ChangeX and the LEGO Foundation have announced the launch of a new play-focused community fund to support community projects across the UK. The fund, totaling £80,000, aims to empower communities to create more playful experiences for children.
The LEGO Foundation is dedicated to promoting learning through play and helping children reach their full potential. This partnership with ChangeX is part of their efforts to activate more play-based projects in communities around the world.
This new fund is the third of its kind in the UK, following successful funds in 2022 and 2023. It is one of seven play funds being launched this summer by ChangeX and the LEGO Foundation, including a fund specifically for the first-ever International Day of Play on June 11th.
Since its inception, ChangeX has launched 25 community play funds across nine countries, including the UK, with support from the LEGO Foundation. These funds have provided funding for 1,097 community play projects, benefiting almost 162,000 children. This year, a tenth country, Vietnam, will be added to the partnership.
Founder of Bantu Baby, Sherrelle Parke, received funding for a heroes-themed Play Day in Essex. She shares, “It was great to see so many families out enjoying themselves, without having to worry about what they could afford or how to entertain the children for an afternoon! The overall aim was to create an environment where children could ‘learn through play’ and to bring local families together to increase a sense of neighbourliness.”
The new UK Community Play Fund is open to non-profits, community groups, schools, parents, and individuals who are passionate about transforming their community through play. It will provide support to communities looking to bring an existing play idea to life in their neighborhood, such as creating mini teaching gardens or promoting reading through book exchanges.
Niamh McKenna, co-founder and head of impact at ChangeX, shares, “Our ongoing partnership with the LEGO Foundation is empowering communities across the UK to enrich children’s lives through play. Building on our track record of impact in nine countries, we’re thrilled to offer funding to passionate changemakers eager to make a playful difference in their communities. We want to ensure that as many children as possible have the opportunity to develop essential skills by learning through play.”
Funding from the UK Community Play Fund will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested parties can find more information on the ChangeX website.
ChangeX is a community engagement platform that aims to provide funding and resources directly to ordinary people leading impactful projects in their neighborhoods. Founded in 2015, ChangeX works with social innovators to scale proven solutions to environmental, economic, and social issues. They partner with companies and foundations, including Microsoft, Accenture, and the LEGO Foundation, to support local communities with necessary funding. ChangeX is an international non-profit organization with headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and teams based across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
The LEGO Foundation’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow. They share this mission with the LEGO Group and are dedicated to building a future where learning through play empowers children to become creative, engaged, lifelong learners. The LEGO Foundation works with thought leaders, influencers, educators, and parents to redefine play and reimagine learning. Their goal is to equip, inspire, and activate champions for play.