[Edmonton Community Foundation](https://ecf.ca)

February 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

$15,000–$100,000 per project; total pool $766,000 for 2026–2027; projects may last up to 3 years

Supports Edmonton-area charities and non-profits to create and expand outdoor play opportunities for children, fostering healthy development and community connection.

Forecasted grant—dates and details may change; check funder page for updates.

--- ## Description This opportunity, offered by the Edmonton Community Foundation as part of the national Free to Play initiative, funds projects that expand outdoor play opportunities for children in the Greater Edmonton Area. The program aims to reduce barriers to outdoor play, encourage creativity, confidence, and well-being among children, and strengthen community connections. Eligible projects may include nature-based programming, reimagining community spaces, caregiver involvement, and culturally relevant or land-based play traditions. The initiative is delivered in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada and other national partners, with a focus on supporting meaningful, lasting change in children's play environments. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Grants range from **$15,000 to $100,000** per project. - Total pool for the Edmonton area is **$766,000** for 2026–2027. - Projects may last up to **three years**, with all funding to be used by 2028. - Applicants should request the amount needed for meaningful and lasting impact; budgets should be realistic and reflect organizational capacity. --- ## Eligibility **Eligible organizations:** - Registered charities and incorporated non-profit organizations (including Indigenous Governing Bodies, school boards, schools, and local organizations registered federally or provincially). - Must be based in and serve the Greater Edmonton Area (including Leduc, Parkland, Strathcona, and Sturgeon Counties, and Treaty 6 Territory). **Ineligible organizations:** - For-profit entities - Unincorporated non-profits - Business associations, chambers of commerce, condominium associations - Individuals **Eligible activities:** - Projects must take place within the Edmonton area and support the objectives of Free to Play (expanding outdoor play opportunities for children). - Activities may include developing outdoor spaces, training for caregivers/educators, community engagement, policy development, and collaborative initiatives that build capacity for outdoor play. **Ineligible activities:** - Projects outside Canada or not open to the intended community - One- or two-day events without lasting impact - Purely research-based, partisan, or religious activities - Major capital projects (e.g., building/purchasing land or buildings) - Solely purchasing playground equipment without programming - Virtual-only programming for children - Core funding not tied to a project - Purchasing electronic devices --- ## Application Process - Only one application per organization; collaborations are encouraged and can be included in a single application. - Review the [Applicant Guide](https://communityfoundations.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Free-to-Play-Applicant-Guide-EN.pdf) for detailed requirements. - Applications are submitted through the [Community Foundations of Canada Application Portal](https://communityfoundations.smartsimple.ca/s_Login.jsp). - Prepare a clear, realistic budget and describe how your project aligns with Free to Play’s objectives and will benefit the community. - Selection is by a local review committee, sometimes using participatory grantmaking principles. - Successful applicants will sign a funding agreement and complete light-touch reporting (midway check-in for some, final report for all). --- ## Additional Information - Funded organizations are invited to participate in shared learning experiences with other recipients to build skills and networks around outdoor play. - Accessibility support is available; contact the foundation if you have requirements for completing the application. - Projects should demonstrate long-term impact, community engagement, and sustainability beyond the funding period. --- ## External Links - [Edmonton Community Foundation – Free to Play Grant Details](https://ecf.ca/grants/free-to-play/) - [Community Foundations of Canada Application Portal](https://communityfoundations.smartsimple.ca/s_Login.jsp) - [Applicant Guide (PDF)](https://communityfoundations.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Free-to-Play-Applicant-Guide-EN.pdf) - [General Grants Information – Edmonton Community Foundation](https://ecf.ca/grants/) - [Contact Page – Edmonton Community Foundation](https://ecf.ca/who-we-are/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@ecf.ca | | Phone | 1-780-426-0015 | | Grants Team | grants@ecf.ca | | Contact Form | [Contact ECF](https://ecf.ca/who-we-are/contact/) |

Community Grants

Sign in to see full grant listing