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

February 2027

$15,000–$100,000 per project; all activities must be completed by 2028

Supports Edmonton-area organizations to create meaningful outdoor play opportunities for children and youth through projects fostering safe, engaging environments.

This is a forecasted grant; all dates are projected and subject to change.

--- ## Description The Free to Play Initiative, administered by the Edmonton Community Foundation, is a national funding program supporting projects that enhance outdoor play opportunities for children and youth in the Greater Edmonton Area. The initiative aims to remove barriers to outdoor play, encourage creativity, physical activity, and social connection, and foster healthier, more resilient communities. Projects may include nature-based programming, cultural play traditions, reimagining community spaces, and caregiver involvement. The program is part of a Canada-wide effort, with local delivery and priorities set by participating community foundations. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated/projected): Applications close / 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 available for Edmonton-area projects: approximately $766,000 across 2026 and 2027. - Projects may last up to three years but must be completed by 2028. - Applicants are encouraged to request the amount needed for meaningful, lasting impact. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible organizations:** - Registered charities - Incorporated non-profit organizations (including Indigenous governing bodies, Indigenous nations/communities, school boards, schools, and locally registered organizations at the federal or provincial level) - **Geography:** Must be based in and serve the Greater Edmonton Area (including Leduc, Parkland, Strathcona, and Sturgeon counties, and Indigenous-serving organizations within Treaty 6 Territory) - **Ineligible organizations:** For-profit entities, unincorporated nonprofits, business associations, chambers of commerce, condominium associations, and individuals - **Eligible activities:** Projects that create or expand access to outdoor play for children, such as nature-based programs, play space enhancements, caregiver/community engagement, and policy development for outdoor play - **Ineligible activities:** Purely research-based projects, one- or two-day events without lasting impact, partisan or religious activities, major capital projects, virtual programming, or projects focused solely on equipment purchase without play programming --- ## Application Process - Submit one application per organization; collaborations are allowed on a single application. - Applications are submitted via the [Community Foundations of Canada Application Portal](https://communityfoundations.smartsimple.ca/s_Login.jsp). - Review the [Applicant Guide (PDF)](https://communityfoundations.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Free-to-Play-Applicant-Guide-EN.pdf) and [FAQ](https://ecf.ca/wp-content/uploads/FTP-Frequently-Asked-Questions-ENFR-1.pdf) for detailed instructions. - A simple budget form and project plan are required. - Selection is conducted by a local review committee, with some community foundations using participatory grantmaking approaches. - Reporting requirements include a final report and, for some, a midway check-in. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must directly benefit children and youth through outdoor play and align with the initiative’s objectives. - Eligible expenses include staff costs, materials, training, honoraria, communications, and travel directly related to the project. - Ineligible expenses include costs outside Canada, unrelated expenses, major capital purchases, and political or religious activities. - Recipients will be invited to join learning sessions and peer networking opportunities focused on outdoor play. - Accessibility support is available for applicants with specific needs—contact the funder for assistance. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Free to Play Initiative (Edmonton Community Foundation)](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) - [FAQ (PDF)](https://ecf.ca/wp-content/uploads/FTP-Frequently-Asked-Questions-ENFR-1.pdf) - [Application Portal](https://communityfoundations.smartsimple.ca/s_Login.jsp) - [Edmonton Community Foundation Grants Overview](https://ecf.ca/grants/) - [Contact Form](https://ecf.ca/who-we-are/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |------------------|--------------------------------------------| | General Email | info@ecf.ca | | Grants Team | grants@ecf.ca | | Phone | 1-780-426-0015 | | Online Contact | [Contact Form](https://ecf.ca/who-we-are/contact/) | ---

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