by Kiera Merriam | 28 November 2025
Community Foundation Grey Bruce (CFGB) is inviting local organizations to apply for a new round of funding aimed at expanding access to outdoor, unstructured play for children and youth across the region.
The initiative is called Free to Play and is part of a national program led by Community Foundations of Canada with support from the Waltons Trust, the Lawson Foundation, and participating community foundations. In Grey Bruce, CFGB has $205,000 available to disburse in the first of two funding calls.
“This is an exciting opportunity to help all children in our community enjoy safe, joyful, unstructured, and meaningful play,” said Rick Hill, Chair of CFGB’s Board of Directors. “Free to Play supports local projects that help kids explore, take on challenges, and build lifelong skills and friendships through play.”
Expanding Access to Nature-Based and Imaginative Play
The program is designed to back community-led solutions that remove barriers to play and foster inclusive, creative, and natural spaces for children and youth. Projects eligible for funding may include:
Reimagining public spaces to encourage unstructured play in natural environments
Nature-based and cultural programming such as forest classrooms
Creative play initiatives tailored to local community needs
Equipment libraries where families can borrow toys and outdoor gear at no cost
Eligible applicants include registered charities, incorporated non-profits, Indigenous organizations, and other qualified donees.
“Free to Play is about more than play – it’s about equity, imagination, and belonging,” said Stuart Reid, Executive Director of CFGB. “We’re excited to work with local partners to make play more accessible for all kids, especially those who face systemic barriers.”
Applications Open Now
Applications in Grey Bruce open from November 28, 2025 until February 24, 2026. Applicants can download the guide, access the national application portal and find additional information about the program at communityfoundations.ca/initiatives/free-to-play.
