Creating and maintaining a safe, engaging playground is vital for fostering community spirit and promoting the physical and social development of children. However, funding these projects can be difficult, as playgrounds are expensive. So how do you go about finding money for a community playground? Below is more information about the various grant options that are available to make a playground more attainable, as well as tips for crafting a successful grant application.
Understanding Playground Grants
Playground grants are funds provided by government bodies, non-profit organizations and private foundations to support the development, enhancement and maintenance of community playgrounds. These grants can cover a wide range of expenses such as equipment purchases, site preparation and safety surfacing. Some grants are even state-specific, so it’s always a good idea to check at the state level.
Since grants are financial aid, they do not have to be repaid. It’s essentially free money you can use to jumpstart your playground project or enhance an existing playground. The organizations that provide this money see playgrounds as valuable additions to communities, promoting healthy lifestyles and fighting obesity. Additionally, some businesses look to support the revitalization of their communities, particularly those that are in lower-income or underserved areas.
Bottom line: playground grants are there for you to use. You shouldn’t have to postpone your playground project due to a lack of funding.
Key Grant Opportunities
GameTime
Cunningham Recreation has partnered with GameTime to help communities bring more play into their areas. GameTime provides up to 100% matching funds towards the purchase of an eligible play system. If you can’t find what you're looking for, you can design your own system and still get up to 100% matching funds—though the playground will need to meet the eligibility requirements. You can complete the grant application or reach out to Cunningham Recreation for more information.
Play 4 All
Even though Play 4 All is not a grant provider in itself, we wanted to take a minute to explain this service to you, as it can help you secure additional funding. Play 4 All is a service provided by Cunningham Recreation at no extra cost, and the team can help you identify potential funders/partners, build awareness about your project and create a fund development plan. If you don’t know where to start, Play 4 All can help! Again, this is a free service to Cunningham Recreation customers.
Voices for Healthy Kids
Voices for Healthy Kids provides funds for campaigns that support the health and well-being of thriving communities. Eligible organizations can apply for this funding online, with priority given to communities facing the greatest challenges.
Supermarkets/Grocery Stores
A number of grocery stores provide grants or programs that support children, education and health and human services in the communities where they do business. Great options to look into include Costco, Albertsons, Kroger and Aldi. Be sure to check the specific details of each, as there are various deadlines and amounts issued. Sam's Club and Walmart also believe in strengthening communities and award grants from $250 to $5,000.
American Academy of Dermatology Association
The AAD has a Shade Structure Grant Program that awards up to $8,000 to public schools and non-profit organizations installing permanent shade structures. In addition to the grant money, the AAD provides a permanent sign to display near the shade structure. So far, over 482 shade structures have been awarded.
NRPA’s Great Urban Parks Campaign
The National Recreation and Park Association, in cooperation with the American Planning Association, launched the Great Urban Parks Campaign in 2015. It focuses on improving environmental and social outcomes in underserved areas through promoting green infrastructure park projects.
Banks and Credit Cards
Local banks and credit card companies also provide funding for community projects. PNC Foundation, for example, supports a variety of nonprofit organizations, particularly those that achieve sustainability and impact a diverse population. American Express also supports programs that prepare youth for the future, as well as backs community-led projects focused on nature-based or clean energy initiatives.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it gives community leaders an idea of where to look for grants. There is never any harm in asking an organization for support for your project—the benefits of playgrounds are extensive and well-documented and include the development of social/emotional skills, building gross motor skills, bringing communities together and fighting the obesity epidemic.
Tips for Writing a Successful Grant Proposal
To write a successful grant proposal, here are a few tips:
- Research and planning. Carefully read the grant guidelines and ensure your project meets all criteria. Use statistics and community surveys to demonstrate the need for a new playground and the potential impact it will have. Also, be sure to collaborate with local organizations, schools and businesses to strengthen your application.
- Craft your proposal. Provide a concise overview of your project, including your objectives and expected outcomes. Detail the scope of your project, its timeline and the steps involved. Also, highlight how the playground will benefit the community, focusing on the health, social and educational outcomes.
- Follow-up and reporting. Make sure that all application materials are submitted on time. If you have questions or need clarification, contact the grant provider. If you do receive the grant, adhere to reporting requirements and deadlines to show your accountability.
Additional Resources
Additional resources you may want to check out include GrantWatch, a comprehensive database of available grants for various community projects, Candid, which offers tools and resources for finding and applying for grants and your local government.
Fund Your Playground Project Today!
Securing funding for a playground project can be challenging, but there are numerous grant opportunities out there to support your efforts. By understanding what they are and where to find them, you can maximize these resources and get more funding for your project. To learn more about the most updated grant opportunities for your playground project, contact Cunningham Recreation today.
