Youth Play Micro-grant Program

Micro-grants of $500–$2,000 fill a real gap for the youth-serving organizations we partner with, including those focused on adult summer camp experiences. Traditional grants can be slow, complex, and often out of reach for small teams with big ideas — and fundraising events for community events can be time-consuming and unpredictable, making them unfeasible for many nonprofit groups. Meanwhile, the needs on the ground are immediate: whether it's securing outdoor activities like a set of play supplies, transportation for a field day, materials for an after-school nature-based program, or a spark of funding to test a new idea. Our micro-grants meet partners where they are, offering fast, flexible support without asking them to take on the heavy lift of raising the money themselves, thus creating more volunteer opportunities for those in the community.

Our grants are intentionally flexible so mission-aligned partners can use them where they’ll have the biggest impact in our communities. Eligible uses include: 

- Outdoor play equipment and supplies 

- Transportation for youth to attend community events and play activities 

- Materials for pop-up outdoor play experiences or nature-based programming 

- Youth leadership stipends or hours, including support for adult summer camp initiatives 

- Pilot ideas that need a small spark to get off the ground 

- Creative, movement-based programming that encourages kids to engage in outdoor activities 

- Scholarships and youth subsidies that lower the cost of entry and expand access to play, as well as volunteer opportunities. 

If it helps kids move, play, explore, or connect to the outdoors— it’s likely a fit.

We’re excited to support a wide range of youth‑focused partners in our Maryland and DC communities, including:  Schools and after‑school programs, camps and youth‑serving nonprofits, community groups and neighborhood organizations supporting youth programs, small teams with big ideas for outdoor activities, and well‑established, vetted partners already serving local youth.  To keep this program inclusive and accessible to all young people, we’re not able to fund religious organizations, political groups, or programs whose primary purpose is religious or political activity. We especially welcome partners serving underserved or historically excluded youth, as well as those providing volunteer opportunities to address barriers to access in their communities. Our goal is to reach the people who know their communities best — and to fill the gaps where a little support can open the door to a lot more play, including community events that enrich lives and foster connections.

Simple online application — launching soon for community events like adult summer camps. No long proposals, no complicated paperwork — just a quick, clear way to share your idea. Flexible funding — use it where it matters most, whether for nonprofit initiatives or outdoor activities. We trust you to know what your kids and community need. A small update from you — big ripple for the community. Let us know how the proceeds were spent, and we’ll help share the story of what came to life through your volunteer opportunities. 

We’re focused on filling gaps in our Maryland and DC communities by supporting programs that reach beyond parents and local leaders to benefit whole neighborhoods.

Applications for our adult summer camp open in 2026, and we’re excited to share more about our community events and outdoor activities soon. Sign up to get updates and details on volunteer opportunities and the launch.