Over the previous few years, the Ethereum ecosystem has grown in depth, variety, and maturity. Builders and communities worldwide have pushed the boundaries of what’s potential, creating new instruments, protocols, and public items that strengthen the community as a complete. Because the ecosystem grows, our strategy to supporting it should adapt as effectively.
Right this moment, we’re excited to share the following step in that journey: the Ecosystem Support Program’s (ESP) new grants program.
This announcement builds on our earlier update, the place we briefly paused open grant purposes to reassess our priorities and funding strategy. Throughout this time, we targeted 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 initiatives that contributed key constructing blocks throughout Ethereum. Nonetheless, with a lean group and broad scope, the rising quantity of purposes stretched our assets, limiting our means to pursue strategic alternatives.
Our new mannequin addresses this by shifting from a reactive to a proactive strategy, 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 via 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 vital gaps and alternatives for progress within the ecosystem.
- Defines high-level objectives that information impactful areas of labor
- Highlights broader themes fairly than particular initiatives
- Leaves room for numerous approaches
- Invitations builders to suggest their very own concepts and initiatives that tackle these priorities
Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
RFPs describe a selected downside 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 software window and estimated challenge length
- Extra prescriptive and time-bound than Wishlist gadgets
Alternatives Are Open
Our first set of Wishlist gadgets and RFPs is now reside on our website! They span key domains reminiscent of cryptography, privateness, the applying layer, safety, group development, and extra—providing a variety of alternatives for builders to make an impression. Discover the gadgets and apply to carry your concepts to life.
You probably have a challenge thought and want steerage on whether or not it aligns with a Wishlist merchandise or RFP, we’re pleased to supply suggestions by way of Office Hours, which is able to stay open as regular.
Wishlist gadgets and RFPs will likely 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 test our website periodically for brand spanking new alternatives.
Our work doesn’t cease right here. We are going to proceed coordinating grant-making throughout EF groups to make sure that assist is aligned and impactful. Past funding, we’re dedicated to enhancing the grantee expertise by offering strong assist all through their journey: providing steerage, fostering connections throughout the ecosystem, and drawing insights from outcomes to information future efforts.
We’re excited to see the initiatives that emerge from this primary spherical of Wishlist gadgets and RFPs, and look ahead to collaborating with builders as we push Ethereum ahead!
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