Deadline: 14-Aug-2026
The Active Play Challenge 2026 is a global innovation initiative that supports organisations developing practical solutions to make active play more accessible, inclusive, and equitable for children and young people aged 0–25 years. Selected winners will receive grants of USD 50,000–100,000 along with technical support to test, improve, and expand active play solutions in communities worldwide.
About the Active Play Challenge
The Active Play Challenge was created through a global partnership between:
- Novo Nordisk
- Arup
- RMIT University
- Save the Children
- Right To Play
- International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA)
The Play for Early Years category is supported by the Van Leer Foundation.
Together, these organisations aim to address the decline in active play opportunities experienced by children and young people worldwide.
Why Active Play Matters
Active play is essential for healthy childhood development. It helps children build physical skills, confidence, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and social relationships.
However, many children today have fewer opportunities for active play due to factors such as:
- Limited access to safe play spaces
- Urbanisation and reduced outdoor areas
- Lack of inclusive play environments
- Social and economic barriers
- Limited support for parents and caregivers
The Active Play Challenge aims to address these barriers by supporting innovative approaches that make play more available and accessible.
Purpose of the Active Play Challenge
The challenge supports solutions that:
- Increase access to active play opportunities
- Promote inclusive and equitable play environments
- Support healthy early childhood development
- Encourage community-based play initiatives
- Improve spaces where children live, learn, and interact
- Empower parents and caregivers
- Create scalable models that can benefit more communities
Focus Areas of the Active Play Challenge
Applicants can submit solutions across three main categories.
Play by Design
The Play by Design category supports spatial and physical interventions that integrate active play into everyday environments.
Solutions may focus on:
Examples of potential ideas include:
- Designing safer play areas
- Creating child-friendly public spaces
- Improving playground accessibility
- Integrating movement opportunities into urban design
This category focuses on how physical environments can encourage active play.
Play in Action
The Play in Action category supports activities and services that bring active play into children’s daily routines.
Solutions may include:
- Community play programs
- School-based activities
- Family engagement initiatives
- Sports and movement programs
- Play-based learning services
The goal is to make active play a regular part of children’s everyday experiences.
Play for Early Years
The Play for Early Years category focuses on children aged 0–5 years and supports solutions that promote early childhood development.
Projects may include:
- Play-based learning activities
- Parent and caregiver support programs
- Early childhood play environments
- Services encouraging healthy development
This category recognises the important role parents and caregivers play in creating positive early play experiences.
Who Is Eligible for the Active Play Challenge?
The challenge is open to legally registered organisations worldwide.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be legally registered organisations
- Have the capacity to implement active play initiatives
- Have a clear mandate related to children, communities, health, education, development, or social impact
- Be able to lead and manage project implementation
Eligible organisations may include:
- Nonprofit organisations
- Community organisations
- Social enterprises
- Educational organisations
- Youth-led organisations
- Other registered entities working with children and young people
Youth-Led Organisations Eligibility
Youth-led organisations are strongly encouraged to apply.
Youth-led organisations should be led by individuals aged:
- 18 to 25 years
The challenge recognises the importance of young leaders in creating innovative solutions for children and communities.
Grant Amount and Winner Benefits
The Active Play Challenge provides financial and non-financial support to selected initiatives.
Winning organisations receive:
- Grant Amount: USD 50,000 to USD 100,000
- Number of Winners: Up to six winning initiatives
- Implementation Support: Expert technical guidance
- Learning Opportunities: Access to selected development opportunities
- Networking: Peer-to-peer exchange with other innovators
The funding helps organisations refine, test, and expand their active play solutions.
Why the Active Play Challenge Matters
The challenge addresses a global need for better opportunities for children to play, move, explore, and connect.
Supporting active play can contribute to:
- Improved physical health
- Better cognitive development
- Stronger social skills
- Increased creativity
- Greater emotional wellbeing
- More inclusive communities
By investing in innovative solutions, the challenge helps create environments where all children can experience the benefits of active play.
How to Apply for the Active Play Challenge 2026
Organisations interested in applying should follow the application process carefully.
Step 1: Identify Your Solution Area
Applicants should determine which category best matches their initiative:
- Play by Design
- Play in Action
- Play for Early Years
Step 2: Develop Your Project Proposal
The proposal should explain:
- The active play challenge being addressed
- Target children or communities
- Proposed solution
- Implementation approach
- Expected impact
- Scalability potential
Step 3: Demonstrate Organisational Capacity
Applicants should show:
- Relevant experience
- Ability to manage funding
- Community partnerships
- Implementation capability
- Long-term sustainability plans
Step 4: Submit Application
Eligible organisations should complete and submit the application according to the official challenge requirements before the deadline.
Step 5: Selection and Support Process
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Innovation
- Practical feasibility
- Inclusiveness
- Community impact
- Scalability
- Ability to improve active play opportunities
Selected finalists and winners receive support to strengthen their initiatives.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their proposals by:
- Clearly explaining the problem affecting children’s play opportunities
- Showing how the solution benefits children and communities
- Demonstrating inclusion and accessibility
- Providing evidence of community need
- Explaining how the project can expand or be replicated
- Highlighting partnerships and local involvement
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting ideas without clear implementation plans
- Focusing only on activities without explaining impact
- Ignoring accessibility and inclusion
- Failing to define the target community
- Proposing solutions that cannot be scaled
- Providing unclear budgets or timelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Active Play Challenge 2026?
The Active Play Challenge 2026 is a global initiative that funds innovative solutions designed to improve active play opportunities for children and young people.
How much funding can winners receive?
Winning initiatives receive grants ranging from USD 50,000 to USD 100,000.
Who can apply?
Legally registered organisations worldwide with the ability to implement active play initiatives can apply.
What age group does the challenge support?
The challenge supports solutions for children and young people aged 0–25 years.
What are the three challenge categories?
The three categories are:
- Play by Design
- Play in Action
- Play for Early Years
Are youth organisations eligible?
Yes. Youth-led organisations led by individuals aged 18–25 years are encouraged to apply.
Do winners receive support besides funding?
Yes. Winners receive expert technical guidance, and shortlisted finalists may receive learning and peer exchange opportunities.
Conclusion
The Active Play Challenge 2026 provides a global opportunity for organisations to develop innovative solutions that help children and young people access meaningful, inclusive, and equitable play experiences.
Through grants of up to USD 100,000, expert support, and international collaboration, the challenge supports projects that improve childhood development, strengthen communities, and create healthier environments where children can learn, move, and thrive.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk.