The Ethereum Foundation has temporarily halted public grant applications, starting August 29, 2025, to refocus its Ecosystem Support Program. This decision aims to prioritize strategic initiatives that will enhance the resilience and usability of Ethereum in the long term. While impacting new developer projects seeking grants, ongoing projects will continue receiving support with a focus on critical improvements. The Foundation’s restructuring is expected to lead to more impactful development, potentially affecting Layer 2 solutions like DeFi, as it shifts from a reactive to a proactive approach. This pause, similar to those in 2020 and 2022, signals a commitment to long-term sustainability for the Ethereum ecosystem.