Community Grants
This grant funds Edmonton-area projects that create inclusive, unstructured outdoor play opportunities for children to support healthy development and community engagement.
Funder: Edmonton Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Full application/projected)
Funding Amounts: $15,000–$100,000 per grant; projects may run up to 3 years (all funding used by 2028); total pool approx. $766,000 for 2026–2027.
Summary: Supports Edmonton-area charities and nonprofits to create meaningful outdoor play opportunities for children, focusing on unstructured, inclusive, and community-rooted activities.
Description
This grant opportunity, delivered by the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) as part of the national "Free to Play" initiative, funds projects that foster outdoor play for children in the Greater Edmonton Area. The program aims to remove barriers to outdoor play, encourage unstructured and creative activities, and promote healthy, confident childhood development. Eligible projects may include nature-based programming, reimagined community spaces, caregiver involvement, and culturally relevant play traditions. The initiative is part of a national partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, the Waltons Trust, the Lawson Foundation, and Canadian Jumpstart Charities.
