Community Grants
The Free to Play initiative funds projects in Greater Edmonton that create inclusive, engaging outdoor play opportunities for children, emphasizing healthy development and community connection.
Funder: Edmonton Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026: Applications open (projected) | February 2027: Applications close / Full application deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: Grants range from $15,000 to $100,000 per project; all funded activities must be completed by 2028.
Summary: Supports Edmonton-area charities and non-profits to create outdoor play opportunities for children, fostering healthy development and community connection.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; dates and details may shift—check the program page for updates.
Description
The Free to Play initiative, delivered through the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF), is a national grant program supporting projects that expand meaningful outdoor play opportunities for children in the Greater Edmonton Area. The program seeks to foster safe, engaging environments where children can move, imagine, take risks, and connect with others, away from screens and structured activities. Projects may include nature-based programming, cultural play traditions, reimagining community spaces, and more, with a focus on removing barriers to outdoor play and building long-term community capacity.
