Basic information about Play Matters Grants

Play Matters awards small grants to deepen adult understanding of the value of play to young children and increase adult ability to encourage and enrich it.

• Grants are awarded to projects in the Los Angeles and Seattle areas
• Grants range from $500 - $5000.  Funding decisions are made at the end of each calendar year for implementation in the subsequent year.
• Grants may be made to both organizations and individuals
• In general, Play Matters does not fund capital equipment costs

Priority is given to projects with the following characteristics:

• Nurture play in the lives of children, newborn – eight years old
• Strengthen adult understanding and practice of child development
• Carefully evaluate their impact and share their results with others
• Demonstrate respect for diversity

To apply for a Play Matters grant:

• Review Play Matters purpose and priorities
• Mail or email a one-page letter to Play Matters, describing the problem you wish to solve, your concept solution, and your budget
• Engage in discussion with the Board
• If a match, submit your more detailed application. Applications are accepted and considered year round, with decisions made at the end of each calendar year.

New Grants

Mar Vista Family Center, Culver City, CA, January ’07, $5000
“Parents Play”

• Increase parent observation skills and understanding of what play means to young children
• Increase parent comfort and interaction  with children during playtime at school and at home

St. Anne’s Early Learning Center, Los Angeles, CA, January ’07, $4000
“Focus on Play”

• Increase teacher knowledge and skills utilizing play in the classroom
• Increase teacher ability to communicate the importance of play to parents and other caregivers
• Build parent awareness of the importance of play

Past Grants

The Cooperative Children’s Center, Seattle, WA, May ‘05, $4000
" Inside Out: Extending the Classroom Outdoors"

• To create an outdoor environment that supports broad learning
• To extend parent/teacher understanding of what outdoor learning is
• To increase parent/teacher skill in setting up and using outdoor environments

The Middle East Peace Camp, Seattle, WA, May ‘05, $1500
"Peace through Play"

• For adult and youth counselors to experience the pleasure and power of play
• For adult and youth counselors to become more effective co-players
• For adult and youth counselors to experience the ways play can awaken understanding and break down barriers

The St. Joseph Center, Venice, CA, April ‘05, $3000
"The Importance of Play" (second year funding)

St. Joseph Center, Venice, CA.

• For parents and children to enjoy time playing together
• For parents to make time to play with their children at school and/or at home
• For previously non-playing parents to begin play activities with their children

Santa Monica College, and Southern California and North Bay AEYC’s, April ‘05, $4000
"Play Wise"

• To deepen teacher and parent understanding of play as children’s source of learning and development
• To empower adults as skilled co-players
• To enhance children’s environments as dynamic “ecologies of play”