Community Foundation Grey Bruce (CFGB) has announced the winners of the Free to Play initiative, with seven local projects splitting over $219,000.
CFGB received 29 applications for this year, requesting more than $1.2 million in funding. A local volunteer review team carefully evaluated each application and recommended seven projects.
The Free to Play initiative gives out funding annually that supports community-led projects that aim to create more opportunities for children across Grey and Bruce counties to explore, imagine, connect, and play outdoors.
Local organizations that are receiving funding this year include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce, Camp Quality Canada, Friends of Historic Cargill Inc., Grey Bruce Public Health, The Meeting Place Tobermory, the Municipality of South Bruce and the Ontario Track3 Adaptive Sports Association.
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.
"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."
Full details of the community projects receiving funding this year are as follows:
-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.
