Games Aid
About This Funder
Games Aid is a UK-based charity (registered number 1081706), established in 2008 from the Entertainment Software Charity, dedicated to channeling the UK video games industry's resources into supporting small and medium-sized charities that advance welfare for disadvantaged and disabled children and young people. Operating as the only fully democratic funder in the games sector, it embodies principles of inclusivity, transparency, and industry consensus: members from the UK games industry nominate and vote annually on beneficiaries, ensuring decisions reflect collective will rather than top-down discretion. Its mission proves the social impact of gaming by empowering overlooked charities with transformational funding.
It prioritizes projects delivering education, health, housing, social welfare, career guidance, sports inclusion, and therapeutic interventions—often leveraging technology, gaming, or interactive play—for children and young people facing social, physical, educational, or health disadvantages. Recent beneficiaries include Autistica (autism support), Solving Kids’ Cancer, AFK (mobility equipment), Game Therapy UK (anti-isolation gaming), Access Sport (adapted sports), Everyone Can (assistive tech), and SpecialEffect (gaming adaptations for physical disabilities). Grants are unrestricted, covering core costs, projects, or capital.
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities with annual turnover under £3 million and admin costs below 30%, operating UK-wide (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) with no regional bias or religious restrictions. Games Aid does not accept unsolicited applications; charities must secure nomination from a GamesAid member (self-nominations possible but require member backing) via an annual online form, opening mid-February and closing early March (e.g., 4 March 2024). The top five vote-winners each receive £30,000 equally, with no ad hoc or rolling funding. It excludes larger organizations and non-child/youth-focused causes, distinguishing itself through its egalitarian, member-driven model that amplifies games sector generosity.
Eligibility Checklist
Funding Details
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does Games Aid provide?
Games Aid typically provides grants ranging from £30,000 - £30,000.
Where does Games Aid fund charities?
Games Aid funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Games Aid?
With Fundermatcher, you describe your charity once and see your compatibility score with Games Aid. If you're a good fit, you can start drafting your application immediately using our AI co-pilot — paste each question and word limit, and the co-pilot writes a tailored first draft using your charity's real data and Games Aid's priorities. You review and edit every answer before submitting.
Will funders know my application was drafted with AI?
No. The co-pilot uses your charity's real name, numbers, and impact data — not generic filler or templates. Every draft reads like it was written by someone who knows your charity inside-out, because it's built on your actual profile. You edit and refine every word before it goes anywhere, so the final application sounds like you — because it is.
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