P.L.A.Y.S. Program, Presented by Meridian
Funding Amount
Not stated
Deadline
Deadline not published
Grant Type
Foundation
Deadline history & next window
- Cycle
- Annual
- Tracked since
- April 2026
Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Geography
- Located in Chicago, IL
Other requirements
- Youth in grades 3rd-5th grade only
Overview
Program Focus: The Chicago Fire Foundation's P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) Program is designed to enhance both academic performance and social-emotional learning (SEL) skills in elementary students through a structured, soccer-based curriculum.
What the Program Offers:
- Soccer fundamentals instruction
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) skills development including emotional control, goal setting, cooperation, respect, communication, and teamwork
- Direct connection between sports-based learning and classroom academic performance
Program History:
- Launched in 2013
- Has delivered over 436,320 hours of programming to third through fifth graders across Chicago
- In 2026, will serve 70 CPS schools and reach nearly 1,680 students
Geographic Scope:
- Must be located in Chicago, IL
Eligible Participants:
- Youth in grades 3rd-5th grade only
Program Timeline:
- Programming takes place in the spring (March-June)
Contact Information:
- Stacy Tsihlopoulos at stsihlopoulos@chicagofirefc.com
How to Apply
Application Process
- Complete the online application form
- After submission, the Chicago Fire Foundation will reach out with next steps
Key Requirements:
- Must be located in Chicago, IL
- Program is for youth in grades 3rd-5th grade only
- Programming takes place in the spring (March-June)
Contact for Questions:
- Stacy Tsihlopoulos at stsihlopoulos@chicagofirefc.com
What Chicago Fire Foundation actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2024
- Grants in 2024
- 4
- Total given
- $640K
- Median grant
- $65K
- Range
- $10K–$500K
- By dollars: Illinois 98%, Massachusetts 2%. Top recipient cities: Chicago, IL; Northbrook, IL; Braintree, MA.
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Event sponsorship
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Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Youth sports
- After-school
- K-12 schools
- Academic enrichment
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