Closed
Free to Play
Support for children’s outdoor play initiatives
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 150,000
Timeline
- Open Date : November 28, 2025
- Closing date : February 24, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Free to Play supports outdoor play projects for children across participating Canadian communities. The program funds community-led initiatives that increase outdoor play, reduce barriers, and support children’s wellbeing and development.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : November 28, 2025
- Closing date : February 24, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Other Education
- Social Services
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
- Grant-making Foundations
- Other Philanthropic Intermediaries and Voluntarism Promotion
- Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Nonprofits / charities
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Community-led outdoor play projects for children.
- Land-based and nature-based play initiatives.
- Projects that expand access to outdoor play spaces and opportunities.
- Programs that support learning, engagement, and local collaboration around play.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Budget form
- Most recent financial statements
- Annual report or equivalent reporting document
- Governance or incorporation documents, for non-qualified donees
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered charities
- Non-profit organizations
- Indigenous Governing Bodies
- Municipalities and local governments
- Incorporated community organizations and schools
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations
- Unincorporated non-profits
- Business non-profit institutions such as chambers of commerce or business associations
- Individuals
Eligible expenses
- Project-related administration, staff salaries, and professional fees.
- Materials and supplies, training, workshops, and evaluation.
- Communications, translation, honoraria, travel, and transportation.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities outside Canada or outside the participating service area.
- One- or two-day events without lasting impact.
- Structured adult-led sports, virtual programs for children, and partisan activities.
- Land, buildings, major infrastructure, electronic devices, and reserve or endowment funds.
Eligible geographic areas
- Participating community foundation service areas in Canada
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a local committee or through participatory grantmaking in some communities.
- Applications are assessed against program alignment, community benefit, feasibility, and long-term impact.
- Applicants are notified of decisions after review.
- Approved organizations sign a funding agreement before receiving payments.
- Selected recipients may complete a mid-project check-in and a final report.
Additional information
- Some community foundations use participatory grantmaking.
- Approved organizations may be invited to share stories, photos, or other materials about the project.
- Organizations may submit only one application.
- Collaborating organizations can work together on the same application.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Free to Play Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Free to Play. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Free to Play?
Free to Play supports outdoor play projects for children across participating Canadian communities. The program funds community-led initiatives that increase outdoor play, reduce barriers, and support children’s wellbeing and development.
How much funding can be received?
Free to Play Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was February 24, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Free to Play program?
To be eligible for the Free to Play program, you must:
Charity, non-profit, or Indigenous Governing Body
Project in a participating community area
Supports outdoor play for children
What expenses are eligible under Free to Play?
Community-led outdoor play projects for children.
Land-based and nature-based play initiatives.
Projects that expand access to outdoor play spaces and opportunities.
Programs that support learning, engagement, and local collaboration around play.
Who can I contact for more information about the Free to Play?
You can contact Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) by email at freetoplay@cfnl.ca.
Where is the Free to Play available?
The Free to Play program is available across Canada.