The Ethereum Foundation’s Ecosystem Support Program (ESP) is entering a new phase and has suspended open grant applications until further notice. That action is a corollary of a broader shift in the direction of the program in transitioning from a reactive high-volume approach to a more forward-thinking strategy-driven approach. ESP launched in 2018 and has been one of the strongest conduits of support for Ethereum developers, researchers, and community builders.
The programme in 2024 dedicated nearly $3 million to 105 projects and underscored the programme’s initiative in supporting Ethereum community and infrastructure development. The programme supported all kinds of projects from developer-related software such as Commit-Boost to educational projects such as Web3Bridge and community events such as the Ethereum Cypherpunk Congress. The sheer quantity of applications took a toll on the small ESP team and limited it from delineating long-term strategic priorities.
Aligning with Ethereum’s growth
However, the expansion of the scope and breadth of the Ethereum ecosystem has caused the Foundation to rethink the approach it takes to developing the ecosystem. The current break allows it to reassess ESP in the context of new developments. That helps it focus resources where it most strengthens Ethereum foundations.
The new strategy aims to focus on high-impact areas like developer tooling, common infrastructure, open-source research, and community resources. By reducing reliance on open calls, ESP aims to do a better job of forecasting needs, focusing funding more intently, and cooperating with other Ethereum Foundation teams. The strategy changes from reacting to applications to taking the initiative in uncovering and addressing the ecosystem’s top-priority needs.
Significantly, in stalled open projects, ESP keeps supporting ongoing grantees and remains open for advice through Office Hours. This ensures active projects keep progressing as the programme transitions to the more refined approach.
Looking ahead to Q4 2025
Ethereum Foundation has also confirmed that details of ESP’s new funding approach will be public in the fourth quarter of the year 2025. Until that date, the prospective builders and community contributors would be able to monitor information through ESP’s social media and quarterly allocation announcements.
The break is no retreat but a pause. By restructuring the way it does things, ESP aims to do more with less and continue in line with Ethereum’s future plans. The long-term vision of the programme, advocacy of public goods, open standards and robust infrastructure. hasn’t changed at all.
This new effort is a response to the recognition that sustainable development is in need of careful assistance. With ongoing global growth of Ethereum, the Foundation is persuaded that forward-thinking, focused investment is the key to supporting the developers, researchers, and communities driving the ecosystem forward.
