Toronto Foundation

@torontofdn.bsky.social

Our vision is a city of informed, engaged philanthropists accelerating meaningful change for all. torontofoundation.ca

We’re excited to announce the recipients of #FreeToPlay, a national initiative led by Community Foundations of Canada to help get kids back outside. Across Toronto, community-led projects are creating more opportunities for kids to get outside, explore, connect and play.

Photo of a child climbing in a tree. Copy reads: Free to Play logo. Announcing the 2026 Free To Play Grantees. Climb into the results.Charities: Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre, Don’t Mess with the Don, Emmanuel Parish Celestial Church of Christ, Family Day Care Services, I Challenge Diabetes, Malvern Family Resource Centre, Ontario Learning Development Foundation, Play Forever, Shining Through Centre for Children with Autism Nonprofit groups: East End Arts (Trustee: Scarborough Arts), 880 Cities, Black Moms Connection, Thorncliffe Park Urban Farmers. Learn more about the Free to Play grantees: torontofoundation.ca

Our team joined Ontario Schools Cricket Association (one of our Toronto’s Vital Signs grantees), students, families and supporters in recognizing the first group of high school girls cricket players travelling overseas representing Ontario schools.

Photo of two people standing side by side on a patio overlooking a large field. Speaker standing at a podium talking to a seated audience in front of them.

What if kindness wasn’t quiet—but something we act on? That’s what Annabel learned kids mean by “bold kindness.” It’s guided her work for decades—from OWL Magazine to Clearwater Farm and Future Chicken—and it starts with something simple: caring enough to get involved. Read more: bit.ly/4tgxECo

Photo of a woman smiling, alongside her are two animated chickens and an owl drawing in the background.

New organizations can face steep startup challenges. They’re building trust, systems and programs — all while competing for limited funding. Many are already delivering real impact. Early support helps them stabilize, grow and deepen their work over time.

An elderly woman in a red sweater looks at a tablet while a younger person beside her listens. Copy reads: Impact starts early. Why early support makes all the difference. Good to Give Guide. Group of people smiling and posing closely together. Copy reads: Every established charity started somewhere. Early funding helps organizations build systems, credibility and momentum. Your early support helps new organizations grow strong. Some of the Good to Give Guide grantees that are new organizations: AFROWAVETO,   

Comeback Catalyst, Music Share for Seniors, Ontario Schools Cricket Association, Toronto Burlesque Festival Two women sitting  in a garden, enjoying drinks and conversation. Good to Give Guide torontofoundation.ca/goodtogive

This National Volunteer Week we’re grateful for the volunteers who keep vital community services going. Many organizations in the Good to Give Guide are volunteer‑run or supported by just a handful of staff — often out of necessity, not choice.

Photo of a child smiling while at the steering wheel of a boat on the water. Text reads: Small teams. Vital programs. Volunteers make it possible. Photo of a person smiling and holding up a measuring cup. Text reads: Volunteer‑run or supported by just a few staff, these organizations continue to deliver essential programs that communities rely on.  With volunteerism declining, supporting these organizations matters more than ever.

What was meant to be a rainy day turned into the perfect sunny backdrop for our team retreat in Parkdale 🌞 We spent the day walking, learning and connecting with inspiring community leaders and organizations doing incredible, community-driven work.

Photo of four people in front of an apartment building. One person is looking at papers in their hands and another is holding up a sign and smiling.  Photo of a group of people on a walking tour standing in front of Gallery 1313 building.  Photo of a group of people in a community garden sitting on the planters. Photo of a tour guide walking and talking with his hand in front. A painted mural is on a building in the background.