Ethereum Foundation Ecosystem Support Program (ESP)
Ethereum Foundation grants for open-source projects strengthening Ethereum's infrastructure, tooling, research, and public goods.
About this program
The Ecosystem Support Program (ESP) is the Ethereum Foundation's primary grants and support cluster, comprising Grant Management and Funding Coordination teams. ESP funds free, open-source, non-commercial projects in builder tooling, infrastructure, research, community resources, cryptography, zero-knowledge proofs, and security. Grants are awarded through curated Wishlist items and RFPs as well as open inquiries. In 2024, ESP awarded close to $3 million to 105 projects. Grant sizes vary by scope; typical awards range from $10,000 to $500,000.
Eligibility
Individuals, teams, academic institutions, and for-profit companies (grant-funded work must be open-source). Projects must strengthen the Ethereum ecosystem, prioritize public goods, and commit to open-source outputs.
Requirements
- Review the Wishlist and active RFPs at esp.ethereum.foundation
- Submit grant application detailing project scope, methodology, timeline, deliverables, and budget
- Confirm grant-funded outputs will be open-source