Free to Play: Outdoor Play for Every Child
A national initiative delivered locally by the Westlock Community Foundation
What is Free to Play?
Free to Play brings funders and local community foundations together to support children through the power of outdoor play.
The Fund invests in projects that help children move, create, and connect — away from screens and into outdoor spaces where they feel free and supported.
Projects may include nature-based programs, land-based learning, or family-led initiatives — all focused on helping children take on challenges, try new things, and build real-world skills.
When children are free to explore and feel a sense of belonging, everyone benefits. Children thrive, families connect, and communities grow stronger.
Why Outdoor Play Matters
Outdoor play is more than fun — it’s essential for healthy childhood development.
Research shows that when children are free to explore, take risks, and use their imagination, they build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills that last a lifetime.
Outdoor play helps children:
-
Develop independence and decision-making skills
-
Build physical strength and coordination
-
Strengthen mental health and reduce stress
-
Foster creativity, curiosity, and social connection
Across Canada, children spend more time on screens and less time climbing trees, splashing in puddles, or making up games with friends.
Fewer than 40% of Canadian children meet recommended daily physical activity levels — and barriers like safety concerns, busy schedules, and limited outdoor spaces make it harder for many to play freely.
What Makes This Fund Unique
Free to Play is designed to:
-
Support projects shaped by local knowledge
-
Make outdoor play more accessible — especially for children who face barriers
-
Engage caregivers, educators, neighbours, and local leaders to build a culture of outdoor play
Great play needs more than a place — it needs a community behind it.
Funding Available Through Westlock Community Foundation
The Westlock Community Foundation has $351,000 available through Free to Play to support local projects that encourage children’s outdoor play.
Round 1: $ 180,500 (2025/2026)
Round 2: $ 170,500 (2026/2027)
Total: $ 351,000
We invite registered charities and incorporated non-profits, including Indigenous Governing Bodies, schools, and community groups, to apply.
Applications open November 28, 2025, and close February 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST.
View the application here (please note: applications must be submitted online - this is a reference document only)
Participatory Grantmaking
At the Westlock Community Foundation, community voices help guide decisions.
For Free to Play, we’re using a participatory grantmaking approach — meaning local residents, caregivers, and organizations rooted in outdoor play will help inform funding recommendations. This process centres lived experience, transparency, and local wisdom in every funding decision.
What Free to Play Will Fund
The fund focuses on programs and activities that bring outdoor play to life — like:
-
Nature-based learning
-
Open-ended adventure programs
-
Cultural play traditions
-
Caregiver and community engagement
This fund is not designed to support major capital or infrastructure projects, such as full playground builds or large-scale schoolyard renovations.
For full details, review the Applicant Guide
Free to Play Resources
Click on the links below to access resources in supporting education and awareness around free play.
Contact Us
If you have questions or need support preparing your application, we’re here to help.
info@westlockfoundation.ca
780-349-2212