Leveling the Playing Field: How Time to Play Helps Nonprofits, Volunteers, and Investors Connect
- csalvant
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
In the nonprofit world, there are systems, forms, timelines, and processes for nearly everything. And while structure has its place, sometimes it slows down the very impact we’re all trying to make.
I’ve watched incredible organizations—small but mighty—pour their hearts into the work while spending hours navigating processes just to be seen. Filling out forms. Waiting for approvals. Applying for grants that take more time and energy than the actual mission work.
Meanwhile, business partners and individuals who want to help often struggle to find the right people to connect with.
Both sides are ready.
Both sides are willing.
They simply aren’t talking to each other.
That’s where Time to Play comes in.
Instead of navigating a maze of emails, boards, and applications, people connect face to face—casual, relational, human.
No pressure.
No presentations.
No pitch decks.
Just people.
Circumventing the Process Isn’t Cutting Corners—It’s Clearing the Path
Traditional processes favor:
larger nonprofits,
organizations with staff dedicated to grant writing,
people who already have access to networks.
Smaller or newer nonprofits—often the ones closest to the work—get overlooked not because of lack of impact, but because of lack of visibility.
Not everyone has:
time to apply for grants,
staff to follow-up,
relationships to even get in the room.
Time to Play puts everyone in the room.
Literally.
It levels the playing field by:
letting nonprofits share who they are and what they need in their own voice, not in a PDF,
creating space for organic conversations,
allowing business partners to discover organizations doing meaningful work without jumping through hoops.
Sometimes, the fastest way to make change is simply to remove the barriers between people.
When People Play, They Connect Differently
We could have made this a formal networking event.
Name tags.
Folders.
PowerPoints.
But we intentionally chose a space where adults could be playful, relaxed, and curious.
When you’re laughing on a ride, cheering at a game, or sharing a fun moment, you’re not worrying about your title. You’re not guarded. You’re not trying to make an impression.
You are your human self.
And when people feel safe to just be, conversations flow differently:
“What do you do?” becomes “Why do you care about this work?”
“What’s your budget?” becomes “How can we help each other?”
“Let’s follow up next quarter” becomes “Let’s start something now.”
The best partnerships are built on connection, not process.
Why Everyone Should Be Involved
Whether you are:
a nonprofit leader,
a business partner,
an investor,
or someone simply looking for purpose…
There’s room for you.
Because sometimes, all someone needs to get involved is to discover the right organization—the one that sparks something inside them.
And sometimes, all a nonprofit needs is to be seen.
Time to Play removes the filters and brings people together the way connection was meant to be:
Real. Human. Immediate.
I Believe in a World Where Impact Doesn’t Require Permission
Processes will always exist.
But connection doesn’t have to wait for approvals.
Imagine what could happen if:
nonprofits didn’t have to fight for attention,
businesses could support causes aligned with their values,
individuals could discover where their passion meets purpose…
All because they showed up for one night.
That’s the heart of Time to Play.
A place where we connect first.
Partner second.
Impact always.
Is your nonprofit interested in joining us?
Registration for Time to Play 2026 is open. We're seeking organizations doing amazing work across the metro area in various focus areas who are interested in collaborating, supporting, and sharing ideas, resources, and time with other organizations in the area. When we play together, we all win! Complete this form to join us.
Supporters, are you ready to play?
Super early bird tickets are on sale now for just $10! Your ticket gives you access to the nonprofits and business partners, all of the adult rides in Carousel Gardens, and an opportunity to co-create the community we desire.
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