Grants for opportunities for active play for children&youth

The Active Play Challenge grant programme supports initiatives that create more opportunities for active play for children and young people in cities. The programme encourages organisations to develop new approaches to playful environments and integrate active play into everyday life.

Key focus areas include:

• creating more opportunities for active play for children and young people;
• reimagining and developing playful spaces;
• designing programmes that incorporate active play into everyday routines;
• supporting initiatives that promote healthy development, learning, and well-being for children and young people.

The grant programme is open to legally registered organisations worldwide that have the mandate, expertise, and capacity to lead and implement initiatives creating opportunities for active play.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• applicants must be able to receive and manage grant funding in accordance with applicable laws and local regulations;
• each organisation may submit only one application as the lead applicant and must select one primary category;
• partner organisations may participate in multiple applications, provided they are not the lead applicant;
• applications are accepted from organisations in all countries;
• organisations established, owned, controlled, or acting on behalf of persons or entities subject to sanctions or other legal restrictions may be deemed ineligible;
• the organisers may conduct due diligence and request additional information at any stage of the application, evaluation, or award process.

The programme also strongly encourages youth-led organisations, led by individuals aged 18–25, to apply.

Winning initiatives will receive funding of USD 50,000–100,000 to refine and implement their projects. Up to six initiatives will be selected for financial support.

In addition to funding, the programme provides:

• expert technical assistance throughout the implementation period;
• participation of one representative from each winning team in the "Play Masterclass" week in Barcelona;
• thematic sessions, hands-on workshops, meetings with experts, and networking opportunities;
• shortlisted finalists will also gain access to selected learning opportunities and peer-to-peer exchange.

The grant programme supports innovative and practical initiatives that expand opportunities for active play for children and young people aged 0–25, with a strong focus on underserved communities facing barriers to safe and inclusive active play.

Supported activities and project types include:

• Play by Design — projects that integrate active play into the design of homes, streets, schools, buildings, and public spaces.
• Play in Action — activities and services that embed active play into everyday routines and existing environments.
• Play for Early Years — design solutions, activities, and services for children aged 0–5, their parents, and caregivers, supporting healthy early childhood development.

Projects should demonstrate a structured implementation approach, scalability, and long-term impact. Proposals are also encouraged to promote creativity, strengthen social connections, and, where relevant, engage with indigenous cultures and knowledge in meaningful and respectful ways.

Priority is given to initiatives that expand safe, inclusive, and accessible opportunities for active play for children and young people.

The programme roadmap outlines the key milestones from the launch of the challenge through the implementation of the selected initiatives.

Key dates and stages:

• 11 June 2026 — official launch of the grant programme.
• 29 June 2026 — Q&A webinar for applicants.
• 14 August 2026 — application deadline.
• 30 September 2026 — announcement of shortlisted finalists.
• 20 November 2026 — announcement of the winners.
• 2 December 2026 — winners' showcase event.
• February – November 2027 — implementation period for the funded projects.

Applicants must submit their application through the official online platform and follow the programme guidance when preparing their proposal.

Application process:

• create an account by clicking the Apply button;
• review the application guidance and supporting documents;
• complete and submit the application by following the required steps;
• submit the application in English;
• receive a confirmation email after successful submission.

Both new and existing initiatives are eligible to apply, provided they aim to test, expand, or scale solutions that promote active play. After submission, applications are reviewed by an independent jury, shortlisted finalists receive feedback to refine their proposals, and the winning initiatives receive financial and technical support for implementation.

The organisers provide a Q&A webinar recording covering eligibility, application categories, and the selection process. A dedicated FAQ page is also available.

The grant programme is delivered through a partnership of several international organisations that provide financial, technical, and expert support to participants.

Key programme partners include:

• Novo Nordisk;
• Arup;
• RMIT University;
• Save the Children;
• Right To Play;
• International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA).

The Play for Early Years category is supported by the Van Leer Foundation.

The partners provide:

• expert guidance for finalists and winners;
• learning opportunities and technical assistance;
• tailored feedback to strengthen project proposals;
• support for the implementation of scalable and inclusive solutions.

Novo Nordisk is the primary funder of the programme. The Van Leer Foundation also supports winning initiatives in the Play for Early Years category, while all partners contribute additional in-kind technical and learning support.