The latest Nite to Unite fundraiser raised $1.15 million to support undergraduate scholarships and grants for tomorrow’s game makers. It also recognized Unity’s Unity for Humanity program with the 2026 Champion Award.
“Unity for Humanity was started after we saw something powerful happening: creators weren’t just using Unity to make games. They were building real tools for education, communities, health, accessibility, and climate change, and they needed more than just software to turn those ideas into impact,” said Raphael Ruland, SVP and CRO for Games at Unity. “We back creators who are using Unity to make a positive difference in the world. This award truly belongs to them, and we’re committed to helping them make their impact even bigger.”
iCivics, a nonprofit organization that aims to give young people a civics education through video games, was also honored and took home the Impact Award. It will also receive a $50,000 grant from the ESA Foundation to support the adoption of its most recent game, Investigation Declaration.
Since 1994 the ESA Foundation has raised over $24 million to support the next generation of game makers with grants and scholarships, and by supporting organizations that do the same. The scholarships on offer include the Computer and Video Games Arts and Sciences Scholarship and the Esports Scholarship. Applications for scholarships open on April 1, 2026 and are open to high school seniors and undergraduates.
“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.”
IGN Entertainment was the Exclusive Media Sponsor of Nite to Unite 2026.
Rachel Weber is the Head of Editorial Development at IGN and an elder millennial. She’s been a professional nerd since 2006 when she got her start on Official PlayStation Magazine in the UK, and has since worked for GamesIndustry.Biz, Rolling Stone and GamesRadar. She loves horror, horror movies, horror games, Red Dead Redemption 2, and her Love and Deepspace boyfriends.
