GameON: U.S.-Albania E-Sports and Innovation

The GameON: U.S.-Albania E-Sports and Innovation grant is offered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Albania as part of the American Spaces program. This initiative is designed to strengthen ties between the United States and Albania by leveraging shared interests in digital innovation, gaming, and entrepreneurship. The program reflects the Department of State’s broader public diplomacy mission to promote U.S. values, technological leadership, and economic engagement abroad, particularly among youth populations in emerging markets. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support programming that equips Albanian youth with advanced digital skills in areas such as coding, game design, and digital entrepreneurship. The initiative responds to the rapid evolution of the global digital economy and recognizes the growing interest in gaming as a major industry. By focusing on e-sports and innovation, the program seeks to foster technical competencies while simultaneously increasing awareness of U.S. leadership in technology and innovation. The program also aims to build positive associations with U.S. products, services, and standards within Albania’s youth demographic. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support activities that incorporate U.S. expertise, technologies, and best practices. Allowable uses of funds include training programs, workshops, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative initiatives that integrate U.S.-developed tools such as game engines and coding platforms. Proposals are expected to demonstrate clear connections to U.S. industry standards, including the involvement of American experts, partnerships with U.S. institutions, or the use of U.S.-based technological frameworks. While cost sharing is encouraged to enhance program impact, it is not a requirement for eligibility. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations in both the United States and Albania, such as non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and civil society groups, as well as individual applicants from either country. However, for-profit entities are explicitly excluded from eligibility, even if they otherwise meet organizational criteria. When multiple organizations collaborate, only one non-profit entity may serve as the primary recipient, and any subcontracting arrangements must clearly define roles and responsibilities. Organizations must also maintain compliance with federal requirements, including obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier and maintaining active registration in SAM.gov, although individuals are exempt from these requirements. The application process is expected to open on June 5, 2026, with an estimated submission deadline of July 5, 2026. As a forecasted opportunity, applicants should prepare for a standard federal grant submission process through Grants.gov, including proposal narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation that demonstrate program feasibility and alignment with stated objectives. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent indicated in the available materials. The anticipated award date is October 1, 2026, with project implementation to follow shortly thereafter. Proposals will be evaluated based on their ability to deliver results-driven programming that builds sustainable skills, promotes U.S. technologies, and strengthens bilateral engagement. Emphasis is placed on innovation, measurable outcomes, and the creation of lasting alumni networks that extend the program’s impact beyond its duration. Applicants are encouraged to draw on lessons learned from previous initiatives, including prior U.S. Speaker Programs and ongoing cybersecurity and artificial intelligence training efforts supported by the Mission. For further information, applicants may contact the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Tirana via email at tiranapdresources@state.gov or by phone at 003554247285. As this is a forecasted opportunity, applicants should monitor Grants.gov for updates, including the official posting and any additional guidance documents that may be released prior to the application deadline.

Emphasize strong integration of U.S. technology and expertise; demonstrate measurable outcomes and long-term impact; align programming with prior successful initiatives such as speaker programs and tech training