Youth Play Micro-grant Program
Expanding access to outdoor joy for Maryland & DC youth — launching 2026
Launching in 2026, the Red Rover Movement Micro‑Grant Program offers fast, flexible funding to help schools, camps, and youth‑serving organizations bring more outdoor joy to our communities. Designed for small teams with big ideas, these micro‑grants cut through the usual red tape and deliver support right when it’s needed — for equipment, transportation, materials, youth leadership, or fresh play‑based projects.
Be the first to know when applications open
Join our interest list to get updates, early access, and launch details for the 2026 Micro‑Grant Program.
Why Micro-Grants
Micro‑grants of $500–$2,000 fill a real gap for the youth‑serving organizations we partner. Traditional grants are often slow, complex, and out of reach for small teams with big ideas — and fundraising events can be time‑consuming, unpredictable, and simply not feasible for many community groups. Meanwhile, the needs on the ground are immediate: a set of outdoor 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.
What These Micro‑Grants Support
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 play events
- Materials for pop‑up outdoor play experiences or community nature-based programing
- Youth leadership stipends or hours
- Pilot ideas that need a small spark to get off the ground
- Creative, movement‑based programming that brings kids outside
- Scholarships and youth subsidies that lower the cost of entry and expand access to play
If it helps kids move, play, explore, or connect to the outdoors— it’s likely a fit.
Who Can Apply
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 joy
- 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 and working 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.
How It Works
- Simple online application — launching soon
No long proposals, no complicated paperwork — just a quick, clear way to share your idea. - Flexible funding — use it where it matters most
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.
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.
Launching 2026
Applications open in 2026, and we’re excited to share more soon. Sign up to get updates and launch details.