TLDR
- Ethereum Foundation is selling 10,000 ETH worth $43M in small trades via centralized exchanges.
- The sale is part of EF’s new treasury policy introduced in June 2025.
- EF still holds 231,600 ETH worth about $995 million in reserves.
- ETH slipped 1% after the news, but institutional buying remains strong.
The Ethereum Foundation (EF) announced it is selling 10,000 ETH, worth about $43 million, to secure fiat reserves for ongoing funding. The ETH will be sold in smaller batches through centralized exchanges instead of one large trade.
This planned strategy is intended to reduce the risk of disrupting ETH’s price while maintaining steady operational support. The Foundation clarified that the proceeds would go towards grants, research, and community-focused programs.
The sale was confirmed on social platform X and follows a recent on-chain deposit of 10,000 ETH to Kraken. According to Arkham Intelligence, this transfer matched the reported sale amount.
Ethereum Foundation Treasury Policy and Funding Approach
The sale aligns with the treasury policy introduced by EF in June 2025. The policy sets rules for managing the Foundation’s crypto assets and fiat reserves. It caps operational spending at 15% annually and permits ETH sales when reserves fall outside the set range.
EF has made several similar sales since implementing the policy. Earlier this year, it sold 2,795 ETH for $12.7 million and finalized a $25 million deal with SharpLink Gaming.
In Q1 2025 alone, EF provided $32.65 million in grants to education, research, and community projects. The Foundation has also made other donations, including $1.25 million toward the legal defense of a Tornado Cash developer.
Ecosystem Support Program and Reserves
Shortly before the announcement, EF paused applications for its Ecosystem Support Program (ESP). This program supports projects and teams contributing to the Ethereum ecosystem. The pause is part of a plan to restructure how grants are allocated.
The Ethereum Foundation still holds 231,600 ETH, currently valued at nearly $995 million, making it one of the top ETH holders globally. The recent 10,000 ETH sale represents less than 5% of its reserves.
Despite the sale, EF stated its commitment to transparency and ongoing support for Ethereum’s long-term development.
ETH Market Reaction and Institutional Activity
Following the announcement, the price of ETH dropped by around 1% within 24 hours. At the time, ETH was trading at $4,326. The decline came amid broader market weakness, where Bitcoin liquidations also crossed $47.9 million in one day.
Analysts have also observed reduced inflows into spot ETH ETFs, which may have contributed to the price drop. After early inflows totaling $533 million, ETF activity slowed down, weakening bullish sentiment.
Still, major institutions have been increasing their ETH holdings. Hong Kong-listed Yunfeng Financial Group recently bought 10,000 ETH from the open market. Ether Machine, preparing for a Nasdaq listing, added 150,000 ETH, taking its total to 495,000 ETH.
BitMine also acquired 153,075 ETH, worth $668 million, boosting its treasury to nearly 1.87 million ETH. This accumulation shows continued confidence in Ethereum’s potential from large investors.
