Closed
Source verified May 15, 2026
RFP: Play Learn Thrive
Funding for early childhood crisis innovations
Funding available
$ 300,000 - $ 1,500,000
Deadline
September 23, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
Grand Challenges Canada and The LEGO Foundation support early childhood development and education in emergency settings. Funding is available for Proof of Concept and Transition to Scale projects in Jordan, Lebanon, Kenya, and Uganda.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Minimum amount : 300,000 $
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
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Innovations that strengthen children’s education and development in crisis settings
- Innovations that strengthen caregivers, educators, and other child support networks
- Play-based solutions for early learning and child support
- Projects designed for culturally sensitive, community-driven delivery
Documents Needed
- Completed online application form
- Project summary and screening questionnaire
- Supporting documents requested in the application form
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Legally incorporated not-for-profit organizations
- Organizations with an active presence in Jordan, Lebanon, Kenya, or Uganda
- Organizations legally registered to operate in at least one of these countries
Who is not eligible
- For-profit entities
- Individuals
- Sole proprietorships
- Unincorporated trusts and partnerships
- Government institutions and United Nations country offices
Eligible expenses
- Employee salaries, benefits, and daily wages for project work
- Subcontractor fees and sub-grants for project-related services
- Travel, goods, supplies, and equipment directly tied to the project
- Project administration costs such as communications, translation, printing, meetings, software, and office space used for the project
- Up to 10% of modified total direct costs for indirect costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before or after the funding agreement period
- Entertainment, alcohol, cannabis, gifts, fundraising, advocacy, and debt repayment costs
- Marketing or promotional communications that do not directly support project objectives
- Military equipment, weapons, surveillance equipment, and similar restricted items
- Expenses already paid by another funder or source
Eligible geographic areas
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Kenya
- Uganda
Selection criteria
- Innovation and originality of the solution
- Relevance to children and support networks in polycrisis settings
- Use of play-based approaches
- Potential impact on priority child development or education outcomes
- Leadership capacity, local connection, and implementation strength
How to apply
- Step 1: Create or access a Fluxx account
- Use the Grand Challenges Canada Fluxx portal.
- Existing users log in; new users create an account.
- Step 2: Complete the application
- Fill out the screening questionnaire and project summary.
- Complete all required questions in the online form.
- Step 3: Submit through Fluxx
- Review the application for accuracy.
- Submit the form in the portal before the deadline.
- Step 4: Await review
- Eligible TTS applicants may be invited to submit a full application.
- Selected applications proceed to external review and due diligence.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are screened for eligibility and innovation fit
- Eligible applications move to external peer review
- Selected TTS applications also undergo due diligence
- Final funding decisions are made by Grand Challenges Canada management or the Investment Committee/Board, depending on the stage
- A funding agreement is finalized before grant funds are released
Additional information
- Applications must be submitted in English.
- A Project Lead may only be listed on one application.
- Proof of Concept applicants cannot reapply if declined; TTS applicants may reapply in a future intake.
Frequently Asked Questions about the RFP: Play Learn Thrive Program
What is the RFP: Play Learn Thrive?
Grand Challenges Canada and The LEGO Foundation support early childhood development and education in emergency settings. Funding is available for Proof of Concept and Transition to Scale projects in Jordan, Lebanon, Kenya, and Uganda.
How much funding can be received?
RFP: Play Learn Thrive Funds up to $1,500,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the RFP: Play Learn Thrive program?
To be eligible for the RFP: Play Learn Thrive program, you must:
Not-for-profit organization
Active in an eligible country
Project delivered directly in-country
What expenses are eligible under RFP: Play Learn Thrive?
Innovations that strengthen children’s education and development in crisis settings
Innovations that strengthen caregivers, educators, and other child support networks
Play-based solutions for early learning and child support
Projects designed for culturally sensitive, community-driven delivery
Who can I contact for more information about the RFP: Play Learn Thrive?
You can contact Grand Challenges Canada (GCC).
Where is the RFP: Play Learn Thrive available?
The RFP: Play Learn Thrive program is available across Canada.
Is the RFP: Play Learn Thrive a grant, loan, or tax credit?
RFP: Play Learn Thrive is a Grant and Funding