The ESA Foundation's annual Nite to Unite gala took place on 10 March 2026 at the historic Palace Hotel in San Francisco, bringing together industry leaders to celebrate how games can drive social change. The fundraiser brought in $1.15 million, underscoring how the gaming industry recognises the importance of investing in young talent and meaningful uses of game technology.
The event brings together leaders from across the video game industry to celebrate impact, strengthen community, and raise critical funds that fuel the ESA Foundation's mission to empower future creators through scholarships, mentorship, and support for nonprofit organisations serving youth in STEAM. This year, two organisations were honoured for their contributions to that mission.
Unity's Unity for Humanity program received the 2026 Champion Award. The program supports creators who use the company's tools to build solutions beyond gaming, expanding into education, healthcare, accessibility and climate change. For 2026, Unity will award a total of $600,000 USD across multiple projects, supporting initiatives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
iCivics, a nonprofit organisation founded by the late Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in 2009 after her retirement from the court, was honoured with the Impact Award. The organisation created Investigation Declaration in partnership with Virginia's Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, which combines puzzle and strategy elements to engage students in a learn-as-you-play format. The game teaches students how the Declaration of Independence captured the ideas of the Enlightenment and inspired movements towards freedom and democracy across Africa, Europe and the Americas. The Foundation gave iCivics a $50,000 grant to support wider adoption of the game.
The financial impact matters. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $20 million in grants and scholarships to students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, and game development, as well as to organisations that use video games for educational purposes. Students apply to two potential scholarships: the Computer and Video Games Arts and Sciences Scholarship and the Esports Scholarship.
Applications for scholarships open 1 April 2026 for high school seniors and undergraduates. The ESA Foundation believes in investing in the future of the industry by supporting students whose ideas and backgrounds will help shape the future of the world of play, providing critical financial support and opening doors for scholars to build meaningful connections and grow their careers.