Raising funds is never easy for startups and in the Web3 and crypto world, it’s even more competitive. With thousands of projects fighting for a limited pool of blockchain-focused capital, standing out can feel like an uphill battle.
That’s where Web3 grant programs step in. These initiatives are more than financial aid; they provide non-dilutive funding, access to industry networks, and strategic mentorship that can make or break an early-stage project.
For emerging crypto teams and founders, grants don’t just unlock early capital, they validate your vision, boost community confidence, and help you scale products faster, attract real users, and eventually secure bigger investment rounds.
In this article, we’ve handpicked 50 active grant programs that are fueling the next generation of Web3 builders and innovators. Whether you’re launching your first dApp or expanding an existing protocol, these are opportunities you can’t afford to miss.
What exactly are Web3 and crypto grants?
Web3 grants are funding initiatives created by blockchain foundations, DAOs, protocols, or ecosystem partners to support builders who contribute to the growth of decentralized technology.
These grants empower developers and startups to create dApps, infrastructure tools, research projects, or innovative solutions that strengthen and expand the blockchain ecosystem. Each grant aligns with the provider’s mission, helping advance adoption, scalability, and innovation across the Web3 space.
In short, they’re how ecosystems invest directly in the builders shaping their future.
Why Web3 grants are a game-changer for builders
Unlike traditional fundraising, blockchain grants are non-dilutive, meaning you don’t need to give up equity, ownership, or tokens to get funded. You keep full control of your project while still gaining the resources to grow.
But the value of a grant goes far beyond money. Many programs also include:
- Technical mentorship from experienced developers
- Ecosystem exposure and marketing visibility
- Community and collaboration opportunities
- Credibility and validation within the blockchain industry
Together, these benefits can dramatically speed up development, open doors to new partnerships, and help promising teams gain traction in an increasingly competitive Web3 landscape.
50+ active grants powering the future of crypto and web3 innovation
1. Polkadot
The Polkadot ecosystem offers a diverse range of funding opportunities for projects at every stage, from early concepts to scaling products. Within its multichain architecture, individual parachains provide dedicated grant programs tailored to their unique focus areas and goals.
Depending on the parachain, funding may prioritize DePIN, AI and data integrity, cross-chain gaming, digital assets, DeFi, or real-world asset (RWA) initiatives, all aimed at expanding the Polkadot network’s reach and utility.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Polkadot
- Apply here: Polkadot grants
2. The Web3 Foundation
Since its launch in 2019, the Web3 Foundation has been a key driver of innovation across the Polkadot and Kusama ecosystems, funding projects that advance decentralized technology. Its grant program focuses on strengthening infrastructure, interoperability, and security, the core pillars for building a truly open and scalable Web3.
Grants are distributed in structured quarterly rounds, offering support for projects ready to move beyond the prototype stage. Beyond financial backing, recipients gain access to valuable ecosystem connections, visibility, and promotional resources, helping them accelerate development and grow their impact in the Web3 landscape.
Key details:
- Focus chains: Polkadot & Kusama
- Organization: Web3 Foundation
- Apply here: Web3 Foundation Grants
3. Ethereum Ecosystem Support Program
The Ethereum Foundation’s Ecosystem Support Program (ESP) is one of the most established and respected grant initiatives in the blockchain world. It provides both financial and non-financial support to projects that drive the growth, scalability, and long-term sustainability of the Ethereum network.
Through a structured application process, ESP funds everything from small, experimental ideas (up to $30,000) to large-scale, multi-phase initiatives that advance the ecosystem’s infrastructure, tooling, and research.
But ESP is more than just funding. Successful applicants gain mentorship, strategic guidance, and direct access to the Ethereum community, including help refining proposals, connecting with relevant contributors, and integrating into the wider ecosystem.
The program welcomes a broad range of participants: individual builders, research teams, DAOs, startups, nonprofits, and educators, all working toward the same goal to make Ethereum more open, efficient, and accessible to everyone.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Ethereum
- Organization: Ethereum Foundation
- Apply here: Website
4. Aptos Ecosystem Grants
The Aptos Ecosystem Grant is designed to accelerate innovation within the Aptos network by supporting open-source projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible with the Move programming language. Grant amounts typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, targeting builders who are developing high-impact, scalable applications that can enhance user experience, infrastructure, and adoption across the ecosystem.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate clear intent and execution capacity, including a defined roadmap, a transparent budget plan, and a clear vision of how the funding will help achieve measurable milestones. Projects with a functional MVP, active community engagement, or early traction are particularly well-positioned for success.
