Ecosystem Support Program

The Destino Devconnect Support grant is offered through the Ecosystem Support Program (ESP) of the Ethereum Foundation. ESP is an internal arm of the Foundation designed to provide financial and non-financial support to projects that aim to advance the Ethereum ecosystem. The program primarily supports open-source, non-commercial projects that contribute to the long-term infrastructure and health of the Ethereum community, especially those building tools, protocols, and educational content for other developers. The grant opportunity is part of ESP’s broader mission to bolster Ethereum’s foundations by strengthening its technical and community infrastructure. Supported initiatives may include building open-source tools for developers, conducting research into cryptographic primitives, or expanding Ethereum’s global builder ecosystem through educational and community-building projects. ESP is not focused on end-user applications or commercial ventures; it prioritizes work that yields collective benefits for Ethereum’s global community. The application process is structured around responding to either a "Wishlist" or a "Request for Proposals (RFP)." Wishlist items highlight important gaps in the ecosystem and solicit applicant-proposed solutions, while RFPs identify clearly defined problems requiring specific outcomes. Applicants are asked to submit detailed proposals outlining their methodology, timeline, deliverables, and budget. Applications are then reviewed by the Grant Management team, sometimes alongside relevant Ethereum Foundation domain teams. The review process may involve interviews, rescoping, and budget negotiation. Selected grantees enter into a milestone-based funding agreement that includes Know Your Customer (KYC) verification and a legal grant contract. Once approved, projects begin execution with oversight and support from a dedicated Grant Evaluator. These evaluators conduct check-ins, evaluate milestone completion, and provide guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Upon completion, grantees are expected to publish a final report summarizing their outcomes. Key evaluation criteria include technical merit, feasibility, ecosystem impact, open-source commitment, cost-effectiveness, and the applicant’s alignment with Ethereum values. While for-profit entities are welcome to apply, the funded work must be non-commercial and openly licensed. Funding is offered as non-dilutive capital, with expectations for budgetary efficiency. No specific deadlines are published, and applications appear to be accepted on a rolling basis. The program is open to a variety of organizational types and individuals, provided the outputs align with ESP’s open-source and ecosystem-beneficial goals. The program's transparent, structured approach ensures that supported projects are mission-aligned and provide measurable benefits to the Ethereum community.

Prioritize ecosystem impact, technical feasibility, and clarity. Emphasize alignment with Ethereum’s values. Be transparent with budget and methodology.