Closed
Source verified July 6, 2026
Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play
Funding for inclusive outdoor play projects
Latest source updateLast Update: July 6, 2026Latest change: Free to Play no longer shows active application details and now presents funded project results, including $345,435 for five community-based projects.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 6, 2026
Latest change: Free to Play no longer shows active application details and now presents funded project results, including $345,435 for five community-based projects.
Free to Play moved to post-award results
The Free to Play page now presents post-award results instead of live application information. It shows $345,435 in funding for five community-based projects, plus a note that a second round will be deployed locally in 2027. Compared with the earlier opportunity details, the page no longer shows the application portal, applicant guide, FAQ/contact instructions, key dates, or the previous request range of $20,000 to $100,000. The funding context and audience focus have shifted from how organizations could apply to which Ottawa projects were funded.
Funding available
$ 22,195 - $ 100,000
Deadline
February 24, 2026
Opened November 28, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
Free to Play supports community-based outdoor play projects through the Ottawa Community Foundation in Ottawa. It funds projects such as transforming housing communities, naturalizing play spaces, and launching land-based play groups for children and families.
/100
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 : 22,195 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
Target groups
- Children & youth
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Outdoor play projects that create the conditions for children to move, imagine, take risks, and connect with others
- Community-based projects that support child-directed activities and free play
- Projects involving land-based play groups, nature-based play landscapes, and outdoor space improvements
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Simple project budget form
- Applicant Guide review
- Organization registration in the application system
Official resources
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
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the Free to Play objective
- Community benefit and response to local needs
- Feasibility and readiness to deliver the project
- Long-term impact in the community
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the Applicant Guide
- Check the program details, eligibility, and funding objectives.
- Confirm the local community foundation’s approach to review and funding.
- Step 2: Register in the application system
- Create an account and register your organization.
- If your foundation uses participatory grantmaking, follow its participation instructions.
- Step 3: Prepare the application
- Complete the application form.
- Fill out the simple budget form with expected project expenses and activities.
- Step 4: Submit by the deadline
- Submit through the application portal before February 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST.
- Organizations may submit one application, and collaborating organizations may apply together.
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
- A second round of Free to Play projects will be deployed locally in 2027.
Contacts
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 community-based outdoor play projects through the Ottawa Community Foundation in Ottawa. It funds projects such as transforming housing communities, naturalizing play spaces, and launching land-based play groups for children and families.
How much funding can be received?
Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play Funds up to $100,000 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 Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play program?
To be eligible for the Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play program, you must:
Community-based outdoor play project
For children
What expenses are eligible under Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play?
Outdoor play projects that create the conditions for children to move, imagine, take risks, and connect with others
Community-based projects that support child-directed activities and free play
Projects involving land-based play groups, nature-based play landscapes, and outdoor space improvements
Who can I contact for more information about the Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play?
You can contact Community Foundation of Ottawa (OCF) by email at none or by phone at none.
Where is the Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play available?
The Ottawa Community Foundation - Free to Play program is available across Canada.