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In recent years, there has been remarkable growth within the Ethereum ecosystem, expanding in scope, variety, and sophistication. Developers and communities across the globe have challenged conventional limits, crafting innovative tools, protocols, and public goods that bolster the network's integrity as a whole. As the ecosystem matures, it's essential that our methods of support also evolve.
We are thrilled to announce the next phase in this evolution: the launch of a new grants program under the Ecosystem Support Program (ESP).
This announcement builds upon our previous update, where we took a moment to pause open grant applications to reevaluate our goals and funding strategies. During that time, we concentrated on formulating a more focused, impactful, and sustainable approach that aligns with the ongoing progress of Ethereum.
Why We Are Evolving
The earlier open grants program effectively aided countless projects that contributed vital components to the Ethereum framework. Nevertheless, our compact team and the broad focus meant that the increasing number of applications stretched our resources, curbing our capacity to seize strategic ventures.
Our revised model aims to rectify this by transitioning from a reactive to a proactive stance, collaborating closely with various EF teams to ensure funding aligns with the ecosystem’s key priorities and creates significant impact.
Introducing the New Grants Program
The ESP will keep its grants program open to everyone, now framed through two specific channels: Wishlist and Requests for Proposals. These avenues aim to address the most urgent needs within the ecosystem, as highlighted by various EF teams.
Wishlist
The Wishlist identifies key sectors where we perceive significant gaps and opportunities for advancement within the ecosystem.
- Outlines overarching goals steering impactful projects
- Emphasizes broader themes as opposed to specific initiatives
- Allows for a variety of approaches to emerge
- Encourages builders to pitch their own ideas and actions addressing these priorities
Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
RFPs outline a particular challenge or opportunity, inviting applicants to propose effective strategies.
- Concentrates on tangible deliverables or measurable goals
- Details predefined scope, requirements, and anticipated outcomes
- Specifies a defined application timeline and expected project length
- More structured and time-restricted compared to Wishlist items
Opportunities Are Open
The initial set of Wishlist items and RFPs is now available on our website! They cover critical areas such as cryptography, privacy, the application layer, security, community expansion, and more—providing diverse opportunities for builders to make a significant difference. Check out the offerings and submit your applications to turn your ideas into reality.
If you have a project idea and would benefit from advice on its alignment with a Wishlist item or RFP, we're here to help through our Office Hours, which will continue as usual.
We will continue to add and update Wishlist items and RFPs to reflect the changing requirements of the ecosystem. To keep updated, follow us on X (Twitter) @EF_ESP, Farcaster @ef-esp, Lens @ef_esp, and Bluesky @ef-esp. You can also check our website regularly for the latest opportunities.
Our efforts won't cease here. We remain committed to coordinating grant allocations across EF teams to ensure that support is both aligned and effective. Beyond just funding, we aim to elevate the grantee experience by offering comprehensive assistance throughout their journey: facilitating guidance, encouraging networking within the ecosystem, and leveraging insights from results to inform future initiatives.
We eagerly anticipate the projects that will stem from this initial round of Wishlist items and RFPs, and look forward to collaborating with builders as we advance Ethereum together!
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