The Ottawa Community Foundation is funding local outdoor play projects in Ottawa through Free to Play. This new funding initiative was created in collaboration with Community Foundations of Canada and seeded by the Waltons Trust and the Lawson Foundation. Free to Play invests in imaginative, inclusive, and unstructured outdoor play, and supports public space design, family-based learning, or community-led programs that empower kids to move, create, and connect, away from screens.
Eligibility:
Eligible applicants include charities, incorporated nonprofits, Indigenous organizations, and other qualified donees serving children and families in the region. Before you begin your application, review the Applicant Guide for details about the program, including eligibility and funding objectives.
Funding Available:
- The Ottawa Community Foundation has $664,000 available to support local projects through Free to Play, through two rounds of funding.
- The Fund runs over multiple years:
- Round 1 (2025–2026) launches now, with $337,000 available for projects beginning in 2026 and running through 2028.
- Round 2 (2027–2028) begins in 2027, with $327,000 available for projects beginning in 2027 and wrapping up by 2028.
- The Ottawa Community Foundation will decide if they need to open a Round 2 call for proposals after evaluating how many projects they can fund in Round 1.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET
For further information about the Free to Play funding initiative or to apply, click here.
