Grants and student awards

Free to Play

Hamilton Community Foundation is excited to launch Free to Play in Hamilton through Free to Play, we’re supporting community projects that help kids unplug and reconnect — with nature, friends, and their imaginations.

Free to Play supports local solutions that break down barriers to play so more children can move, create, and connect.

In this first intake, Hamilton Community Foundation has $265,000 available to allocate locally.

Starting November 28, 2025 organizations in Hamilton can apply for funding to deliver creative programs that engage children in outdoor play. Eligible applicants include registered charities or non-profit organizations, including Indigenous Governing Bodies, incorporated non-profit organizations, such as a community group, Indigenous nation/community, school board, school, or local organization registered federally or provincially.

Applications open on November 28, 2025, at 12:00 pm EST and close on February 24, 2026, at 8:00 pm EST.

Free to Play is being delivered in selected communities across Canada to ensure deep local impact, with the long-term goal of scaling in future phases.

On December 10th, CFC is hosting a public webinar focused on the importance of children’s outdoor play. This webinar is open to applicants and any interested community foundations. Register here.

HCF local criteria for Free to Play applications 

PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING: In addition to the eligibility requirements covered in the Free to Play Applicant Guide, the following additional local criteria are in place for applications through the Hamilton Community Foundation:  

For more information please contact us at freetoplay@hamiltoncommunityfoundation.ca.