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

February 2027 (Full application/projected)

$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.

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. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated/projected, full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Grants typically range from **$15,000 to $100,000** per project. - Projects may span up to **three years**, with all funding to be used by the end of 2028. - The total granting pool for the Edmonton area is approximately **$766,000** for the 2026–2027 cycle. - Applicants are encouraged to request the amount needed for meaningful, lasting impact. --- ## Eligibility **Eligible Applicants:** - Registered charities or incorporated non-profit organizations (including Indigenous Governing Bodies, municipalities, school boards, schools, and federally/provincially registered local organizations). - Must serve and be based in the Greater Edmonton Area, including Leduc, Parkland, Strathcona, and Sturgeon Counties, and Indigenous-serving organizations in Treaty 6 Territory. **Ineligible Applicants:** - For-profit organizations - Unincorporated nonprofits - Business associations, chambers of commerce, condominium associations - Individuals **Eligible Activities:** - Projects supporting outdoor play for children, taking place within the Edmonton area. - Initiatives may include nature-based activities, training for caregivers, reimagining play spaces, policy development, and community engagement. **Ineligible Activities:** - Activities outside Canada - Short-term (1–2 day) events without lasting impact - Partisan, political, or election-related activities - Purely research-based or religious activities - Major capital projects (building/purchasing land/buildings), core funding without a project, or purchasing electronic devices --- ## Application Process - Only one application per organization (collaborative applications allowed). - Applications are submitted via the [Community Foundations of Canada Application Portal](https://communityfoundations.smartsimple.ca/s_Login.jsp). - Review the [Applicant Guide](https://communityfoundations.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Free-to-Play-Applicant-Guide-EN.pdf) for detailed requirements and examples. - Some foundations may use a participatory grantmaking process—contact ECF for local details. - Accessibility accommodations are available upon request. --- ## Additional Information - Funded organizations will sign a funding agreement and complete light-touch reporting, focusing on reflections and stories rather than burdensome data. - Recipients are invited to participate in a national learning cohort to share best practices and build capacity for outdoor play. - Eligible expenses include project-related admin, materials, training, salaries, and travel; ineligible expenses include costs outside the project period, land/building purchases, and unrelated admin. --- ## External Links - [Edmonton Community Foundation – Free to Play Grant Overview](https://ecf.ca/grants/free-to-play/) - [Community Foundations of Canada – Free to Play Initiative](https://communityfoundations.ca/initiatives/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) - [General ECF Grants Page](https://ecf.ca/grants/) - [Contact ECF](https://ecf.ca/who-we-are/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |--------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@ecf.ca](mailto:info@ecf.ca) / 1-780-426-0015 | | Grants Team (questions) | [grants@ecf.ca](mailto:grants@ecf.ca) | | Accessibility Support | [Contact ECF](https://ecf.ca/who-we-are/contact/) |

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