#ETHCrossed2500 In the midst of internal reorganization, the Ethereum Foundation continues to drive the ecosystem with various grants. Far from closing in on itself, it bets on supporting innovative ideas, advanced technologies, community events, and open-source projects. From the smallest local hackathon to post-quantum cryptographic protocols, its funding spans a wide spectrum. Through its ESP program, Ethereum wants to ensure that the future of blockchain remains fertile ground. And, visibly, it is willing to put in the means.
In summary
The Ethereum Foundation distributed $32.6 million in Q1 2025 through its ESP program.
32 educational and community projects were supported in various countries around the world.
14 initiatives in ZK and post-quantum cryptography were funded, while Vitalik already backed STARKs.
Ethereum: 32 million for projects in the four corners of the world
In the first quarter of 2025, the Ethereum Foundation, which has just changed its pace and leadership, distributed 32.6 million dollars to over 90 projects. Its ESP program aimed at several priorities, including education, developer tools, and cryptography. Of the 101 grants, 32 were assigned to educational or community initiatives. Bootcamps, conferences like ETHPrague or ETHiopia, video content, and summer schools are included. These projects reflect the foundation's pedagogical ambition, especially on a global scale.
Programs in India, Greece, Japan, and South America were supported. This approach promotes a more inclusive and decentralized adoption of the Ethereum ecosystem.
Among other supported areas are: advanced cryptography, SDK tools, language libraries, and accessibility of EIPs. These grants show that the Foundation seeks to democratize innovation without abandoning technical rigor. And despite the lack of financial details project by project, the thematic distribution says a lot about their current priorities.
Post-quantum security and ergonomics for developers at the center of the agenda
Zero-Knowledge (ZK) technologies and cryptography also receive a significant portion of the budget. Fourteen ZK projects were supported, from the development of ZK-proofs to post-quantum cryptography. This is part of a long-term assurance logic for the network. Vitalik Buterin himself noted: