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Dream Big Playground Program

Funding for inclusive playground projects in Greater Montreal

Offered by

Valsef Dream Big Foundation (DBF)

Official source: dreambigfoundation.com

Record updated August 31, 2026

Funding available: $ 100,000
Deadline: Unspecified
Location: Quebec, Canada
Who can apply: Public elementary schools; See full eligibility

Overview

The program provides up to $100,000 per project to support the creation or renovation of playgrounds for children aged 1 to 12. It funds playground structures, inclusive and accessible play equipment, safe surfacing, landscaping, installation, and signage costs.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding: $100,000

Financing goals

Develop strategic partnerships
Increase social or community impact
Strengthen organizational capacity
Renovate or expand facilities
Renovate or adapt facilities

Eligible candidates

Location: Montréal
Quebec
Eligible Industries: All industries
Annual revenue: All revenue ranges
Organisation size: All organization sizes
Audience: All groups
Legal structures: Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation: Other Recreation and Social Clubs, Primary and Secondary Education, Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups: Children & youth
Revenue structures: 100% donations / grants
Scope: Provincial

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026

Periods: 2

Latest changes

August 15, 2026

Playground request deadline updated

The playground request form now shows a new submission deadline of October 31, 2026 and adds photos to the supporting documents list.

The Playground Program Request form now shows a submission deadline of October 31, 2026 at 23:59 instead of April 6, 2026, and requests sent after that date will be automatically declined. The supporting documents list also now includes photos, alongside the letter, budget, drawing or plan, and timeline.

Official source: airtable.com

August 15, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Public elementary schools
Daycare centers (CPE, subsidized or private)
Registered nonprofits or community organizations
Municipalities, community centers, or institutions with a clear child-development mandate

Who is not eligible

Political or religious organizations
Private institutions, except for a childcare center or a government-supported specialized school

Eligible expenses

Playground structures and modules
Inclusive and accessible play equipment
Safe surfacing and landscaping
Installation and signage costs

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Political or religious activities
Repayment of deficits or debts
Creation of reserve funds

Activities funded

Building new playgrounds
Renovating existing playgrounds
Creating inclusive outdoor play spaces

How to apply

Submit the online application form on the foundation’s website by October 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Documents Needed

A letter of intent outlining the urgent needs and the number of children who will benefit
A drawing or layout plan of the proposed playground design
A preliminary estimated budget
A proposed construction timeline
For schools only: A written email confirmation from the school service center (or school board) confirming that no demolition or major construction is planned within the next ten (10) years

Selection criteria

Projects located in neighbourhoods with a deprivation index higher than 9 are prioritized during evaluation.

Processing and Agreement

Submitted projects are reviewed and evaluated.
Preselected projects are invited to a mandatory virtual validation meeting.
Required approvals must be obtained before final confirmation.
The selected project is confirmed, followed by financial commitment and agreement signing.
Construction starts after the agreement is signed, followed by playground inauguration.

Official sources

Dream Big Playground Program

Program guide

Project Call to Build New Playgrounds

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Dream Big Playground Program Program

What is the Dream Big Playground Program?

How much funding can be received?

Dream Big Playground Program Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Dream Big Playground Program program?

To be eligible for the Dream Big Playground Program program, you must: Projects must benefit children aged 1 to 12. Projects must be located in Greater Montreal, including the South Shore and North Shore. Applicants must be public elementary schools, daycare centers, registered nonprofits, community organizations, municipalities, or community centers with a child-development mandate.