2026 Free to Play Update
Community Foundation Grey Bruce (CFGB) is proud to announce $219,300 in funding through the 2026 Free to Play initiative, supporting seven community-led projects that will create more opportunities for children across Grey and Bruce counties to explore, imagine, connect, and play outdoors.
The 2026 program attracted strong interest, with 29 applications requesting more than $1.2 million in funding. A local volunteer review team carefully evaluated each application and recommended seven projects, all of which received their full funding request.
2026 Free to Play by the Numbers
- 29 applications submitted
- $1,217,614.75 requested
- 7 projects recommended by a local review team
- $219,300 awarded
"Outdoor play gives children the opportunity to build confidence, resilience, creativity, and a sense of belonging," said Stuart Reid, Executive Director of Community Foundation Grey Bruce. "We're proud to support organizations that are creating safe, welcoming spaces where children can explore, imagine, take healthy risks, and simply enjoy the freedom of playing outdoors."
The following projects are receiving funding through the 2026 Free to Play initiative:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce – Big Bunch: Play Without Limits, expanding outdoor mentoring experiences that encourage friendship, confidence, and child-led exploration.
- Camp Quality Canada – Supporting outdoor summer camp experiences for children affected by childhood cancer, providing accessible recreation, connection, and unforgettable memories.
- Friends of Historic Cargill Inc. – Creating the Cargill Schoolhouse Outdoor Play Space, transforming the grounds of the historic schoolhouse into a free, nature-based community play space featuring gardens, mud kitchens, loose parts, water play, and sensory experiences.
- Grey Bruce Public Health, in partnership with Grey County Early Learning & Child Care, Bruce County Children's Services, and Western University – Supporting childcare centres across Grey Bruce with educator training, evidence-based best practices, and practical resources to strengthen active outdoor play.
- The Meeting Place Tobermory – Developing Trail Walk Play Coves, a series of nature-inspired play stations along a public woodland trail where children can discover, imagine, and play freely.
- Municipality of South Bruce – Strengthening Outdoor Play in South Bruce, enhancing child-led outdoor play through staff training, new play equipment, updated recreation policies, and free and low-cost drop-in outdoor play sessions in Teeswater, Formosa, and Mildmay.
- Ontario Track3 Adaptive Sports Association – Expanding adaptive skiing and snowboarding opportunities for children with disabilities, helping more families experience the joy and freedom of winter outdoor play.
Free to Play is a national initiative led by Community Foundations of Canada and powered locally by participating community foundations. Seeded by support from Waltons Trust, with additional support from The Lawson Foundation and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, the initiative helps communities create more opportunities for outdoor play, curiosity, healthy risk-taking, and belonging.
Community Foundation Grey Bruce is proud to have fully funded all seven recommended projects and invites donors, businesses, governments, and community partners to help expand outdoor play opportunities for local children.
Another round of Free to Play funding is expected to open in early 2027. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to subscribe to the Community Foundation Grey Bruce newsletter at www.communityfoundationgreybruce.com to stay informed about grant opportunities, application deadlines, and Foundation news.
To learn more about Free to Play, visit https://communityfoundations.ca/initiatives/free-to-play.
About Community Foundation Grey Bruce
Community Foundation Grey Bruce inspires giving to build strong, vibrant, and resilient communities throughout Grey and Bruce counties. By connecting donors with causes they care about, the Foundation supports charitable initiatives that improve quality of life today and for generations to come.
About Free to Play
Free to Play is an initiative led by Community Foundations of Canada, seeded by Waltons Trust with support from The Lawson Foundation and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. The initiative supports outdoor play for children across Canada through projects funded by local community foundations.