Closed
Last Update: June 7, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000 - $ 150,000
Timeline
- Closing date : February 24, 2026
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
Free to Play supports Toronto community projects that help children reconnect with nature, friends, and their imagination. Eligible organizations can request between $20,000 and $150,000 for creative outdoor play programs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Minimum amount : 20,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : February 24, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
- Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups
- Children & youth
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Creative outdoor play programs for children.
- Community projects that expand access to outdoor play.
- Initiatives that build local capacity and collaboration around outdoor play.
- Projects that help children reconnect with nature, friends, and imagination.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form.
- Simple budget form.
- Organization registration information in the application system.
- Supporting review of the Applicant Guide.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered charities.
- Nonprofits with trustee.
- Incorporated nonprofit organizations.
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations.
- Unincorporated nonprofits.
- Business non-profit institutions, including business associations and chambers of commerce.
- Individuals.
Eligible expenses
- Administrative costs directly related to the project.
- Communications.
- Contractor or professional service fees.
- Evaluation activities.
- Staff salaries, materials, training, translation, travel, and transportation.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities or services carried out outside of Canada.
- Costs incurred before April 2026 or after November 2028.
- Politically partisan activities.
- Purchase of land, buildings, real estate-related costs, or electronic devices.
- Expenses not directly related to the approved project.
Eligible geographic areas
- Toronto.
- Select Canadian communities served by participating community foundations.
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the fund’s objective of supporting outdoor play.
- Community benefit and response to local needs.
- Feasibility, readiness, and organizational capacity.
- Potential for long-term impact in the community.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the Applicant Guide
- Read the guide for eligibility, objectives, and local details.
- Check the participating community foundation for your area.
- Step 2: Register in the application system
- Create an account in the application portal.
- Register your organization before completing the application.
- Step 3: Prepare the application
- Complete the application form.
- Fill out the budget form with expected expenses and activities.
- Step 4: Submit before the deadline
- Submit the application through the portal by February 24, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a local review committee convened by participating community foundations.
- Some community foundations may use a participatory grantmaking process.
- Applications are evaluated based on program alignment, community benefit, feasibility, and long-term impact.
- Successful applicants are notified in April 2026.
- Approved organizations sign a Funding Agreement before receiving payment.
Additional information
- Organizations may submit one application.
- Collaborating organizations can work together on the same application.
- Funded organizations will sign a Funding Agreement before receiving payment.
- Reporting is light-touch, with a final report required for all recipients.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Toronto Foundation - Free Play Program
What is the Toronto Foundation - Free Play?
Free to Play supports Toronto community projects that help children reconnect with nature, friends, and their imagination. Eligible organizations can request between $20,000 and $150,000 for creative outdoor play programs.
How much funding can be received?
Toronto Foundation - Free Play Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Toronto Foundation - Free Play program?
To be eligible for the Toronto Foundation - Free Play program, you must:
Registered charity or nonprofit.
Serves a participating community foundation area.
Project supports children's outdoor play.
What expenses are eligible under Toronto Foundation - Free Play?
Creative outdoor play programs for children.
Community projects that expand access to outdoor play.
Initiatives that build local capacity and collaboration around outdoor play.
Projects that help children reconnect with nature, friends, and imagination.
Who can I contact for more information about the Toronto Foundation - Free Play?
You can contact Toronto Foundation (TF).
Where is the Toronto Foundation - Free Play available?
The Toronto Foundation - Free Play program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Toronto Foundation - Free Play a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Toronto Foundation - Free Play is a Grant and Funding