Gamers Engaged

Gamers Engaged is thrilled to announce that we have hired Nelly Steiner as our Head of Operations. Please join us in giving Nelly a very warm welcome.

Games have been part of Nelly’s story for as long as she can remember. Around age 9, her dad introduced her to Dungeons & Dragons, and her first character was a ranger inspired by Gabrielle from Xena: Warrior Princess. It was the beginning of a lifelong love of games. Nelly has been adventuring with her current D&D group since 2008, and she has always been especially drawn to cooperative games.

Her connection to Gamers Engaged began in 2016, supporting community engagement efforts at Mox. Later, as her work shifted into marketing and operations, she became a key bridge between Mox stores and Gamers Engaged initiatives like the Giving Trees and the Gauntlet.

Nelly’s professional superpower is solving the puzzle of how to take something complex and make it feel clear, intuitive, and engaging. With a background in Fine Art and a deep interest in communication and psychology, she is drawn to the moment when a message, experience, or idea suddenly clicks. She is energized by passionate people working toward a shared goal, especially when everyone brings different strengths to the table.

Nelly is aligned with the idea that play is vital. It is one of the ways we connect, learn, build community, and make meaning together. Through her work with Gamers Engaged, she is excited to help harness the energy that already exists in the gaming community and channel it into something bigger. If you’re wondering about her alignment in D&D terms, it’s chaotic good, obviously.

Read Nelly’s full interview on the blog.
https://www.gamersengaged.org/blog/an-interview-with-nelly-steiner

Funding for game-powered impact is back!

The 2026 Play-it-Forward Grant cycle is now accepting applications from nonprofits that use games and play to strengthen communities, foster connection, and create positive change.

This year, Gamers Engaged will award three $10,000 unrestricted grants to organizations that fall in these categories:

🌲 Serving communities in the Pacific Northwest
🎮 Serving communities nationwide
🏳️‍🌈 Leadership Diversity (BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+ led organizations)

Because the Play-it-Forward Grant is designed to be accessible, the application process is straightforward, and reporting requirements are minimal, allowing organizations to focus on the work that matters most.

📅 Applications close August 17, 2026.

Know an organization that would be a great fit? Tag them below or share this opportunity!

Learn more and apply at gamersengaged.org/play-it-forward-fund