Beyond capital, selected teams often gain visibility and credibility within the Aptos ecosystem, opening doors to partnerships, collaborations, and further investment opportunities.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Aptos
- Organization: Aptos Foundation
- Apply here: Website
5. Chainlink Community Grant Program
The Chainlink Grant Program empowers developers, researchers, and project teams to advance the Chainlink Network and accelerate the adoption of connected smart contracts across the Web3 ecosystem. The program funds a wide range of initiatives, from improving oracle infrastructure and data services to building integrations and creating real-world impact through decentralized technology.
Grants are available across multiple specialized tracks, each addressing a key area of growth within the Chainlink ecosystem:
- Community Grants: Support open-source tools, infrastructure, and core oracle components that strengthen the Chainlink framework.
- Integration Grants: Fund new technical integrations that expand Chainlink’s reach to additional protocols, dApps, and blockchain platforms.
- Research Grants: Back academic or industry-led research focused on protocol design, oracle mechanisms, and cryptographic advancements.
- Social Impact Grants: Provide resources to nonprofits and mission-driven organizations using Chainlink for on-chain data and transparency in emerging markets.
- Bug Bounty Program: Reward ethical hackers and security researchers for identifying vulnerabilities in Chainlink’s core systems.
Through these initiatives, Chainlink continues to cultivate an open, secure, and interconnected Web3 environment, empowering developers and organizations to build reliable, data-driven smart contract solutions.
Key details:
- Focus ecosystem: Chainlink
- Organization: Chainlink Labs / Chainlink Foundation
- Apply here: Website
6. Osmosis Grant Program (OGP)
The Osmosis Grants Program (OGP) is a community-driven funding initiative designed to empower builders, teams, and contributors who are expanding the Osmosis ecosystem and enhancing the utility of its core AMM protocol. With funding amounts ranging from $5,000 to $500,000, OGP backs projects that deliver measurable impact and long-term ecosystem value.
The program supports a diverse range of initiatives, including:
- Analytics, tooling, and developer infrastructure to improve data transparency and usability.
- DeFi applications that leverage Osmosis’ automated market maker (AMM) protocol.
- Osmosis-themed gaming and NFT experiences that engage the community and showcase creative use cases.
- Ecosystem growth and community initiatives that expand adoption and participation.
Funding is available for both small, experimental projects and larger, long-term ecosystem efforts. Grants are disbursed in OSMO or USDC, either upfront or through milestone-based payments depending on project complexity and scope.
Ultimately, OGP aims to deploy community capital strategically to foster innovation, attract committed contributors, and unlock Osmosis’ full potential as one of the most dynamic DeFi ecosystems in the Cosmos network.
Key details:
- Focus ecosystem: Osmosis
- Organization: Osmosis Grants Program (OGP)
- Apply here: Website
7. Polygon Community Grants
The Polygon Community Grants Program is dedicated to empowering builders, developers, and creators who are driving the growth and innovation of the Polygon ecosystem. The program provides funding to projects that are either already building on Polygon or plan to migrate with a strong focus on long-term sustainability and ecosystem impact.
Oversight of the program is managed by the Polygon Community Treasury Board, a group of five seasoned growth and ecosystem experts responsible for:
- Defining grant tracks and funding strategy
- Reviewing and evaluating applications
- Approving funding allocations
- Measuring and reporting impact after each grant cycle
From DeFi protocols and gaming platforms to developer infrastructure and tooling, Polygon’s grant program supports a wide range of projects that strengthen network adoption and utility.
Ultimately, the initiative reflects Polygon’s commitment to building a robust, developer-first ecosystem that fuels innovation across Web3.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Polygon
- Organization: Polygon Foundation
- Apply here: Website
8. Sei Foundation Direct Grant
The Sei Foundation provides targeted grant funding to Web3 startups and developer teams building high-impact applications and technical innovations that strengthen the Sei ecosystem. Designed to advance Sei’s mission as a high-performance, DeFi-optimized Layer 1 blockchain, the program focuses on accelerating adoption and real-world utility.
