Run A Node Grants

Starting on June 7, 2023, we will begin to accept proposals.

Deadline: June 20, 2023

All of the details you'll need to apply can be found below.

Introduction

• The Ethereum Foundation is launching a new funding round to encourage experimentation and development with Ethereum nodes.
• Running a node on Ethereum provides increased security, access, control, and flexibility and allows you to participate in and contribute to the Ethereum network actively.
• Nodes are a critical element of Ethereum, and we are looking for creative proposals from a diverse range of users looking to run a node. You may be based in a different geographical region; perhaps you want your university to use a node for research purposes - surprise us with your application.
• Selected applicants will receive either a Dappnode sent directly to you or a fixed allocated sum to reimburse the cost of the hardware.

Why Run a Node?

We want you to be creative and demonstrate why you want to run a node for the Ethereum ecosystem. This list is to inspire you:

• Based in a remote location and want to test the node performance.
• Create a node set up guide or tutorial for other first time hosts.
• Test all the different clients and build a dashboard of benchmarks.
• Allow other developers and users in the Ethereum community to query indexed data on their nodes for research purposes.
• Help preserve access to Ethereum for others in your community.
• Host various services that rely on data from Ethereum on your server. Examples of such services include Beacon Chain validators, layer 2 software, infrastructure, block explorers, payment processors, and more.
• Connect with your node through Inter-process Communications (IPC) or modify the node to incorporate your program as a plugin. This approach provides low latency, particularly useful when working with web3 libraries and replacing transactions quickly (such as when front-running).
• Offer customized RPC endpoints that can be accessed publicly by the community or privately hosted for Ethereum users. This enables people to utilize your node and avoid relying on centralized providers.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Anyone interested in running a node is eligible to apply.
• This is open to individuals, teams, and institutions from all parts of the world; preference given to applicants in remote locations.
• Applicants will be responsible for paying any customs incurred if they select to receive hardware.
• Must have a fast, stable internet connection with high data thresholds. Test your internet connection.
• Must be able to demonstrate technical competency of nodes and clients.
• Must be willing and able to run the node for at least 2 years.
• Required to submit Ethereum Node Records.
• Node cannot be located in data center or cloud.

Deadlines

Application window: June 7 - June 20

Evaluation window: June 20 - July 15

Expect final decisions by July 15

Node launch and Ethereum Node Records (ENR) submission deadline: September 1, 2023

Application Details

Use the webform to complete the application.

• Submissions must be complete and in English to be considered.
• Applicants must specify whether they would like hardware mailed to their house or a stipend to reimburse the costs of buying hardware locally, or doing a custom build.
• Applicants are required to provide details about their understanding of nodes and clients.
• Applicants must detail their intended output for the Ethereum ecosystem by running a node and how they will share this impact with the community.

Helpful Resources

• Dappnode FAQ
• Ethereum Nodes and Clients
• NodeWatch
• EtherNodes
• Panarama

Next steps and support

For general support questions about your submission, please email grant-rounds@ethereum.org