Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for a smaller grant than $5,000? (e.g., my project needs $300.00)
A: Yes. We are looking for pilot projects too.

Q: Should game developers apply?
A: Yes, if you are a nonprofit organization, a small grant like ours can aid the development in some significant way and playing the game will result in learning, especially if the learning can be demonstrated. We will also consider helping fund games that address health issues, like Re-Mission, a game to help teenagers living with cancer.

Q:  Are you interested in funding projects involving off-the-shelf games?

A: Yes, especially if the games are used in K-12 classrooms or after-school programs like WoWinSchool. We are curious about how off-the-shelf games are being used in curriculum development, too.

Q: If I am a researcher or teacher located outside the US, may I apply?

A: Only if you are working on a project with a US-based sponsor (for example, a university or nonprofit organization). The application must come from your sponsor and the sponsor must exercise fiscal control.

Q: If I’m not sure whether my project will qualify, can I contact you first?

A: Absolutely. Click on About and write us a note.  Here are some examples of projects we have funded:

North Carolina State University, for researching how a playing commercially available video game affects the cognitive ability of older adults.  What we’re excited about: This could help raise awareness for the use of games as tools for promoting brain plasticity as well as start a database of games that can be used to that effect.

Cape Fear Middle school, for the development of an elementary school program that uses WoW and other games as teaching tools alongside more traditional tools such as reading assignments and essays. What we’re excited about: The WoWinSchool project is a groundbreaking program that helps to pave the way for other games based learning programs in schools.

Columbia University, for researching the effectiveness of a game she developed to help people change their ideas about rascism and sexism in the workplace. What we’re excited about: Finding out whether games can be used as an engine for social change by acting as effective persuasive tools.

University of Texas, for the development of Salamander Rescue, an educational game in which the user must learn about an endangered species of salamander and its habitat in order to save them from extinction. What we’re excited about: The creation of more effective games-based learning tools is at the very heart of what we do.

Michigan State University, Fordham University and Wisconsin University, for researching how kids tend to divide their attention in games and what they focus on most. What we’re excited about: This information can then be used to develop more effective educational games.

West Pender Middle School, for replicating the WoWinschool project at West Pender. What we’re excited about: The proliferation of the WoWinSchool project.