Play is one of the greatest gifts we can give children, and playgrounds provide a safe and healthy environment where they can enjoy this gift. Aside from encouraging active play, playgrounds provide fun, colorful spaces for kids to learn new skills and interact with their peers.
While playgrounds seem like a must-have for schools, school administrators often worry about the costs. Thankfully, there are plenty of available grants and funding opportunities in the U.S. that can turn every school's playground dream into a reality.
This guide offers helpful information on the types of grants for school playgrounds you may be eligible for and best practices when searching and applying for funding. We also have tips on maintaining healthy relationships with donors and successfully securing funds, so let's begin!
How to Begin Looking for Playground Funding
When looking for funding opportunities for your school playground, start with local prospects from your community and city. Then, branch out your search to state and nationwide sources.
Your funding options include public and private grants from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and corporations. Consider individual donors for your project as well. These can include local business owners, community leaders, and successful individuals who might be interested in supporting your school's special cause.
If possible, organize a playground funding committee with members who can help you search for new prospects and reach out to potential donors and grantmakers. Evaluate your prospects based on their alignment with your playground project and track your outreach efforts regularly.
Remember, grant applications can take time, and the approval process can last for several months. So the sooner you start researching, planning, and applying for grants, the better!
Grants for Playground Equipment
Grants are a great way to fund a playground project for your school or local community. They can come from various sources, with different criteria and eligibility requirements for each grant. Let's explore some of your available options to see what suits your school's needs the most.
National Grants
School playground equipment grants are available across the United States, so there's no need to limit your search for available funding opportunities to just one area. Here are some nationwide grants for you to consider:
KABOOM!
KABOOM! unites with communities to build or improve kid-designed playspaces that bring joy and a sense of belonging to children in the United States.
The national nonprofit provides grants to schools, parks, and nonprofit organizations for three types of playspaces: playgrounds, nature exploration areas, and multi-sport courses. You can take their eligibility quiz and start your application for a playspace grant here: KABOOM!
Good Sports
Good Sports is a national nonprofit organization that promotes youth sports and physical activity by supporting children, schools, and organizations in need of equipment.
Recipients of its Equipment Donation Opportunities will have their top equipment needs met for a five-year period, and gain access to Good Sports' catalog of available inventory. Interested schools can submit an application for equipment donation on the Good Sports official website.
PHIT America
PHIT America is a national charity with a mission of improving the physical and mental health of millions of children in the United States. It focuses on solving the country's "inactivity pandemic" and offers GO! Grants to elementary schools to help them increase students' physical activity.
These grants allow schools to purchase sports and playground equipment, build facilities, and implement programs that encourage children to become more physically active at school. You can find more info and apply for free program grants and equipment at the PHIT America site.
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
The AAD awards Shade Structure Grants of up to $8,000 to schools, daycares, parks, and other non-profit organizations for installing permanent shade structures in places where children learn and play. These include school playgrounds, children's pool areas, and other recreation spaces.
Since its initial launch in 1999, the organization has awarded over 482 shade structure grants. Check your eligibility and apply for a grant at the American Academy of Dermatology website.
Government Grants
Federal, municipal, and state government agencies often have grants and programs in place that encourage child and community development. In many cases, this funding can be used for facilities and equipment, including school playgrounds. Here are some grant sources to explore:
Tennessee Department of Education
Tennessee's Department of Education regularly allocates state funding to assist local schools in acquiring and improving their facilities for student learning and well-being.
It offers Charter School Facilities Grants, which can be used for the addition or renovation of classrooms, multi-purpose learning spaces, and spaces dedicated to physical activity, such as school playgrounds. To apply, visit the Tennessee Department of Education's Grants page.
South Carolina First Steps Program
First Steps is a state agency that funds early childhood development programs and school readiness projects in South Carolina. The agency works to ensure that all children have adequate access to the resources and support they need to succeed in school and life.
Every year, First Steps allocates state funding to all 46 counties, based on population and need, and awards discretionary and targeted grants to organizations. For information about First Steps grantmaking and grant seeking, you can check the First Steps Grants page.
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)
The Florida Department of Children and Families supports projects related to youth development, education, health care, and safe housing for children and families. It also works with local communities to provide adequate infrastructure for children in disadvantaged areas.
You may be eligible to apply for funding to improve early childhood facilities, including school playgrounds. Visit the Florida DCF website for more information on currently available grants.
North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE)
Grant opportunities are provided by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) in North Carolina. The goal is to support young children's health, safety, and development and strengthen the state's early care and education systems.
The grants are open to public and private nonprofit organizations, including schools and universities. You can access their list of grant opportunities here: NCDHHS Grant Opportunities.
Regional Grants
Many nonprofit organizations offer grants for school playgrounds and community projects at the city, state, or regional level. We've listed several resources to help you get started:
David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund — Atlanta
The David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund provides capital improvement and project grants, including playground equipment grants, with a priority toward schools and educational institutions. The fund's mission is "to make this a better world for those who come after us."
