Ethereum Foundation backs projects with $1M audit subsidy program

The Ethereum Foundation has launched a $1 million audit subsidy program. The initiative, which became active on April 14th, sets out to help Ethereum builders pay for smart contract security audits.

Professional audits are standard before deploying code in any crypto project. Yet audit costs often put them out of reach for smaller or new teams. This program is meant to close that gap for Ethereum layer-1 builders.

The Ethereum Foundation prioritizes projects advancing its CROPS (censorship resistance, open source, privacy, and security) principles. This is part of the foundation’s expansive Trillion Dollar Security Initiative.

The Ethereum Foundation program covers up to 30% of audit costs via 20 vetted firms

The new Ethereum Foundation program is structured to cover part of the audit bill rather than pay for the entire review.

Crypto projects that are approved can receive a subsidy worth up to 30% of total audit costs. The discount is applied through Areta Market once provider quotes come in.

The CEO of Areta Market, Findlay Boothroyd, shared details on the program rollout via X. He wrote, “The Ethereum Security Subsidy Program is a joint initiative with top-tier audit providers, anchored by an Expert Committee with leading minds from some of the organizations who know Ethereum the best.”

1/ We’ve teamed up with @ethereumfndn Trillion Dollar Security Initative, @nethermind, and @chainlinklabs to bring $1m in audit subsidies to @ethereum builders!

The Ethereum Security Subsidy Program is a joint initiative with top-tier audit providers, anchored by an Expert… pic.twitter.com/zzn63wsrXg

— Findlay (@0xboo) April 14, 2026

Based on details shared on the program page, the subsidy is awarded as a fixed dollar amount and can then be used against offers on the Areta Market. The amount is subject to the 30% cap on any single quote.

The setup relies on what organizers call a virtual subsidy model. Participating blockchain security firms fund the support through discounts rather than the program drawing down from a central pool each time a team books an audit. That means accepted teams still go through the normal quoting process, but the awarded subsidy is automatically applied when they choose among provider offers.

More than 20 audit firms are participating at launch. This gives builders a solid lineup of reputable security shops to choose from. The published provider roster includes names such as Certora, Cyfrin, Dedaub, Hacken, Immunefi, Quantstamp, Sherlock, Spearbit, Zellic, and Zokyo. The lineup also includes Chainsecurity, Nethermind, Runtime Verification, Guardian Audits, Oak Security, and others.

The program standardizes procurement in the Ethereum ecosystem while preserving teams’ flexibility to shop around. The Ethereum Foundation hopes to put rigorous audits within easier reach of mainnet builders.

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