Free to Play
Now accepting applications
Closing: February 24, 2026 8:00pm ET.
Toronto Foundation is excited to launch Free to Play, a new initiative, created in collaboration with Community Foundations of Canada and seeded by the Waltons Trust and the Lawson Foundation. Through Free to Play, Toronto Foundation is supporting Toronto community projects that help kids unplug and reconnect — with nature, friends, and their imaginations.
Organizations can apply for funding to deliver creative programs that engage children in outdoor play. Eligible applicants include registered charities, nonprofits with trustee or incorporated nonprofit organizations.
Before you begin your application, review the Applicant Guide for details about the program, including eligibility and funding objectives.
For this round of granting, Toronto Foundation has $806,500 available. Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from $20,000 to $150,000.
Our goal is to fund applications for the full amount requested. When preparing your application, please request the amount you truly need to deliver meaningful and lasting impact. Taking only what you need helps to ensure we can support as many strong local initiatives as possible, while still resourcing projects for success.
Free to Play is being delivered in select communities across Canada to ensure deep local impact, with the long-term goal of scaling in future phases. For organizations outside Toronto, please visit the Free to Play website to see the list of participating communities.
KEY DATES:
Friday, November 28, 2025: Application portal opens
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET: Free to Play Webinar hosted by Community Foundations of Canada. REGISTER HERE.
December 2025 – February 2026: Toronto Foundation will host three (3) virtual sessions to answer questions about the application (ie: grant focus, eligibility criteria etc.). We ask that applicants review the Applicant Guide.
- Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET: REGISTER HERE
- Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET: REGISTER HERE
- Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET: REGISTER HERE
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET: Application portal closes
March 2026: Application review and selection period
April 2026: Successful applicants are notified
If you have any questions, please reach out to the Community Impact team at freetoplay@torontofoundation.ca
*Please Note: It is our intention to lead a closed intake process for round 2 of this fund.
We acknowledge we are on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. While Indigenous communities in Toronto remain strong, vibrant, and resilient, they need support to address and overcome the impact of colonialism and systemic inequalities. Furthering Indigenous reconciliation and sovereignty are integral to achieving a more fair and just society where everyone can thrive.
We aim to be an ally and to fund local Indigenous organizations.
We acknowledge we are on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. While Indigenous communities in Toronto remain strong, vibrant, and resilient, they need support to address and overcome the impact of colonialism and systemic inequalities. Furthering Indigenous reconciliation and sovereignty are integral to achieving a more fair and just society where everyone can thrive.
We aim to be an ally and to fund local Indigenous organizations.