The Entertainment Consumers Association has announced today that it is launching a new, nonprofit organization.

The ECA Institute will address research, programming and policy development needs related to video games. The ECAi will also feature a charitable component. From the press release:

At its core, the ECA Institute’s work will inform the development of Entertainment Consumers Association’s public policy positions and encourage and influence public debate on the issues most pertinent to gamers today.

ECA President Hal Halpin commented on the new initiative:

We’re very excited about the launch of the Institute, as it provides a whole host of new services and support toward very important issue areas to us. The Institute enables us to work with existing and new supporters in different ways than the Entertainment Consumers Association can and, as a result, will make advancing the wants and needs of gamers more effective. It is an interesting collaborative environment that will yield some truly impressive results and affect change in wholly new and compelling ways.

Here are some specific as to the ECAi's activities:

Research and Polling: Research on issues reflecting ECA Institute’s strategic priorities, including: First Amendment rights, universal broadband, Network Neutrality, and consumer protection.

Publications: All ECA Institute research reports will be peer reviewed by internal and external subject experts.

Technical Assistance/Expert Consultation: Support the ECA’s advocacy efforts with expert consultation, rapid response analysis and technical assistance.

Scholarships and Other Educational Programs: Develop and foster game education programs and assistance to students through scholarships and financial aid in accredited schools. The Institute will also support the efforts of new and existing games-related charities.

Public Representation: The ECA Institute will contributes to and help shape both public discussion of its priority issues and decision makers’ understanding of gamers’ needs and concerns.

For more info, check out the ECA Institute website.

FULL DISCLOSURE DEPT: The Entertainment Consumers Association is the parent company of GamePolitics.