Active Play Challenge 2026

Win Up to $100,000 to Create Innovative Active Play Opportunities

Quick Highlights

Particulars	Details
Programme Name	Active Play Challenge 2026
Organization	Cities for Better Health (Novo Nordisk), ISCA
Opportunity Type	Grant/Challenge
Funding Amount	$50,000 – $100,000
Total Awards	Up to 6 Winners
Eligible Applicants	Legally Registered Organizations Worldwide
Target Age Group	Children & Young People (0-25 years)
Categories	Play by Design, Play in Action, Play for Early Years
Application Deadline	August 14, 2026
Status	Applications Open

Opportunity Overview

Particular	Details
Host Organization	Cities for Better Health (Novo Nordisk), ISCA
Programme	Active Play Challenge 2026
Programme Type	Innovation Challenge & Grant
Funding Category	Grant
Eligible Applicants	Legally Registered Organizations Worldwide
Location	Global
Application Mode	Online

About the Challenge

The Active Play Challenge is a global initiative inviting organizations to develop innovative solutions that make active play more accessible, inclusive, and equitable for children and young people . Launched on International Day of Play (June 11), the challenge is created in partnership with Novo Nordisk, Arup, RMIT Europe, Save the Children International, Right To Play, and ISCA. The early years category is supported by the Van Leer Foundation .

As urbanization reshapes communities worldwide, opportunities for children to engage in regular active play have steadily declined . The challenge aims to reverse this trend by supporting organizations reimagining urban spaces and designing programs that integrate active play into everyday life.

Why Active Play Matters

Aspect	Details
Physical Development	Healthy growth and physical fitness
Mental Wellbeing	Improved mental health
Cognitive Growth	Enhanced learning and concentration
Social Development	Stronger relationships
Emotional Health	Higher confidence and resilience
Creativity	Increased creative thinking
Independence	Self-reliance and independence

Challenge Categories

Category	Description
Play by Design	Spatial and physical interventions that integrate everyday active play into the design of homes, streets, schools, buildings, or public spaces
Play in Action	Activities and services that embed active play into daily routines and existing spaces
Play for Early Years	Design solutions, activities, or services for children 0-5 years, parents, and caregivers, supported by Van Leer Foundation

Grant Benefits

Benefit	Details
Funding	$50,000 – $100,000 per winning initiative
Technical Guidance	Expert support throughout implementation
Play Masterclass Week	Exclusive invitation in Barcelona
Online Masterclasses	Active Play learning opportunities
Visibility	Global recognition
Peer Exchange	Collaboration with fellow innovators
Certificate	Certificate of participation

Eligibility Criteria

Requirement	Details
Organization Type	Legally registered organizations worldwide
Capacity	Legal mandate and operational capacity to lead implementation
Youth-Led	Organizations led by individuals aged 18-25 are strongly encouraged
Target Age	Children and young people aged 0-25 years
Project Focus	Making active play more accessible, inclusive, and equitable

Selection Priorities

Priority	Details
Vulnerable Communities	Priority given to ideas supporting children in vulnerable situations
Practical Solutions	Practical initiatives with real-world impact
Innovation	Creative approaches to active play
Equity	Ensuring access for all children

How to Apply

Step	Action
Step 1	Review the guidance documents
Step 2	Identify the most appropriate category
Step 3	Develop a clear and practical proposal
Step 4	Create an account on the official application portal
Step 5	Complete and submit your application
Step 6	Attend Q&A webinars on June 29, 2026 for support

Important Links

Description	Official Link
Apply Now	https://www.citiesforbetterhealth.com/activeplaychallenge.html
Cities for Better Health	https://www.citiesforbetterhealth.com
ISCA Official	https://www.isca.org
CareerFlora	https://www.careerflora.com

FAQs

Question	Answer
Who can apply?	Legally registered organizations worldwide
What is the funding amount?	$50,000 – $100,000 per winning initiative
How many winners will be selected?	Up to 6 winning initiatives
What categories are available?	Play by Design, Play in Action, Play for Early Years
Is there a focus on vulnerable communities?	Yes, priority given to supporting children in vulnerable situations
Can youth-led organizations apply?	Yes, strongly encouraged (ages 18-25)
What is the deadline?	August 14, 2026
Are there support webinars?	Yes, on June 29, 2026 (9:00 & 17:30 CEST)

CareerFlora Expert Insight

The Active Play Challenge 2026 is a significant global funding opportunity for organizations committed to children's health and urban innovation. With up to $100,000 available for each of six winning initiatives, plus expert technical support and global visibility, this challenge provides substantial resources for impactful projects. Organizations should focus on practical, innovative solutions that address barriers to active play in vulnerable communities. Youth-led organizations are particularly encouraged to apply. Early application is recommended.

Best Opportunity For

Category	Suitable
Nonprofit Organizations	Yes
Youth-Led Organizations	Yes
Community Groups	Yes
Urban Planning Organizations	Yes
Health Promotion Organizations	Yes
Education Institutions	Yes
Child Development Organizations	Yes

Competition Level

Category	Level
Global Competition	High
Selection Difficulty	High

CareerFlora Recommendation

Recommendation Area	Details
Overall Rating	Excellent
Funding Amount	$50,000-$100,000
Technical Support	Excellent
Global Exposure	High
Impact Potential	High
Apply Early	Strongly Recommended

Active Play Challenge 2026 – Win Up to $100,000 for Youth Play Initiatives