The ESA Foundation Celebrates Game Industry Achievements with Annual Nite to Unite Fundraiser

The ESA Foundation and Presenting Sponsor Xbox Raises $1.25M, Awards Riot Games as 2025 Champion Honoree

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 27, 2025) – The ESA Foundation celebrated its 23rd annual Nite to Unite ‘Pathways and Portals’ fundraiser on March 18, raising $1.25 million and honoring Riot Games as the Champion Award Honoree of 2025. The funds raised will support the foundation’s grants and scholarships for the next generation of game makers and charitable organizations with science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) youth programs.

Since its inception in 1994, the ESA Foundation has raised over $23 million for a wide variety of causes that encourage creativity and talent development in the video games industry. This includes scholarships dedicated to inspiring future creators in the video game industry and those pursuing STEAM studies. The foundation also supports nonprofit organizations that empower students to build 21st-century skills.

“The ESA Foundation is constantly inspired by the young professionals bringing new perspectives to the video games industry,” said ESA Foundation Lead Sue Madden. “Our scholarship programs don’t just provide financial support, they open new opportunities, foster mentorship, and help students find the skills and confidence they need to make their mark in the industry.”

The ESA Foundation honored Riot Games Social Impact Fund as the recipient of the 2025 Champion Award for its unique collaborative and community-based structure as well as its resounding success. The Social Impact Fund, together with its global player community, individuals, and partner organizations, has raised over $50 million for more than 450 organizations in 28 different regions since it launched in 2019. 

“We were inspired to create the Riot Games Social Impact Fund because we saw how passionate our players are about giving back, so this recognition really belongs to them,” said Dylan Jadeja, CEO of Riot Games. “Players often help choose the causes we support, ensuring we show up where it matters most, whether through long-term partnerships or rapid response when communities are in urgent need. From disaster relief to education to mental health, their generosity has directed millions of dollars to critical efforts around the world. This isn’t just about giving back—it’s about standing with players to create lasting change. To every player who has ever contributed, voted, or used their love of games to make a difference: thank you.”

Funds from this year’s Nite to Unite will go towards two scholarships: the Computer and Video Games Arts and Sciences Scholarships, and the Esports Scholarship. Applications for scholarships open on April 1, 2025 through April 30, 2025, and young gamemakers who are high school seniors or pursuing an undergraduate degree are encouraged to apply starting April 1.

About the ESA Foundation
The ESA Foundation awards scholarships to the next generation of industry innovators and supports schools and nonprofits that leverage interactive entertainment technology to create meaningful STEAM opportunities for America’s youth. It seeks to harness the power of the video game industry to create positive social impact and supports geographically diverse projects and programs benefitting grantees of all ages, races and genders. To date, the ESA Foundation has raised more than $23 million for a wide variety of worthy causes, primarily through its signature fundraising gala, Nite to Unite.

About Riot Games Social Impact Fund 
The Riot Games Social Impact Fund, which was created in 2019, is Riot’s nonprofit engine for Riot’s collective efforts for global social impact. In partnership with ImpactAssets, the Social Impact Fund helps us make direct investments to organizations around the globe that are working to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, distribute funding to almost any country, and allows us to move quickly when opportunities arise. To date, players have raised over $50M and supported over 450 nonprofits across 28 regions. For more information on Riot’s social impact programs, please visit riotgames.com. 

Media Contact
TriplePoint PR for ESAF
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