Buffalo, N.Y. (Feb. 10, 2026) – Project Play Western New York (WNY) announced that 12 organizations have received 2026 Winter Free Play Series grant awards totaling $40,000.
The Winter Free Play Series grants help youth sports organizations, schools, and government agencies across the eight counties of Western New York fund opportunities for youth to enjoy self-directed free play during the February school break, at no cost to families.
Organizations receiving grants offer programming that aligns with the mission of Project Play WNY, which is to work toward a community in which all children have the opportunity to be active through sports, regardless of zip code. Free Play programming at the selected partner organizations will run from Feb. 16–20, while many local schools are closed for mid-winter break. Learn more about each Free Play Zone and its specific programming at www.projectplaywny.org/winter-free-play.
“Non-instructional, self-directed free play helps kids develop their physical and social skills,” said Antwan Barlow, Director, Project Play WNY. “In a time of demanding, structured sports schedules that can minimize kids’ autonomy, free play offers opportunities for kids to exercise creativity and develop a lifelong enjoyment of and commitment to physical activity. Project Play WNY is proud to support multiple Free Play Zones across the region during the school recess.”
Activities will vary by location. Three grant recipients will offer free public ice skating: Ice at Canalside, Cornerstone Arena in Lockport, and Northwest Arena in Jamestown. Other locations will offer various sports, games, open gym activities, hiking, sledding, and other non-instructional play opportunities.
The 2026 Winter Free Play Series grant recipients are
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A Better YOU Lifestyle, Inc. – $3,500
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Blueprints for Success Foundation – $3,500
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BSA Allegany Highlands Council – $2,650
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Buffalo Bisons Charitable Foundation (Ice at Canalside) – $4,500
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Erie Regional Housing Development Corporation (The Belle Center) – $1,600
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Full Circle Family Services – $3,000
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HEAL International – $4,000
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Jamestown Center City Development Corporation (Northwest Arena) – $5,000
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Lackawanna PBA – $4,000
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Lockport Ice Arena and Sports Center (Cornerstone Arena) – $2,500
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Rural Outreach Center (ROC) – $2,200
Sensational Fun, Inc. – $3,550
Reintroducing free play is one of eight strategies, or “plays,” of Project Play WNY aimed at increasing sport participation among urban, suburban, and rural youth in Western New York. This strategy followed a comprehensive study on youth sports in the region titled The State of Play: Western New York, commissioned by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation in partnership with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program. For more information on the 2026 Winter Free Play Series, visit www.projectplaywny.org/winter-free-play.
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About Project Play WNY
Project Play WNY is driven and funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation’s Youth Sports & Recreation focus area in partnership with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. It operates as a collective impact model that includes more than 100 individuals focused on ensuring all Western New York children have the opportunity to be active through sport. Learn more at projectplaywny.org.
About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in Western New York. A 501(c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas, and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Foundation stewards charitable assets entrusted by individuals, families, foundations, and organizations. Learn more at cfgb.org.
About the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of people in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. These regions reflect the lifelong devotion of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. to Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson directed that a significant share of his estate be used to continue his lifelong generosity by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation began with a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, expiring January 8, 2035. This structure reflects Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best. Learn more at www.rcwjrf.org.