Ethereum Foundation Formally Begins ETH Staking With More Than 2,000 Tokens, Plans to Expand Holdings
The Ethereum Foundation supports Ethereum protocol research and development as well as ecosystem grants. It previously funded operations mainly by selling ETH from its treasury. After updating its treasury policy in June 2025, the foundation shifted toward staking to generate native yield, aiming to reduce the need for token sales and the resulting market pressure while directing the income toward network development and ecosystem programs.
The Ethereum Foundation launched the initiative on February 24, 2026, staking an initial 2,016 ETH. It added 20,470 ETH worth about $42 million on March 30, followed by roughly 45,332 ETH valued at $93 million on April 2. The additions brought the total to about 70,000 ETH, worth approximately $143 million.
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The history behind this eventEthereum Foundation Starts $48.9 Million ETH Unstaking and Completes 10,000-ETH OTC Sale
The Ethereum Foundation supports Ethereum protocol research and development as well as ecosystem grants, requiring it to convert some ETH into operating funds over time. After revising its treasury policy in June 2025, the foundation began using staking and DeFi yields to fund expenses and favored OTC transactions to reduce the impact on public markets. Its recent unstaking and sales have therefore become key indicators of its evolving treasury strategy.
On April 26, 2026, the foundation deposited about 21,269 wstETH into Lido, initiating an unstaking process valued at approximately $48.9 million. On May 1, it completed its third OTC sale to BitMine, selling 10,000 ETH at an average price of about $2,292 for approximately $22.9 million. The proceeds will fund protocol research and development, ecosystem development and community grants.
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