Open
Last Update: June 23, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000 - $ 150,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
Toronto Foundation’s Free to Play supports community projects that help children engage in outdoor play. Eligible organizations can request grants from $20,000 to $150,000 for creative programs that reduce barriers and build lasting opportunities for outdoor play.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Minimum amount : 20,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
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
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
- Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Creative outdoor play programs for children
- Community projects that expand opportunities for outdoor or land-based play
- Initiatives that build lasting local capacity for outdoor play
- Collaborative projects involving families, caregivers, and community partners
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Budget form
- Applicant Guide review
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered charities
- Incorporated non-profit organizations
- Indigenous Governing Bodies
- Municipalities and local governments
Who is not eligible
- Individuals
- For-profit organizations
- Unincorporated nonprofits
- Business associations, chambers of commerce, and condominium associations
Eligible expenses
- Project-related staff salaries and related employment costs
- Materials and supplies
- Contractor or professional service fees
- Training, workshops, and evaluation
- Communications, translation, travel, transportation, and honoraria
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Activities or services carried out outside Canada
- Costs incurred before April 2026 or after November 2028
- Land, buildings, real estate-related costs, and electronic devices
- Partisan political activities
- Activities not directly related to the approved project
Eligible geographic areas
- Toronto
- Select communities across Canada served by participating community foundations
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the Free to Play objective
- Community benefit and response to local needs
- Feasibility, readiness, and organizational capacity
- Long-term impact in the community
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program details
- Read the Applicant Guide and FAQs.
- Confirm the participating community foundation for your area.
- Step 2: Create your application
- Create an account and register your organization in the application system.
- Prepare the application and budget information.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Submit one application through the online portal.
- Collaborating organizations may apply together on the same application.
- Submit before the closing date.
- Step 4: Await results
- Applications are reviewed by the local committee.
- Successful applicants are notified in April 2026.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a local review committee convened by participating community foundations.
- Some foundations use participatory grantmaking with community members with lived experience.
- Applications are assessed on 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
- Applications are submitted through an online portal.
- One application per organization is allowed.
- Applications may be submitted in English or French.
- Selected recipients will sign a Funding Agreement before receiving payment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Toronto Foundation - Free to Play Program
What is the Toronto Foundation - Free to Play?
Toronto Foundation’s Free to Play supports community projects that help children engage in outdoor play. Eligible organizations can request grants from $20,000 to $150,000 for creative programs that reduce barriers and build lasting opportunities for outdoor play.
How much funding can be received?
Toronto Foundation - Free to Play Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Toronto Foundation - Free to Play program?
To be eligible for the Toronto Foundation - Free to Play program, you must:
Registered charity or incorporated non-profit
Serves a participating community foundation area
Project supports outdoor play for children
What expenses are eligible under Toronto Foundation - Free to Play?
Creative outdoor play programs for children
Community projects that expand opportunities for outdoor or land-based play
Initiatives that build lasting local capacity for outdoor play
Collaborative projects involving families, caregivers, and community partners
Who can I contact for more information about the Toronto Foundation - Free to Play?
You can contact Toronto Foundation (TF).
Where is the Toronto Foundation - Free to Play available?
The Toronto Foundation - Free to Play program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Toronto Foundation - Free to Play a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Toronto Foundation - Free to Play is a Grant and Funding