On July 2nd, Ethereum core developer Zak Cole announced the formation of the Ethereum Community Foundation (ECF), a new entity dedicated to accelerating institutional adoption of Ethereum infrastructure. The foundation has already secured millions in ETH donations, earmarked for projects that advance credibly neutral technology aligned with Ethereum’s core principles. ECF emphasizes support for initiatives that promote ETH burning mechanisms, reinforcing the network’s monetary policy by reducing supply and enhancing value for ETH holders.
ECF mandates that all supported projects adhere to strict criteria, including being immutable and tokenless, ensuring robust security and decentralization. The foundation prioritizes applications that integrate real-world assets such as stocks, bonds, and real estate onto the blockchain, alongside funding public goods aimed at resolving data availability challenges. Governance of fund allocation will be conducted through transparent community voting, fostering accountability and alignment with ETH’s long-term value proposition.
The foundation’s inaugural initiative, the Ethereum Validator Association (EVA), seeks to empower network validators by enabling them to influence protocol development through staked ETH. EVA will also invest in validator infrastructure to strengthen network security. While details about ECF’s backers remain undisclosed, further information is expected in the coming weeks, signaling a strategic push to enhance Ethereum’s institutional ecosystem.