Opportunity Information: Apply for SFOP0005222
The U.S. Department of State is offering a discretionary grant opportunity titled "Promoting the eSports Industry in the MENA Region" (Funding Opportunity Number SFOP0005222). The program is structured as a cooperative agreement, which typically means the government expects to stay actively involved during implementation rather than simply providing funds and stepping back. The overall goal is tied to the U.S. Government's Economic Reform objective: strengthening U.S. economic interests in the Middle East and North Africa while helping a relatively new eSports sector in the region develop into a sustainable, mainstream part of the private economy.
At its core, the opportunity is designed to push eSports in MENA beyond informal or purely hobby-based activity and toward a more formal, professional ecosystem. The focus is on encouraging legitimate business development, attracting investment, and supporting economic growth connected to gaming and competitive eSports. A central theme is commercialization: helping local actors build practical business strategies and revenue models so the industry can monetize in ways that last, rather than relying on one-off events or short-term sponsorships. This includes working with the private sector and building partnerships, including collaborations with companies and experts from the United States as well as other regions, and potentially establishing joint ventures that transfer know-how and create longer-term market linkages.
The grant also emphasizes workforce and youth opportunity. It positions eSports as a potential career pathway for young people in the region, not only as players on organized teams but also through the broader value chain around eSports and gaming content. That includes producing innovative regional and local gaming or eSports content, which can range from broadcast and event production to locally relevant content creation that strengthens audience engagement and supports the growth of a homegrown industry identity.
Administratively, the opportunity was published by the Department of State under "Assistance Coordination," with a creation date of June 19, 2018, and an original closing date of August 1, 2018. The award ceiling is $300,000, and the announcement anticipates making one award. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and additional applicants described under the notice's eligibility clarification. The CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 19.500, and the funding activity category is listed as "Other," indicating the work does not fit neatly into a standard program category and is defined primarily by the specific economic development and industry-building objectives described in the announcement.Apply for SFOP0005222
- The Department of State, Assistance Coordination in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Promoting the eSports Industry in the MENA Region" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.500.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 19, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 01, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: Promoting the eSports Industry in the MENA Region (SFOP0005222)
What is the name of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "Promoting the eSports Industry in the MENA Region."
Who is offering this grant?
The grant is offered by the U.S. Department of State and was published under "Assistance Coordination."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is SFOP0005222.
What type of award is this (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?
This opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement. That generally means the U.S. Government expects to be actively involved during implementation rather than only providing funds without ongoing engagement.
What is the overall purpose of the program?
The program supports the U.S. Government's Economic Reform objective by strengthening U.S. economic interests in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) while helping the region's emerging eSports sector develop into a sustainable, mainstream part of the private economy.
What is the program trying to change about the eSports sector in MENA?
A key aim is to help move eSports in MENA beyond informal or hobby-based activity and toward a more formal, professional ecosystem with legitimate business development, investment attraction, and durable industry growth.
What does "commercialization" mean in the context of this opportunity?
Commercialization here refers to helping local eSports and gaming actors build practical business strategies and revenue models that can generate lasting income, rather than relying on one-off events or short-term sponsorships.
What kinds of economic outcomes does the program emphasize?
The opportunity emphasizes private-sector-oriented outcomes such as business development, attracting investment, monetization strategies, and building a sustainable market ecosystem connected to gaming and competitive eSports.
Does the opportunity encourage working with the private sector?
Yes. The announcement highlights working with the private sector and building partnerships as a central theme for developing a sustainable eSports industry.
Are partnerships with U.S. organizations or experts part of the program design?
Yes. The opportunity explicitly encourages collaborations with companies and experts from the United States, as well as other regions, to support know-how transfer and longer-term market linkages.
Does the opportunity mention joint ventures?
Yes. The description notes the potential for establishing joint ventures that transfer know-how and create longer-term market linkages.
How does the grant address youth and workforce development?
The program frames eSports as a potential career pathway for young people in the region, not only as players on organized teams but also through jobs and opportunities across the broader eSports and gaming value chain.
Is the program only about professional players and teams?
No. It also focuses on the broader ecosystem around eSports, including industry roles and opportunities connected to producing and distributing gaming and eSports-related content.
What types of content does the opportunity highlight?
The opportunity highlights producing innovative regional and local gaming or eSports content, including broadcast and event production, as well as locally relevant content creation that strengthens audience engagement and supports a homegrown industry identity.
What region is the program focused on?
The program focuses on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
What is the award ceiling (maximum funding amount)?
