Closed

RFP: Play Learn Thrive

Q: How much funding can be received?

RFP: Play Learn Thrive Funds up to $1,500,000 of admissible expenses.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the RFP: Play Learn Thrive?

You can contact Grand Challenges Canada (GCC).

Q: Where is the RFP: Play Learn Thrive available?

The RFP: Play Learn Thrive program is available across Canada.

Q: Is the RFP: Play Learn Thrive a grant, loan, or tax credit?

RFP: Play Learn Thrive is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the RFP: Play Learn Thrive?

RFP: Play Learn Thrive is funded by Grand Challenges Canada (GCC)

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Canada

Funding for innovative early childhood development projects in emergencies

Grant and Funding

Grand Challenges Canada

Processing And Agreement

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Integrate new technologies

Increasing community impact

Develop strategic partnerships

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Minimum amount : 300,000 $

Timeline

Closing date : September 23, 2025

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

Overview

These grants aim to address critical gaps in support for vulnerable children affected by crises, fostering scalable and sustainable solutions that can be adapted for broader use across the target regions. Both proof-of-concept and scaling projects are encouraged to develop evidence-based approaches, with an emphasis on innovation, impact, and long-term sustainability.

Activities funded

Development and testing of innovative educational tools for children affected by emergencies.
Implementation of community-based support systems for children’s developmental needs.
Scaling successful interventions across wider regions or populations.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 450,000

Supporting early childhood development through education initiatives

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Legally registered not-for-profit organizations operating in Jordan, Lebanon, Kenya, or Uganda.
Organizations with active local presence implementing relevant programs.

Who is not eligible

Organizations without legal registration in the eligible countries.
For-profit companies or commercial enterprises.
Applicants lacking active local operations or presence in the target regions.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

Activities unrelated to children’s development or education in emergency contexts.
Expenses for projects outside of the eligible countries or without active local presence.
Non-initiatives not aligned with the program’s focus on scalable solutions.
Activities not directly contributing to project objectives or deliverables.

Eligible geographic areas

Jordan, Lebanon, Kenya, Uganda

Selection criteria

Innovation and originality of proposed approach.
Potential impact on children’s development and education in emergency contexts.
Feasibility and clarity of project implementation plan.
Potential for scalability and sustainability.
Alignment with program goals and strategic priorities.

How to apply

Create an account on the application portal.Complete the online application form with project details.Upload all required supporting documents.Review the application to ensure completeness and accuracy.Submit the application before the deadline.

Processing and Agreement

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the RFP: Play Learn Thrive Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the RFP: Play Learn Thrive. 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 RFP: Play Learn Thrive?

Grand Challenges Canada, supported by The LEGO Foundation, offers targeted financial assistance to innovative projects aimed at improving early childhood development and education in emergency settings across Jordan, Lebanon, Kenya, and Uganda. The program is designed to support groundbreaking ideas as well as scale-up successful interventions, with funding amounts tailored to the project's maturity and scope. These grants aim to address critical gaps in support for vulnerable children affected by crises, fostering scalable and sustainable solutions that can be adapted for broader use across the target regions. Both proof-of-concept and scaling projects are encouraged to develop evidence-based approaches, with an emphasis on innovation, impact, and long-term sustainability.