Active Play Challenge 2026 (2026)

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Active Play Challenge 2026 Active Play</h1>\r\n<h1>Challenge</h1>\r\n<h1>2026</h1>\r\n"}}"> About the challenge</h2>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-1825f09610" class="cmp-text"> Let’s get cities active through play, everywhere, every day.

\r\n \r\nChildren and young people need active play to grow, learn, stay healthy, and thrive. Yet opportunities for play are shrinking in cities around the world. Too many lack the space, time or support they need to move and play every day.

Let’s change that together. \r\n \r\nThe Active Play Challenge invites organisations from around the world to create more opportunities for active play for children and young people.

\r\n \r\nIf your work is about reimagining and creating playful spaces, or designing programmes that bring active play into everyday routines, the Active Play Challenge is for you. \r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-7cc024cae9" class="cmp-text"> Let’s get cities active through play, everywhere, every day.

Children and young people need active play to grow, learn, stay healthy, and thrive. Yet opportunities for play are shrinking in cities around the world. Too many lack the space, time or support they need to move and play every day.

Let’s change that together. The Active Play Challenge invites organisations from around the world to create more opportunities for active play for children and young people. If your work is about reimagining and creating playful spaces, or designing programmes that bring active play into everyday routines, the Active Play Challenge is for you.

Support with your application</h2>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-e92b5fc32e" class="cmp-text"> Support with your application Have questions about the application process? Watch the Q&A webinar recording to learn more about eligibility, the application categories and the selection process.

\r\n \r\n<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https://www. youtube. com/watch?

v=O7jMosPH7tI\">Watch the Q&A webinar recording</a>\r\n \r\nYou can also browse our FAQs for more information about the challenge. \r\n \r\n<a href=\"/content/nn_core/true-blue/cbh/en/activeplaychallenge/frequently-asked-questions.

html\">Browse the FAQs</a>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-5011f71521" class="cmp-text"> Have questions about the application process? Watch the Q&A webinar recording to learn more about eligibility, the application categories and the selection process. Watch the Q&A webinar recording You can also browse our FAQs for more information about the challenge.

We are looking for practical initiatives that make active play more accessible, inclusive, and equitable for children and young people aged 0–25.

\r\n \r\n<table cellpadding=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" border=\"0\">\r\n<tbody><tr><td valign=\"top\" width=\"205\">Play by Design:\r\n</td>\r\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"396\">Spatial and physical interventions that integrate everyday active play into the design of homes, streets, schools, buildings, or public spaces.

\r\n \r\n</td>\r\n</tr><tr><td valign=\"top\" width=\"205\">Play in Action:\r\n</td>\r\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"396\">Activities and services that embed active play into everyday routines and existing spaces.

\r\n \r\n</td>\r\n</tr><tr><td valign=\"top\" width=\"205\">Play for \r\n <b style=\"font-style: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.

0px;\" data-rte-class=\"rte-temp\">Early Years:\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n</td>\r\n<td valign=\"top\" width=\"396\">Design solutions, activities or services that promote active play for children aged 0–5, and their parents and caregivers, supporting healthy early development.

This category is supported by the Van Leer Foundation. \r\n \r\n</td>\r\n</tr></tbody></table>\r\n \r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-05e646eaab" class="cmp-text"> We are looking for practical initiatives that make active play more accessible, inclusive, and equitable for children and young people aged 0–25.

Spatial and physical interventions that integrate everyday active play into the design of homes, streets, schools, buildings, or public spaces. Activities and services that embed active play into everyday routines and existing spaces. Design solutions, activities or services that promote active play for children aged 0–5, and their parents and caregivers, supporting healthy early development.

This category is supported by the Van Leer Foundation. Legally registered organisations worldwide that have the mandate and capacity to lead and implement an initiative creating opportunities for active play. \r\n \r\nYouth-led organisations, led by individuals aged 18–25, are strongly encouraged to apply.

\r\n \r\n \r\n<a href=\"https://zealous.

co/novonordisk1/opportunity/active-play-challenge/\" target=\"_blank\">Enter the Active Play Challenge</a>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-cbd6ba8b5a" class="cmp-text"> Legally registered organisations worldwide that have the mandate and capacity to lead and implement an initiative creating opportunities for active play. Youth-led organisations, led by individuals aged 18–25, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Enter the Active Play Challenge What do winners and finalists receive? Up to six winning initiatives will receive between $50,000–$100,000 USD each to refine and implement their projects. Winning teams will also benefit from expert technical guidance to support the implementation period.

\r\n \r\nShortlisted finalists will also have access to selected learning opportunities and peer‑to‑peer exchange. \r\n \r\n<a href=\"https://zealous.

co/novonordisk1/opportunity/active-play-challenge/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Learn more about the Active Play Challenge prizes</a>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-2148fc4117" class="cmp-text"> Up to six winning initiatives will receive between $50,000–$100,000 USD each to refine and implement their projects.

Winning teams will also benefit from expert technical guidance to support the implementation period. Shortlisted finalists will also have access to selected learning opportunities and peer‑to‑peer exchange. Learn more about the Active Play Challenge prizes How do I apply?

</h2>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-50e05cf173" class="cmp-text"> Enter the Active Play Challenge to share and grow your innovative idea for active play in cities. \r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-121803e973" class="cmp-text"> Enter the Active Play Challenge to share and grow your innovative idea for active play in cities.

ABOUT\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-3f339fe538" class="cmp-text"> <a href=\"https://www. citiesforbetterhealth.

com/about/the-opportunity. html\">The opportunity</a></h6>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-ea54fab93c" class="cmp-text"> <a href=\"https://www. citiesforbetterhealth.

com/about/our-approach. html\">Our approach</a></h6>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-bdd1056d41" class="cmp-text"> <a href=\"https://www. citiesforbetterhealth.

com/network/partnerships. html\">Our partners</a></h6>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-094ac50227" class="cmp-text"> <a href=\"https://www. citiesforbetterhealth.

com/about/our-history. html\">Our history</a></h6>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-f21104a7f9" class="cmp-text"> OUR APPROACH\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-c98a0f258b" class="cmp-text"> <a href=\"https://www. citiesforbetterhealth.

com/about/our-approach/childhood-obesity. html\">Childhood obesity prevention</a></h6>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-1e04b46b6e" class="cmp-text"> Childhood obesity prevention <a href=\"https://www. citiesforbetterhealth.

com/about/our-approach/healthy-food. html\">Healthy food</a></h6>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-5fe646ff72" class="cmp-text"> <a href=\"https://www. citiesforbetterhealth.

com/about/our-approach/physical-activity. html\">Physical activity</a></h6>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-35275390e2" class="cmp-text"> <a href=\"https://www. citiesforbetterhealth.

com/about/our-approach/sustainable-finance. html\">Sustainable financing</a></h6>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-518d861758" class="cmp-text"> <a href=\"https://www. citiesforbetterhealth.

com/about/our-approach/healthy-cities-challenge. html\">Healthy cities challenge</a></h6>\r\n"}}" id="nncore-text-3654e4df66" class="cmp-text">

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for Active Play Challenge 2026?

According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Organizations undertaking community-driven initiatives to create equitable and accessible play spaces for children. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.

How much funding does Active Play Challenge 2026 offer?

The current listing shows up to $100,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.

Who funds Active Play Challenge 2026?

Active Play Challenge 2026 is funded by Opportunities for Youth. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.

How do I apply for Active Play Challenge 2026?

Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.