Grant funding to support childrens' programming across Grey-Bruce

Community Foundation Grey Bruce has awarded more than $219,000 through the Free to Play

Article content Community Foundation Grey Bruce has announced more than $219,000 in funding for seven projects through its Free to Play initiative. The program supports community project that create opportunities for children across the region to explore, imagine, connect and play outdoors. This year’s initiative attracted 29 applications requesting more than $1.2 million in funding, with seven receiving their full funding requests following an evaluation from a local volunteer review team.

Recommended Videos “Outdoor play gives children the opportunity to build confidence, resilience, creativity and a sense of belonging,” Community Foundation Executive Director Stuart Reid said in a news release. “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.” Projects receiving funding include: – 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 and 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.

The Free to Play program is a national initiative led by Community Foundations of Canada. Another round of Free to Play funding is expected to open in early 2027. More information about the program is available at https://communityfoundations.ca/initiatives/free-to-play.