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Game Genius was founded in 2018 at the intersection of sports, architecture, and philanthropy. Sports and physical play help us develop curiosity, empathy, and communication. Architecture and making spaces define how we explore and interact with the environment. Philanthropy, whether through giving time, talent, or treasure, identifies what we value and leads us to a more equitable tomorrow. After three years of project experimenting and discovering community needs, Game Genius, Inc became a charitable 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2021.

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At Game Genius, we see games everywhere, made out of anything, and designed by anyone. We leverage the process of playing and making games for social good. Our teambuilding sessions, planning services, and free workshops are designed for organizational teams to use games as the medium to test ideas, develop skills, enhance their programs, and solve problems. A work culture filled with opportunities to play inspires better work, talent, and leadership. 

 

Our public experiences and independent game products demonstrate how non-digital games can lower different barriers and encourage people to celebrate common goals. Game Genius hosts an annual event, The District Hunt, in the fall to catalyze social awareness and action around an impact theme:

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2019 -- Women's History

2020 -- Mental Health

2021 -- Climate and Environment

2022 -- Literacy

2023 -- Food and Housing

 

Finally, Game Genius believes play is an accessible way to give back at a local level, which is why our team focuses narrowly on the Washington, DC region. In order to do our best work, we want to support from within, not from afar. Check out our community impact to read our latest report and see various case studies! Local philanthropy often feels more meaningful because the impact is visible. We find that harnessing people's playfulness (heart), creativity (mind), and giving instinct (soul) makes what we do and care about more fun.