ChangeX, the community engagement platform, has announced the launch of a US$500,000 fund in collaboration with the LEGO Foundation to celebrate the power of play on the first ever International Day of Play, set to take place on June 11.
The United Nations General Assembly recently adopted this new international awareness day, recognizing the importance of play in the holistic development of children. This follows advocacy efforts by a global network of organizations, including the LEGO Foundation, the LEGO Group, and ChangeX.
The fund aims to support as many children as possible in engaging in creative play on the first International Day of Play and beyond. Applications for the fund are open to individuals, community groups, schools, non-profit organizations, and other groups in six countries: Denmark, Mexico, South Africa, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Interested parties can apply for funding to host a play-related event on or around June 11, or apply for funding to start one of four proven play ideas. These ideas include OpenSeat Playful Feasts, which facilitates connections between children and their caregivers through playful and conversation-focused meals, and KABOOM!, which supports communities in transforming everyday places into play spaces.
This new fund builds on ChangeX’s existing partnership with the LEGO Foundation. So far, ChangeX has launched 16 community play funds in nine countries with the support of the LEGO Foundation, funding 836 community play projects and benefiting almost 155,000 children.
“We truly believe in the power of play and its ability to build confidence and support children in developing critical life skills,” said Niamh McKenna, co-founder and head of impact at ChangeX. “This international fund marks an exciting opportunity for communities across six countries to celebrate the power of play. We are proud to be part of the global network of organizations that advocated for the first ever International Day of Play, and we’re delighted to be able to mark the day through our continued partnership with the LEGO Foundation.”
Sidsel Marie Kristensen, CEO of the LEGO Foundation, added, “Play is the superpower of children, but not all children experience the benefits of learning through play. The challenge for all of us is to make play a part of every child’s reality. An International Day of Play is an important recognition of a child’s right to play.”
Applications for the International Day of Play Community Fund will close on June 11. With the support of the LEGO Foundation, ChangeX plans to launch more community play funds later this year.
To learn more and apply for funding, visit https://www.changex.org/fund/idop.
About ChangeX:
ChangeX is a community engagement platform that aims to get funding and resources directly into the hands of ordinary people to lead impactful projects in their neighborhoods. Established in 2015, ChangeX works with social innovators to scale proven solutions to environmental, economic, and social issues. The platform partners with companies and foundations to support local communities with the necessary funding. Some of its funders include Microsoft, Accenture, and the LEGO Foundation. ChangeX is an international non-profit organization headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with teams based across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
About the LEGO Foundation:
The LEGO Foundation’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow, a goal it shares with the LEGO Group. The foundation is dedicated to building a future where learning through play empowers children to become creative, engaged, lifelong learners. Its work is focused on redefining play and reimagining learning. Through collaborations with thought leaders, influencers, educators, and parents, the LEGO Foundation aims to equip, inspire, and activate champions for play.
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