Free To Play
Community Foundations of Canada has officially opened applications for Free to Play, a landmark $32M initiative designed to build a movement of outdoor play for children across the country.
Free to Play brings funders, local community foundations, and community organizations together to support children through the power of outdoor play.
Whether it’s climbing, digging, splashing, or imagining, Free to Play invests in initiatives that help kids move, connect, and explore outside.
The application deadline for the Free to Play was February 24, 2026. Submitted applications are now being reviewed, and results will be available by spring 2026.
Participating Community Foundations
Free to Play is beginning with 22 community foundations across Canada. This first round is focused on learning, partnership-building, and deep local impact. If your community foundation is not participating yet, we encourage you to stay connected. There will be more opportunities to get involved as the fund grows.
Explore Participating Community Foundations here.
Applicant Guide
The Applicant Guide outlines eligibility criteria, project examples, budget guidance, and key tips to support your application. We encourage all applicants to connect with their local participating community foundation to learn more about the process in their community.
Partner with us
We believe every child deserves the chance to play. We’re looking to grow this fund and opportunity for kids and communities across Canada.
We’re seeking philanthropic and corporate partners to help scale Free to Play. Together, we can spark more play, equity, and community impact.
Partnership Inquiries:
Nancy Perry Dossous
Director of Partnerships, Community Foundations of Canada
514-653-8622
ndossous@communityfoundations.ca
Free To Play Partners
Free to Play is made possible through partnership with participating community foundations, Waltons Trust, the Lawson Foundation, and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.
