support Program (ESP). This move marks a strategic pivot toward a more proactive and targeted funding model that better aligns with Ethereum’s evolving priorities.
A Strategic Shift in Funding Focus
In a recent blog post, the Foundation explained that the open application process has become overwhelming due to the sheer volume of submissions. This influx has made it increasingly difficult to identify and act on high-impact opportunities. As a result, the organization is choosing to refine its approach to grantmaking.
Rather than accepting unsolicited applications, the ESP will now prioritize funding projects that directly support Ethereum’s strategic roadmap. This includes backing initiatives that improve the core infrastructure, user experience, and ecosystem scalability. More information about this updated model is expected in Q4 2025.
Despite the shift, the Ethereum Foundation has affirmed its continued commitment to funding new and innovative projects—just through a more intentional lens.
Funding Highlights and Future Priorities
In 2024, the ESP awarded nearly $3 million to 105 projects, with an emphasis on developer tools, infrastructure, and education. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the Foundation allocated $32.6 million in grants, signaling its growing investment in ecosystem development.
With Ethereum facing stiff competition from faster, more user-friendly blockchain platforms, the Foundation is doubling down on key focus areas: layer-1 scaling, layer-2 interoperability, and user experience enhancements. Interoperability, in particular, is taking center stage as more layer-2 protocols gain adoption and demand seamless integration with the Ethereum mainnet.
Another bold move is the launch of a $1 trillion security initiative, aimed at making Ethereum more robust and resilient. This unprecedented investment underscores the Foundation’s long-term vision to make Ethereum not just scalable and usable—but secure enough for global adoption.
As the ecosystem matures, the Ethereum Foundation is taking deliberate steps to support growth through smarter, more targeted funding. While open applications are paused for now, the new direction promises a more aligned and impactful future for builders in the Ethereum space.
