Ethereum Foundation's New Grants Model: Wishlist and RFPs Open for Ecosystem Builders

The Ethereum Foundation’s Ecosystem Support Program (ESP) has unveiled a revamped grants model, shifting from open applications to a proactive, targeted approach to better align funding with ecosystem priorities and maximize impact.

The Shift: From Reactive to Proactive Funding

The ESP team announced the update, explaining that the previous open grants program, while successful in supporting hundreds of key projects, overwhelmed their lean team’s capacity amid surging application volumes. “This new model addresses this by shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach, working closely with other EF teams to ensure that funding aligns with the ecosystem’s priorities and drives meaningful impact,” the team stated.

This evolution reflects Ethereum’s maturing landscape, where tools, protocols, and public goods continue to evolve. The program remains open to builders but now channels efforts through structured tracks to focus on high-potential areas.

Wishlist Track: Open Invitations for Creative Solutions

The Wishlist track sets high-level ecosystem goals, inviting diverse proposals that achieve them without rigid prescriptions. It encourages innovation by outlining objectives like enhancing developer tools or improving user onboarding, leaving room for varied methodologies. This flexible format aims to spark creativity while ensuring alignment with Ethereum’s broader vision.

RFP Track: Defined Problems with Clear Deliverables

Requests for Proposals (RFPs) target specific challenges, such as scalability solutions or privacy enhancements, with detailed scopes, requirements, timelines, and estimated durations. Applicants receive upfront clarity on expectations, including application windows and success metrics, enabling focused submissions that deliver tangible outcomes.

Implications for Ethereum’s Community and Builders

This structured model empowers developers by concentrating resources on strategic initiatives, potentially accelerating progress in areas like Layer-2 adoption and AI integration. It also streamlines the process, reducing administrative burdens and fostering collaboration across EF teams. For the broader community, it signals a commitment to sustainable growth, ensuring grants compound into lasting contributions to Ethereum’s $40 billion+ TVL ecosystem.

2025 Outlook: $50B-$100B Ethereum TVL Growth

Analysts forecast Ethereum TVL at $50B-$100B by year-end, with 100% upside on grants-driven innovation. Changelly sees ETH $4,297; CoinDCX $4,650. Bull catalysts: RFP-funded upgrades; bear risks: volatility testing $3,500 support.

For developers, how to apply for Ethereum grants via ESP tracks ensures alignment. Ethereum builder resources and Web3 grant opportunities provide further guidance.

Strategy: Grant-Aligned Longs

Short-term: Long ETH above $4,000 targeting $4,500, stop $3,800 (5% risk). Swing: Accumulate dips, staking for 5% APY. Watch grant announcements; below $3,800, exit.

In summary, the Ethereum Foundation’s proactive grants via Wishlist and RFPs empower builders, driving 2025’s $50B-$100B TVL surge and Ethereum’s innovation edge.