US Play Coalition
Founded in 2009, the US Play Coalition is a global partnership of individuals, businesses and organizations that promotes the value of play throughout life. We recognize PLAY as a necessary part of a healthy and productive life.
Housed at Clemson University in the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, the coalition hosts conferences and educational trainings, provides action and research grant funding, encourages and conducts play-related research and provides multiple avenues of communication about the value of play worldwide.
Our membership comes from a cross-section of industries and professions – play researchers, educators, park and recreation professionals, health scientists, architects, landscape architects, designers, planners, business and community leaders, psychologists, physicians, parents and more. Membership is free, and simply requires a declaration of shared commitment to the value of play.
YOU can support ALL our efforts by donating today!
To ensure your donation is directed to the proper initiative, select one of the following designations:
- “US Play Coalition” – To sustain our work to connect play advocates; educate our national and global community; support play research, programs and publications; and truly fulfill our mission to promote the VALUE of play throughout life.
- “Fran P. Mainella Play Conference Fund” –To honor the legacy of Fran Mainella with a contribution to support Play Conference registration scholarships for new professionals, young professionals and “new to Play” professionals.
- “Joe L. Frost Award for Distinguished Research” – This award is given annually in recognition of a body of exceptional research that has enhanced and expanded the study of play. This fund is used to cover the costs of the recipient’s physical award, conference fees, hotel accommodations and up to $500 in travel to attend the Play Conference.
To learn more about the US Play Coalition and how you can become more involved, please visit usplaycoalition.org. If you have specific questions about the Coalition, sponsorship and partnership opportunities or your donation, please email usplaycoalition@clemson.edu or call (864) 656-2525.
Your tax-deductible donation will be processed through the Clemson University Foundation and will support to the US Play Coalition’s initiatives detailed above. Note: your receipt will be from the Clemson University Foundation.