The award ceiling is $300,000.
How many awards are expected?
The announcement anticipates making one award.
When was the opportunity created?
The creation date listed for the opportunity is June 19, 2018.
What was the original application closing date?
The original closing date listed in the opportunity is August 1, 2018.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number associated with this opportunity is 19.500.
What is the funding activity category?
The funding activity category is listed as "Other," meaning the work is defined primarily by the specific economic development and industry-building objectives described in the announcement rather than fitting into a standard category.
Which organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and additional applicants described under the notice's eligibility clarification.
Are institutions of higher education eligible as nonprofit applicants?
No. The eligibility description explicitly excludes institutions of higher education from the nonprofit category noted in the opportunity summary.
Are small businesses eligible to apply as for-profit organizations?
No. The opportunity lists eligibility for "for-profit organizations other than small businesses," which indicates small businesses are not included under that category in the provided summary.
What does it mean that the award is "discretionary"?
The opportunity is described as a discretionary grant opportunity, which indicates it is awarded based on agency discretion and the program goals outlined in the announcement.
What is the main industry-building strategy described?
The description centers on formalizing the eSports ecosystem through commercialization, investment attraction, private-sector partnership building, collaboration with U.S. and international experts/companies, and strengthening the content and workforce pipeline that supports long-term industry growth.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification)
Next opportunity: Recruitment Dynamics of Scleractinian Corals along the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i
Previous opportunity: CAVE HABS Documentation for the Superintendent Building
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for SFOP0005222
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (SFOP0005222) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Libya Electoral Security Planning & Implementation Apply for SFOP0005223 Funding Number: SFOP0005223 Agency: Department of State, Assistance Coordination Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Enhancing Prosecutions of Wildlife Crime Apply for SFOP0005209 Funding Number: SFOP0005209 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Science Management of the National Science Foundation – Ice Core Facility, Denver, Colorado Apply for USGS 18 FAC 7815 Funding Number: USGS 18 FAC 7815 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $72,438 |
| U.S.-MENA Experiential Partnership: Increaseing Economic and Local Governance Opportunities Apply for SFOP0005226 Funding Number: SFOP0005226 Agency: Department of State, Assistance Coordination Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Research and Monitoring of Wyoming Toad Reintroductions Apply for F18AS00182 Funding Number: F18AS00182 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Safety Matters: Managing Relationships in Women's Facilities Apply for 18CS27 Funding Number: 18CS27 Agency: Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $42,000 |
| Assessment of Larval Fish Production at the St. Mary’s River Rapids Related to Changes in Compensating Gates Operation Apply for USGS 18 FAC 9340 Funding Number: USGS 18 FAC 9340 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $36,900 |
| Community-Based Activities to Build Civil Society and Youth Capacity in Mali Apply for SML20018GR0005 Funding Number: SML20018GR0005 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to Mali Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Vegetation Identification and Monitoring Apply for P18AS00355 Funding Number: P18AS00355 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Response System Readiness Cooperative Agreement Apply for DHS 18 DOD 025 00 01 Funding Number: DHS 18 DOD 025 00 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $1,404,490 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) Apply for DHS 18 DAD 024 00 01 Funding Number: DHS 18 DAD 024 00 01 Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Department of Homeland Security - FEMA Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| PAKISTAN MULTI-SECTOR ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT Apply for 72039118APS00001 Funding Number: 72039118APS00001 Agency: Agency for International Development, Pakistan USAID-Islamabad Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Assessment of population status and habitat requirements of Pinyon Jays in Utah Apply for F18AS00189 Funding Number: F18AS00189 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $49,000 |
| Planetary Spatial Data Infrastructure Apply for USGS 18 FA 0172 Funding Number: USGS 18 FA 0172 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Non-Competitive Cooperative Agreement Apply for USGS 18 FA 0208 Funding Number: USGS 18 FA 0208 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Promote and provide cultural heritage programs and events Apply for P18AS00362 Funding Number: P18AS00362 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Interns at DOI Museum and Museum Program Apply for P18AS00363 Funding Number: P18AS00363 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCPE interns with the Cultural Resources, Partnerships, and Scien Apply for P18AS00365 Funding Number: P18AS00365 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Regional Meeting SHPO Stipends and Operations Apply for P18AS00364 Funding Number: P18AS00364 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Park History Program Fellow Apply for P18AS00366 Funding Number: P18AS00366 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Other (see text field entitled Explanation of Other Category of Funding Activity for clarification) Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "SFOP0005222", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.