Connecting Joy™

Gaming is an excellent way to help hospitalized children stay engaged in a fun activity that is adaptable to all energy and ability levels and allows them to remain connected to family and friends.

Dunkin’ Connecting Joy™ helps bring comprehensive gaming programs to hospitals nationwide. Gaming is not only a wonderful activity for kids of all ages and abilities, it can help provide them with a sense of normalcy and connection while hospitalized, providing positive distraction from their ongoing care. These grants support hospitals with equipment, staffing, connectivity, and other relevant needs so that kids can enjoy gaming experiences at their bedside and even play with family and friends back home.

Please click the button below to apply for a grant. The deadline to apply is June 4, 2026 at 11:59pm EST. Decisions will be communicated in September 2026.

Apply for a grant

Connecting Joy™ FAQ

  • To be eligible for funding, applicants must be a children’s hospital, general hospital with dedicated pediatric department, or nonprofit organization serving children battling illness within geographic proximity to Dunkin’ locations.

  • Grant deadlines and announcement timelines are updated on the website. Funding is awarded upon executed gift agreement.

  • Organizations can apply for a variety of support options including:

    • Pediatric Gaming Technology Specialist

    • Systems and connectivity

    • Virtual programming that connects pediatric and teen patients with other patients their age

  • The grants are structured for single- or multi-year programming not to exceed three years. Grant amounts vary but typically range from $25,000-$65,000 per year. Grants do not exceed $150,000.

  • Please do not reach out to inquire on status. Grant announcement timing is available on the website.

  • This is a competitive grant process. We receive many great applications and unfortunately, due to availability of funding, we cannot award them all. In some cases, an application does not align with our guidelines. We encourage you to carefully read our grant guidelines before investing time in completing an application.