SurreyCares Community Foundation is pleased to announce support for local outdoor play projects in Surrey through the Free to Play fund.
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This innovative new fund is a multi-year project designed to invest in unstructured, outdoor play; encouraging children to move, create and connect in a natural environment, away from screens.
"When we invest in play, we build stronger children, healthier communities, and a deeper sense of belonging." - Dr. Mariana Brussoni, Director, UBC Outside Play Lab
The Fund
In partnership with Community Foundations of Canada, SurreyCares Community Foundation is excited to launch Free to Play in Surrey!
Community Impact
Free to Play supports local solutions that break down barriers to outdoor play so more children can move, create, and connect in a natural environment.
The Process
Through Free to Play, we’re supporting community projects that help kids unplug and reconnect — with nature, friends, and their imaginations.
The application period is lengthy, closing Feb 24, 2026: all applications will be reviewed equally at the close of the application period. We strongly encourage applicants to take their time in this process, review the Applicant Guide and resources below carefully to ensure your project meets the guidelines before submission and register for the Free to Play Webinar happening December 10th, 2025. Below is a link to more information and the webinar registration link. SurreyCares is planning to hold an additional webinar in early January 2026. ​
​More information and resources about Free to Play can be found below.
We recommend you start with the Applicant Guide, which includes helpful examples of components of outdoor play, sample projects, eligible and ineligible expenses and much more.
Please review carefully and do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@surreycares.org with any questions or clarifications.
Starting November 28th, organizations in Surrey can apply for funding to deliver creative programs that engage children in unstructured, outdoor play.
Eligible applicants must be Surrey based and 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.