Grants are open to a variety of initiatives, including:
- Applications that drive meaningful user activity and on-chain transactions on Sei.
- Infrastructure, tooling, and developer resources that enhance network performance.
- Contributions aligned with Sei’s official Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and ecosystem needs.
For projects showing strong commercial potential, the Sei Foundation may issue funding through milestone-based grants, ensuring accountability, measurable progress, and long-term sustainability.
By empowering developers to innovate and build within its ecosystem, Sei aims to position itself as a leading hub for next-generation DeFi applications and scalable blockchain solutions.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Sei
- Organization: Sei Foundation
- Apply here: Website
9. The Hashgraph Association
Startups and developer teams building on Hedera can apply for grants of up to $250,000 (in HBAR) through the Hashgraph Innovation Program, managed by the Swiss-based Hashgraph Association. This initiative is designed to accelerate the development of technical solutions, dApps, and infrastructure projects that expand the Hedera ecosystem and showcase the real-world potential of its distributed ledger technology.
Funding under this program is exclusively allocated to technical development, ensuring that resources directly support builders who are advancing innovation on Hedera. The evaluation and review process typically spans 6–7 weeks, during which proposals are assessed for feasibility, ecosystem alignment, and long-term impact.
Successful applicants gain not only financial backing but also access to mentorship, visibility, and a global builder network, helping them scale faster and contribute meaningfully to Hedera’s mission of creating a more efficient, secure, and decentralized digital world.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Hedera
- Organization: The Hashgraph Association
- Apply here: Website
10. Sui Grant/Request For Proposal
The Sui Foundation offers targeted grant opportunities for startups, developers, and research teams building innovative solutions on the Sui blockchain. Funding is provided through open Requests for Proposals (RFPs), each addressing a specific ecosystem need, from developer tools and scalability solutions to DeFi, gaming, and infrastructure enhancements.
Teams whose ideas align with Sui’s current priorities can apply by responding directly to these RFPs, making the process highly focused and outcome-driven. Proposals are evaluated based on technical feasibility, potential ecosystem impact, and alignment with the RFP’s objectives.
This structured grant approach ensures that resources are directed toward initiatives that bring measurable value to the Sui network, helping it evolve into a more efficient, developer-friendly, and high-performance Layer 1 ecosystem.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Sui
- Organization: Sui Foundation
- Apply here: Website
11. Celo Foundation Grant Program
The Celo Foundation provides grant funding to startups, developer teams, and community builders creating tools, applications, and initiatives that expand and strengthen the Celo ecosystem. These grants focus on supporting projects that promote real-world adoption of blockchain technology, particularly in areas like DeFi, mobile accessibility, sustainability, and financial inclusion.
Applicants are expected to present a viable product or solution that can deliver measurable value to the Celo community and ecosystem. Beyond financial support, selected teams gain access to mentorship, technical guidance, and strategic ecosystem connections from the Foundation, helping them scale efficiently and maximize their impact.
Through this program, the Celo Foundation continues to advance its vision of building a more inclusive and regenerative digital economy powered by accessible, mobile-first blockchain technology.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Celo
- Organization: The Celo Foundation
12. Avalanche Grant Program
The Avalanche Foundation has committed over $250 million to empower builders and innovators through a series of ecosystem grant programs. These initiatives are designed to accelerate the development of projects that advance Avalanche’s technology stack, expand real-world use cases, and push the boundaries of Web3 innovation.
Funding is allocated based on each project’s impact, technical merit, and ecosystem value, with a focus on strengthening core infrastructure, supporting developer teams building blockchain-based solutions, and fostering projects that integrate AI with decentralized technologies.
By investing in visionary teams and high-potential ideas, Avalanche aims to position its network as a leading platform for scalable, sustainable, and intelligent Web3 applications.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Avalanche
- Organization: Avalanche Foundation
- Apply here: Website
13. Stacks Ascent
Web3 startups and developer teams building on Bitcoin using Stacks can apply for grants of up to $25,000 through the Stacks Ascent Program, an initiative designed to accelerate innovation on Bitcoin’s Layer 2.
