Open
Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play
Funding for inclusive outdoor play projects
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000 - $ 100,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Free to Play supports imaginative, inclusive outdoor play projects in Ottawa. Applicants may request between $20,000 and $100,000 for public space design, family-based learning, or community-led programs that help children move, create, and connect away from screens.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Minimum amount : 20,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Outdoor play projects for children
- Public space design and small outdoor space improvements
- Family-based learning and caregiver engagement
- Community-led programs that support child-led outdoor play
- Cross-sector initiatives that build lasting outdoor play capacity
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Simple project budget form
- Applicant Guide review
- Organization registration in the application system
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered charities
- Incorporated non-profit organizations
- Indigenous Governing Bodies
- Municipalities and local governments
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations
- Unincorporated nonprofits
- Business non-profit institutions, including business associations, chambers of commerce, and condominium associations
- Individuals
Eligible expenses
- Project-related staff salaries and related employment costs
- Professional or contractor fees
- Materials and supplies
- Training, workshops, and evaluation
- Communications, translation, travel, and honoraria
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities outside Canada
- Major capital projects, land, buildings, or real estate costs
- Electronic devices
- Political or partisan activities
- Costs not directly related to the approved project
Eligible geographic areas
- Ottawa
- Communities in Canada served by a participating community foundation
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a local review committee convened by participating community foundations.
- Some foundations use a participatory grantmaking process with community members involved in review and decisions.
- Applications are assessed on alignment with the program, community benefit, feasibility, and long-term impact.
- Approved organizations sign a Funding Agreement before receiving payments.
- Recipients complete a final report, and some selected recipients also complete a midway check-in.
Additional information
- Organizations may submit only one application.
- Collaborating organizations can apply together on the same application.
- Applications may be submitted in English or French.
- Some community foundations may use a participatory grantmaking process.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play Program
What is the Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play?
Free to Play supports imaginative, inclusive outdoor play projects in Ottawa. Applicants may request between $20,000 and $100,000 for public space design, family-based learning, or community-led programs that help children move, create, and connect away from screens.
How much funding can be received?
Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play program?
To be eligible for the Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play program, you must:
Serves a participating community foundation area
Matches the program objective
Filed by an eligible organization
What expenses are eligible under Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play?
Outdoor play projects for children
Public space design and small outdoor space improvements
Family-based learning and caregiver engagement
Community-led programs that support child-led outdoor play
Cross-sector initiatives that build lasting outdoor play capacity
Who can I contact for more information about the Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play?
You can contact Community Foundation of Ottawa (OCF).
Where is the Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play available?
The Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play program is available across Canada.
Is the Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play is a Grant and Funding