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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ottawa Community Foundation - 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 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