Project Play WNY Winter Free Play Series Grant
Forecasted
Project Play WNY Winter Free Play Series Grant supports youth-serving organizations offering free, self-directed winter play across Western New York to build skills and lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.
Funder: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: 2026 awards totaled $40,000 across 12 organizations; individual awards ranged from $1,600 to $5,000
Summary: Supports youth-serving organizations offering self-directed winter free play opportunities across Western New York at no cost to families.
Key Information: Programming must occur during the local school district’s February mid-winter break week.
Description
The Project Play WNY Winter Free Play Series supports organizations providing young people with opportunities to play, have fun, and enjoy self-directed activities during the February school break. Offered through the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the series aims to reach youth across all eight counties of Western New York, with particular attention to children ages 5–14. Activities are offered at no cost to families.
The series advances Project Play WNY’s mission of ensuring all children can be active through sports, regardless of zip code. Its emphasis is on non-instructional play that encourages creativity, physical and social skill development, and lifelong enjoyment of physical activity. Supported activities have included public ice skating, sports, games, open gyms, hiking, and sledding.
