Raising funds for your project as a tech entrepreneur can be challenging. However, in web3, it is less challenging, thanks to the numerous grant programs available. It doesn't matter if your project is big or small, with or without users, what truly matters is your impactful contribution to the web3 ecosystem.

Developers, content creators, designers, or researchers—regardless of your role, you're eligible to apply for a grant.

I’ll be highlighting a few grant programs you can explore.

EF Ecosystem Support Program(ESP)

The ESP provides funding to people who contribute to improving Ethereum. The aim is to provide to these contributors the financial resources they would need to build for Ethereum's success; and to ensure these projects remain free and available to everyone.

They give funding to work relating to building tools, infrastructure, research, community resources, and other public goods. So whether you are a researcher, designer, developer, or community manager, you can apply.
You can apply either for:
Small grants: mainly for early-stage works. This application type has a feedback waiting period of 2 weeks from the time of application. The grand amount is capped at $30,000.

Project grants: For more complex projects. The waiting period is around two (2) months, and the application undergoes a rigorous review process. The expected grant amount exceeds $30,000.
Funding is made each quarter of the year.

Crunchbase for web3 grants
Crunchbase is a platform where you can find a list of the latest and most comprehensive web3 Grants. You just have to filter and search for grants based on your:
- project category
-blockchain network
-amount

Crunchbase is an open-source platform, free to use, and open for anyone to contribute to the grants database. You can also connect with other grant applicants, to get tips and resources to help you write a successful grant application.
Blockworks Grant Farm
Blockworks is also a platform where protocols and companies offer grant programs to incentivize individuals and teams to build with their solutions.

There are different grant programs for content, community, and development-related projects.
Similar to Crunchbase, you can filter and search for grants using your project's category, network, and amount.
Optimism Retroactive Public Goods Funding (RetroPGF)
Is a funding round championed by the Optimism network to support builders, creators, writers, and educators who improve and impact the Optimism blockchain.