Sov's Crypto Grant Wire

Ethereum Foundation ESP surpasses $148M deployed to 900+ projects across crypto infrastructure, research, and tooling ESP funds a wide range of Ethereum-aligned work — from layer-2 infrastructure like Pheasant Network to cutting-edge FHE research via Mind Network. Teams at any stage can apply, with no fixed deadline. 🔗 Source

Optimism Retro Funding enters transition: reserved OP reallocated as program pauses and new project grants emerge The Optimism ecosystem is restructuring its retroactive funding model, with ongoing discussions around pausing Retro Funding rounds and redirecting reserved OP tokens toward direct project grants — Pheasant Network among the early recipients. Builders and protocol teams should watch this space closely as funding criteria and allocation mechanisms evolve. 🔗 Source

AI-Native L1 Unova launches global grant program with $20K+ in prizes, opening July 22 Applications go live at the Blockchain University of Zurich event, with no listed deadline — giving builders worldwide a window to compete for funding on a new AI-focused Layer 1 network. 🔗 Source

AvaxTeam1 Builder Grants offer Avalanche builders up to $30K on a rolling basis — no deadline to wait for Two grant tiers are available: mini grants up to $10K for early-stage builders and accelerator grants up to $30K for teams shipping more substantial projects on Avalanche. The rolling structure means applications are accepted continuously, lowering the barrier for teams at any stage. 🔗 Source

Stacks Endowment opens Degrant program offering $3K–$5K to builders in the Stacks ecosystem via Zero Authority DAO Targeted at developers and creators building within the Stacks ecosystem, these grants are accessible through Zero Authority DAO's registration process — making decentralized funding infrastructure the gateway to early-stage support. 🔗 Source

Supercell launches equity-free Developer Grants Program offering up to $200K for African game studios — deadline August 9, 2026 Legally registered game development studios across Africa can apply for grants ranging from $20K to $200K with no strings attached. This program positions Supercell as a rare major publisher actively investing in underserved gaming ecosystems on the continent. 🔗 Source

Maelstrom Fund awards Bitcoin core developer Tadge Dryja a grant to lead post-quantum research and hardening Dryja, known for co-inventing the Lightning Network, will focus on preparing Bitcoin's cryptographic foundations against the threat of quantum computing. The grant signals growing institutional attention to long-term protocol security. 🔗 Source

Intersect launches Paid Open Source Model for Cardano maintainers — applications close in roughly one month The program funds retainer arrangements, tooling sustainability, and consultation work for open-source contributors building on Cardano, with projects like Blockfrost already participating as examples. Teams maintaining critical infrastructure or developer tooling in the ecosystem are the primary target audience. 🔗 Source

GrantFox launches Campaign #2 with rewards for open-source Web3 contributors This new funding round targets open-source projects building in the Web3 space, offering grants alongside direct rewards for individual contributors. Teams and developers working on decentralized tools and infrastructure are encouraged to apply. 🔗 Source

Celo Core Co. Season 3 Funding Proposal seeks $2,396,000 (31.6M CELO) to sustain core operations through December 2026 The draft proposal, submitted to Celo Governance for community signal voting, covers a six-month program period from July to December 2026, with funding denominated using a 90-day trailing CELO average — reflecting the team's commitment to transparent, on-chain resource planning. 🔗 Source

Movemaker opens $2M Phase 1 grant fund for Aptos builders targeting Chinese-speaking markets Eligible projects span DeFi, AI, payments, stablecoins, and RWAs — with support going beyond funding to include technical guidance, talent assistance, branding help, and co-working access at Aptos Space in Hong Kong. Global teams entering Chinese-speaking markets are also welcome to apply on a rolling basis. 🔗 Source

Interledger Foundation launches $500–$3,000 Local Impact Mini-Grants for community-driven open payments initiatives Eligible activities include workshops, meetups, hackdays, and research focused on expanding digital financial access. Grants are community-driven with no fixed deadline, making this an accessible, ongoing opportunity for organizers and educators working at the grassroots level. 🔗 Source

MagicBlock launches Forge Epoch 01 — a VIP builder cohort bringing 1:1 mentorship and GTM firepower to Solana's most product-focused founders The program connects early-stage builders with hands-on mentorship, user acquisition support, and direct access to the broader Solana ecosystem. Applications are open with no fixed deadline announced, making early interest worthwhile. 🔗 Source

ENS reopens SPP3 Marketplace vertical with $500K after original awardee declined — deadline Aug 31, 2026 The ENS ecosystem's third Service Provider Program concluded with one vertical unfilled after the selected marketplace provider turned down its award, leaving $1.56M uncommitted. Rather than negotiate privately, ENS is running a transparent public RFP to fill the gap — open to teams that can build out the marketplace and revenue vertical. 🔗 Source

Stellar Development Foundation's Community Fund offers up to $150,000 in XLM for builders on Stellar and Soroban — rolling applications open now The program runs two tracks: Build Award funds projects from concept through Soroban smart-contract launch (including free security audits via the Soroban Audit Bank), while the Grow Award provides post-launch marketing funds and investment matching for teams ready to scale. 🔗 Source