Beyond financial support, Stacks Ascent connects founders with experienced engineers, ecosystem mentors, and subject matter experts who provide guidance on go-to-market strategy, product development, marketing, and community growth.
The program’s mission is to empower early-stage teams to build meaningful, Bitcoin-secured Web3 applications that contribute to the long-term expansion of the Stacks and Bitcoin ecosystems.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Bitcoin / Stacks
- Organization: Stacks Foundation
- Apply here: Website
14. The Graph Grant Program
The Graph Foundation runs an ongoing grant program to support individuals, teams, and open-source projects contributing to the growth of The Graph ecosystem, the leading blockchain data indexing and query protocol.
These grants are designed to accelerate innovation by funding initiatives that enhance the protocol, improve developer tooling, simplify network operations, expand functionality, or support subgraph and dApp development.
Key details:
- Focus ecosystem: The Graph
- Organization: The Graph Foundation & The Graph Council
- Apply here: Website
15. Base Builder Grants
The Base Builder Grant is a hands-on funding initiative designed to support creative and impactful projects in the Base ecosystem. Rather than relying on formal applications, the Base team takes a proactive approach, scouting builders directly through platforms like Twitter, Farcaster, and community nominations.
Projects that catch their eye are typically those that are:
- Unique and fun, adding novelty to the on-chain experience
- Driving user adoption by bringing more people on-chain
- Already live and impactful, not just an idea, but something real and usable
Before issuing a grant, the Base team spends time engaging with the product, testing, using, and evaluating its on-chain presence and impact. If a project aligns with their criteria, it may receive a grant ranging from 1 to 5 ETH.
Key detail
- Focus chain: Base
- Apply: Website
- Organization/Foundation: The Base Team
16. Immutable zkEVM Grant
Web3 startups building games can now tap into the Immutable zkEVM Grant, overseen by Digital Worlds NFTS, the foundation behind the $IMX token.
Selected projects will receive milestone-based IMX rewards, funding, and expert support across tokenomics, game design, marketing, and community building. All grants are subject to final approval by Digital Worlds NFTS.
If you’re building on Immutable zkEVM, this is your opportunity to access the tools and guidance needed to scale.
Key detail:
- Focus chain: Immutable ZkEVM
- Website: Apply
- Organization/Foundation: Digital Worlds NFTS
17. Solana SuperTeam
Solana’s SuperTeam offers microgrants of up to $10,000 to early-stage teams and builders building on Solana, with a focus on emerging markets such as India, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa.
With SuperTeams hubs active around the world, some grants are localized to specific countries or ecosystems. These quick, flexible grants aim to accelerate promising ideas and early-stage projects that push the Solana ecosystem forward.
Key detail:
- Focus chain: Solana
- Website: Apply
- Organization/Foundation: Superteam
18. Oasis Grant Program
The Oasis Protocol Foundation offers grants to support Web3 teams and developers building on Oasis, an EVM-compatible Layer-1 blockchain designed for privacy and performance. Grants focus on projects developing AI-powered dApps and privacy-preserving solutions on Sapphire ParaTime, Oasis’s confidential smart contract environment.
Funding is available for developers integrating Sapphire as a privacy layer, creating dApps, tooling, or infrastructure that enhance the ecosystem’s capabilities. Teams may also apply for support to build new ParaTimes, expanding the range of use cases and innovations across the Oasis network.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Oasis
- Organization: Oasis Protocol Foundation
- Apply here: Website
19. BNB Chain Grants
The BNB Chain Grant Program provides funding of up to $200,000 per project to empower Web3 startups and developer teams building innovative and impactful solutions on BNB Chain.
Eligible initiatives span a wide range of focus areas, including developer tooling, infrastructure, DeFi, GameFi, and other technologies that align with BNB Chain’s ecosystem growth priorities and official grant wishlist.
Beyond financial support, selected projects gain access to technical guidance, marketing exposure, and partnership opportunities within the BNB Chain ecosystem, helping teams accelerate growth and scale globally.
