Free to Play Objective:

Supports children by creating the conditions for them to play their own way; moving, imagining, taking risks and connecting with others how they choose.

The Fund aims to:

  • Increase opportunities for outdoor play;

  • Reduce barriers that limit everyday outdoor play opportunities;

  • Contribute to the well-being, confidence, and healthy development of children in your community; and

  • Contribute to a long-term shift that values outdoor play as essential to childhood

Important numbers:

  • Intake opens: November 28, 2025

  • Information session: December 10, 2025 at 2pm Atlantic Time REGISTER HERE

  • Intake closes: February 24, 2026

  • Applicants notified by: April 2026

  • Funding period: April 2026-November 2028

  • Funding request range:
    $5,000 to $75,000

Nova Scotia’s Rural Communities Foundation will involve applicants in the decision-making process. Applicants will be expected to participate in the final allocation process, determining how much each project will recieve - honorarium will be provided for the time spent in allocation meetings.

Application and Decision-Making Process

Step 1: Contact us for an initial discussion about your project idea

Step 2: Register in the application system

Step 3: Complete the application form before Feb 24, 2026 at 9pm Atlantic Time

Step 4: Applicants will gather remotely on Friday, Feb 27 (11am AST), March 10 (11am ADT), and March 16 (11am ADT) to determine allocations

Step 5: Allocation decisions announced by end of March 2026

Applicant Guide

Evaluation details will be added to this site.