Play Learn Thrive
Play Learn Thrive is a new funding portfolio launched by Grand Challenges Canada, in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, focused on supporting innovative solutions for children in complex crisis settings. The program aims to create strong support systems for children aged birth to 12 years in emergency contexts, with special attention to those whose developmental and educational needs are not being met.
The challenge
Children in complex crisis settings face significant barriers to learning and development. Play Learn Thrive seeks innovative solutions that support children’s holistic development through play-based approaches, strengthening both the children themselves and their support networks in emergency contexts. The program specifically targets children who are left behind in current Early Childhood Development in Emergencies (ECDiE) and Education in Emergencies (EiE) approaches.
The need
Recent UN figures show that nearly 450 million children live in conflict zones, and over 220 million face educational disruptions due to emergencies. For refugee children especially, access to early education is severely limited compared to global averages.
These children not only miss critical developmental opportunities but also face long-term consequences for their future wellbeing and potential. The combined pressures of conflict, climate disasters, and forced displacement create an urgent need for creative solutions that help children not just survive but thrive through play-based learning, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Program Focus Areas
The program will fund innovations that:
Developmental needs
Address children’s developmental and educational needs, particularly for those with protection risks, refugees, displaced children, girls, children with disabilities, and those with mental health challenges
Strengthen the capacity of educators
Strengthen capacity of educators, caregivers, community care providers, and other support figures
Play-based solutions
Integrate play-based solutions that foster joyful learning, active engagement, and social interaction
Community-driven approaches
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and community-driven approaches
Whole child development
Consider whole-child development across physical, intellectual, psychological, cultural, and social domains
Funding opportunity
Two types of grants are available for Play Learn Thrive:
- Proof of Concept (POC): Up to $250,000 CAD for 12-24 months to test new, untested ideas. (Deadline to apply for projects implemented in Lebanon and Jordan: May 8, 2025, 2 PM ET)
- Transition to Scale (TTS): $300,000-$1,500,000 CAD for 12-24 months for innovations that have already achieved proof-of-concept. (Rolling application deadlines: April 24, August 21, and November 27, 2025)
Projects must be implemented in at least one of four priority countries: Jordan, Lebanon, Kenya and/or Uganda.