Key details:
- Focus chain: BNB Chain
- Organization: BNB Chain
- Apply here: Website
20. Uniswap Foundation Grant Programs
The Uniswap Foundation provides grants to teams advancing innovation across research, infrastructure, governance, security, and the broader Unichain ecosystem. Its mission is to empower builders who are shaping the next generation of decentralized finance and open-source development.
The program includes retroactive grants (up to $7,500) for projects already deployed on the Unichain mainnet that demonstrate measurable traction and ecosystem value.
Beyond financial support, the foundation actively collaborates with grantees to help them achieve high-impact milestones, ensuring that each project meaningfully contributes to the growth and sustainability of the Uniswap ecosystem.
Key details:
- Focus chain/ecosystem: Unichain / Uniswap
- Organization: Uniswap Foundation
- Apply here: Website
21. Fireblocks Grant Programs
The Fireblocks Grant Program supports innovative projects shaping the future of digital assets. It funds startups and teams building new or scaling solutions that integrate Fireblocks’ core infrastructure with partner ecosystems such as PayPal (PYUSD), Solana, Stellar, TON, and zkSync.
To qualify, applicants must be Fireblocks clients (or in the final stages of onboarding), actively utilize a key Fireblocks product, and build within one of the supported partner ecosystems.
Beyond these core criteria, projects are evaluated on their strategic relevance, innovation, and long-term ecosystem impact ensuring that each selected initiative contributes meaningfully to the evolution of the digital asset space.
Key details:
- Focus ecosystems: PayPal (PYUSD), Solana, Stellar, TON, zkSync
- Organization: Fireblocks
- Apply here: Website
22. Cronos Ecosystem Grants
The Cronos Ecosystem Grant Program is designed to accelerate innovation and adoption within the Cronos blockchain by supporting early-stage projects that drive growth across DeFi, Web3 gaming, NFTs, AI x Crypto, Real-World Assets (RWAs), and Web2-to-Web3 integrations.
Grants are distributed through milestone-based tranches, ensuring steady progress and accountability. Recipients also gain access to technical support, marketing exposure, and strategic introductions to ecosystem partners, helping projects build faster and reach a wider audience.
To qualify, projects must be live or preparing to launch on Cronos, with a clear potential to bring new users, enhanced utility, or critical infrastructure to the network.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Cronos
- Organization: Cronos
- Apply here: Website
23. 1inch Foundation Grant Program
The 1inch Foundation has committed $3 million in 1INCH tokens to fund developers, researchers, and teams building projects that expand and strengthen the 1inch Network.
Grants are awarded across several key categories including community development, research & analytics, and network development empowering builders to innovate and contribute to the growth of the 1inch ecosystem.
Web3 startups are encouraged to apply under any relevant category, from building new integrations to improving protocol efficiency or expanding community engagement.
Key details:
- Focus ecosystem: 1inch
- Organization: The 1inch Foundation
- Apply here: Website
24. Circle Developer Grant
The Circle Developer Grant Program empowers Web3 startups and developer teams building real-world use cases using USDC and Circle’s suite of blockchain tools. Designed for small, focused teams (under 10 people), the program provides both funding and hands-on ecosystem support.
Grants offer up to $100,000 in USDC, along with technical guidance, strategic mentorship, co-marketing opportunities, and potential referrals to Circle Ventures for future investment.
Eligible applicants include founders and developers integrating USDC, CCTP (Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol), Programmable Wallets, or Gas Station into their applications, MVPs, or protocols, helping bring real-world usability and scalability to Web3.
Key details:
- Focus ecosystem: Circle
- Organization: Circle
- Apply here: Website
25. Moonbeam Ecosystem Grant
The Moonbeam Ecosystem Grant Program empowers Web3 builders and startups creating innovative solutions across DeFi, gaming, digital identity, infrastructure, and other high-impact areas within the Moonbeam ecosystem.
This initiative provides strategic funding and on-chain support to help teams accelerate development, expand adoption, and connect real users with projects launching or scaling on Moonbeam.
Grants are distributed through a metrics-driven framework developed in partnership with Gauntlet, ensuring transparency, community alignment, and effective capital allocation to projects that deliver measurable ecosystem value.
Key details:
- Focus chain: Moonbeam
- Organization: Moonbeam Foundation
- Apply here: Website
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