SurreyCares Community Foundation is pleased to announce support for local outdoor play projects in Surrey through the Free to Play fund.
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 for the first round of funding is now closed. All applications are currently under review, decisions will be announced by the end of March.
The second round of funding will be open late 2027. Please review the Applicant Guide and resources below carefully to ensure your project meets the guidelines before submission
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.
Resources
-
Launch of the 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play! & Whiteboard Video
-
January 20th, 2026: Applicant Webinar