The fund primarily supports nonprofit organizations in Georgia, with additional giving in neighboring states, such as Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Learn more about applying for funding here: David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund.
The Dekko Foundation
The Dekko Foundation invests in projects and programs that support the healthy development of children from birth to age 18. Priority areas for grantmaking include early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescent development, as well as community development.
Funding may be used for constructing or remodeling children's facilities, including school playground grants. Dekko supports communities in Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, and Minnesota.
Florida American Legion Children & Youth Fund
The Florida American Legion provides grant opportunities for projects that improve the lives of children in the State of Florida. Organizations seeking funding must present the direct impact on the children and the specific benefits of their proposed project.
Grants may be used for initiatives that contribute to the physical, mental, and emotional welfare of children in the community, and may include grants for school playground equipment.
HCA Healthcare Foundation — Middle Tennessee Fund
The mission of the HCA Healthcare Foundation is to support Middle Tennessee-based nonprofits in the areas of health, well-being, education, and quality of life. Grant types include general operating, program, and capital support, including playground grants for schools.
Since 1998, the foundation has contributed more than $242 million in grants, focusing on Middle Tennessee counties. Find out more and apply for a grant on their website: HCA Caring.
Corporate Grants
Local businesses and well-known corporations are often willing to invest in school or community projects that benefit the youth. Below is a list of resources you may find helpful:
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
The Kellogg Foundation provides Early Care & Education grants that support the health, happiness, and well-being of children. Its grantees include childcare providers, preschools, public schools, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit companies engaged in charitable work.
Grants may be used according to the organization's vision and expressed needs. You may be eligible for grants for school playground equipment. Visit their Grantseekers page for more info.
The Walmart Foundation
Walmart offers its Spark Good Local Grants and other valuable funding opportunities to communities and programs that align with their giving priorities, which are: creating opportunity, advancing sustainability, strengthening community, and center for racial equity.
These grants can be used for various purposes, including playground funding for public, charter, and nonprofit private schools. You can apply for a grant at the Walmart Foundation website.
Entergy Charitable Foundation
The goal of the Entergy Charitable Foundation is to support initiatives that will help create and sustain thriving communities. One of its focus areas for foundation funding is education development projects for kids, which can include grants for school playgrounds.
Aside from Entergy's Charitable Foundation grants, nonprofit schools and organizations are also welcome to apply to their Open Grants Program and Micro Grants Program.
7-Eleven, Inc.
Through its Project A-Game program, 7-Eleven offers meaningful youth development opportunities centered on education and play. The company has awarded over 5,000 grants, providing critical funding for academics, fitness, safety, and hunger relief programs for children.
The grants have been used to support local schools and youth sports organizations in initiatives such as math and science projects, tutoring sessions, school supplies, and sports equipment.
Ensuring a Good Relationship with Donors
Building strong, lasting bonds with donors is key to securing the support that your school's playground project needs. One of the most important elements of your relationship is trust, especially when large donations or grants are involved.
You can earn your donor's trust by increasing your project's transparency and being honest about your funding goals. Publish reports that prove that their dollars are being put to good use.
Genuine and open communication is essential to a healthy relationship, so meet with your donor in person or speak to them on the phone, rather than relying on emails and texts. Keep them updated on the progress of your project, and its impact on the school and children.
Don't forget to recognize and appreciate your donors for contributing to your cause, with heartfelt thank-you messages and invitations to the unveiling of your completed project.
Tips for Getting Funding for Playground Equipment
Here are some strategies that can help you create the best fundraising campaigns and successfully secure funding for your school's playground equipment:
Prioritize Your Prospects: To maximize your chances of getting approved for funding, evaluate your prospects' focus areas in terms of geography, giving interests, and capacity to give. Prioritize the ones that match your playground project the most.
Consider Multiple Sources of Funding: You may need to acquire more than one grant to fund the total cost of your playground, so as long as you're eligible for a grant, apply! Fundraising events can help you secure funds and raise awareness for your project, too.
Submit the Best Funding Applications: Write a clear, professional, and attractive funding application for your playground project. Follow the grant instructions carefully and highlight how your project aligns with the grantor or donor's causes and focus areas.
Final Thoughts
Through play, children learn about their bodies, their friends, and the world around them. Playground grants enable schools to secure the funds that they need to build a world of laughter and new experiences for students, without worrying about the budget.
At EcoPlay Structures, we understand the essential role of playgrounds in nurturing healthy and happy children. That's why we're committed to providing high-quality, safe, and sustainable playground equipment that cares for your kids and the environment that they live and play in.
We'll guide you through the grant application process and ensure that your project adheres to its target timeline, while delivering excellent customer service. We're here to make your playground dreams a reality, so contact us by calling 470-280-7529. Let's discuss your project today!