Ethereum Foundation starts 70,000 ETH staking process to fund operations, bolster network
CoinDesk
by Francisco RodriguesFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Ethereum Foundation has initiated a staking program by putting 70,000 ETH into staking operations to fund its activities and bolster network security. The process began with an initial deposit of 2,016 ETH, utilizing open-source validator tools called Dirk and Vouch, developed by infrastructure firm Attestant. This move aligns with the Foundation's treasury policy, which aims to balance long-term sustainability with core Ethereum values like decentralization and user privacy.
Dirk serves as a distributed signing tool that enhances security by reducing single points of failure and enabling coordination across multiple jurisdictions. Vouch, on the other hand, manages validator duties, ensuring smooth network operations. By staking its ETH, the Foundation aims to generate staking rewards, which will be redirected back into funding protocol research, ecosystem development, and community grants. This approach ensures that idle assets are
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Originally published on CoinDesk on 2/24/2026