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

October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

$15,000–$100,000 per grant; up to 3 years of operational/project support

Supports organizations in the Greater Edmonton Area to create and sustain outdoor play opportunities for children through multi-year funding.

Forecasted grant—dates and details subject to change; check the program page for updates.

--- ## Description This grant provides operational and project-based funding for organizations in the Greater Edmonton Area focused on expanding outdoor play opportunities for children. The initiative is part of a national effort to remove barriers to outdoor play, encouraging projects that foster creativity, confidence, and community connection through unstructured, child-led outdoor activities. Funding is available for up to three years, supporting both existing and new programs that align with the goal of helping children thrive through outdoor play. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (anticipated/projected 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 organization. - Funding supports activities up to three years in duration (all activities must be completed by 2028). - Total local funding pool (for Edmonton area): $766,000 available for 2026–2027. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be registered charities or incorporated non-profit organizations, including Indigenous Governing Bodies and organizations such as: - Indigenous nations/communities - School boards and schools - Federally or provincially registered local organizations - Organizations must be based in and serve the Greater Edmonton Area (including Leduc, Parkland, Strathcona, and Sturgeon Counties, and Indigenous-serving organizations in Treaty 6 Territory). - Projects must focus on creating meaningful outdoor play opportunities for children (e.g., nature-based programming, cultural play, family-led initiatives, reimagining community spaces). - Only one application per organization; collaborative applications are allowed. - For full eligibility criteria, see the [Applicant Guide](https://communityfoundations.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Free-to-Play-Applicant-Guide-EN.pdf). --- ## Application Process 1. Review eligibility and program details on the [Environmental Operating Grants page](https://ecf.ca/grants/free-to-play/). 2. Prepare required documentation as outlined in the [Applicant Guide](https://communityfoundations.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Free-to-Play-Applicant-Guide-EN.pdf). 3. Submit your application through the [Community Foundations of Canada Application Portal](https://communityfoundations.smartsimple.ca/s_Login.jsp). 4. For questions or support, contact the ECF Grants Team at [grants@ecf.ca](mailto:grants@ecf.ca). --- ## Additional Information - Eligible expenses include staff salaries, materials, training, honoraria, evaluation, and administrative costs directly related to the project. - Ineligible activities include for-profit ventures, partisan or religious projects, major capital expenditures, and activities outside Canada. - Funded organizations will participate in check-ins and a final report focused on learnings and impact. - Recipients are invited to join a learning community to share best practices and strengthen their projects. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Details](https://ecf.ca/grants/free-to-play/) - [Applicant Guide (PDF)](https://communityfoundations.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Free-to-Play-Applicant-Guide-EN.pdf) - [Application Portal](https://communityfoundations.smartsimple.ca/s_Login.jsp) - [FAQ (PDF)](https://ecf.ca/wp-content/uploads/FTP-Frequently-Asked-Questions-ENFR-1.pdf) - [Community Foundations of Canada Program Page](https://communityfoundations.ca/initiatives/free-to-play/) - [Contact ECF](https://ecf.ca/who-we-are/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact/Link | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Grants Team (Edmonton) | [grants@ecf.ca](mailto:grants@ecf.ca) | | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://ecf.ca/who-we-are/contact/) | | Phone | 1-780-426-0015 |

Environmental Operating Grants

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