GameON: U.S.-Albania E-Sports and Innovation
Agency: U.S. Mission to Albania
Assistance Listings: 19.441 -- ECA – American Spaces
Description
Albania's youth face a rapidly evolving digital economy that demands advanced technical skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, and exposure to international industry standards. Albanian interest in gaming – a global market forecasted to surpass $745 billion by 2030, in which the United States is leading – is high, presenting an opportunity to increase Albanian understanding of how U.S. economic strength and technological leadership support shared prosperity. By providing youth access to high-quality, structured training in coding, game design, and digital entrepreneurship, this program strengthens Albanian youths’ association between the United States and innovation, creativity, and opportunity; demonstrates the United States capacity to adapt and lead in a burgeoning tech market; and increases interest in U.S. products, technology, and brands. As a global, web-based arena for exchange, the gaming market also presents opportunities to promote digital freedom increases the durability and reach of U.S. narratives beyond official channels. This program will further those efforts by prioritizing American standards and values in online game development.
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Include information of past projects. How will this project build on previous efforts? What kinds of programming has the Mission and other partners funded in the past to address this problem? Which activities have worked well (best practices), and which activities have not (lessons learned)?
This program capitalizes on a popular past U.S. Speaker Program on game development and an established network of partners in the local tech, business, and education community. It also complements ongoing programs in cybersecurity and AI training to promote American technology across an array of emerging fields.
All activities must demonstrate strong connections to U.S. expertise, technology, and best practices, clearly explaining how these ties support program objectives and advance U.S. interests. Examples include: use of U.S.-developed game engines, coding platforms, and e-sports platforms; curriculum informed by U.S. industry standards and educational models; guest speakers or mentors from U.S. tech companies, universities, or entrepreneurial ecosystems, or alumni of the Department of State exchanges who serve as credible validators of American innovation; and exposure to U.S. startup methodologies and business frameworks. Proposals should articulate how these connections will deliver results-driven programming that builds lifelong skills, increases participants’ receptivity to U.S. technologies, expands demand for American products and services, and creates alumni networks that amplify U.S. leadership in the digital economy.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
Grantor contact information
Description
tiranapdresources@state.gov
Documents
| File name | Description | Last updated |
|---|---|---|
| AC_NOFO_game_on_1.docx | NOFO | Jun 3, 2026 01:43 PM UTC |
| Applicant_Organization_Information_AOI_Survey_1.docx | Organization info | Jun 3, 2026 01:44 PM UTC |
| Mandatory_SF424B-V1.1_4.pdf | sf424B | Jun 3, 2026 01:44 PM UTC |
| PDS_Budget_Narrative_Sample_Template_1.xlsx | Budget | Jun 3, 2026 01:44 PM UTC |
| Proposal_Template_1.docx | Proposal template for organizations | Jun 3, 2026 01:45 PM UTC |
| Proposal_Templates_for_Individual_Awards_1.docx | proposal for individuals | Jun 3, 2026 01:45 PM UTC |
| SF424_4_0-V4.0_5.pdf | sf 424 mandatory | Jun 3, 2026 01:46 PM UTC |
| Statement_of_Interest_SOI_Application_Template_FOR_GRANTEES.docx | SOI | Jun 3, 2026 01:46 PM UTC |
Link to additional information
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Forecasted
Estimated Post Date:
June 5, 2026
Estimated Application Due Date:
July 5, 2026
Estimated Due Date Description:
Not available
Estimated Award Date:
October 1, 2026
Estimated Project Start Date:
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Fiscal Year:
2026
Award
$8,000
Program Funding
1
Expected awards
$3,000
Award Minimum
$8,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
AMERICANSPACESGAMEON-2026
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
Funding instrument type:
Other
Opportunity Category:
Other
Opportunity Category Explanation:
American Spaces approved program
Category of Funding Activity:
Humanities
Category Explanation:
History
Version:
1
Forecast posted date:
June 5, 2026
Archive date:
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