Playground Grants

Stimulate Your Budget with a Playground Grant

Rising health concerns across the country mean families are more interested in creating a supportive, engaging environment for children to get active. Play spaces provide essential places for children to unlock their imaginations, interact with other kids and participate in active play. Now is the time for local businesses, schools, parks and community centers to invest in new playground equipment that can offer vital resources to communities. 

However, funding new play spaces can be challenging for many businesses. Playground grants are popular resources that provide financial assistance when it's needed most. 

Looking to receive a playground grant? Contact our team to learn everything you need to know! 

 

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How to Find Playground Grants

You can find playground grants from various agencies, corporations, and nonprofits. Check out some example grants below:

National, Regional and Local Government Agencies

Governments often offer playground grants for schools, parks and community projects. When applying for a government grant, start by looking at the resources, agencies and programs in your city and state. You may also be able to learn more about additional grant opportunities by contacting your local community foundation. 

Corporations

Businesses are often willing to invest in their local community. We have compiled a full list of suggested corporate business grant requests, including well-known corporations such as Costco Foundation, Wells Fargo Corporate Giving grants and the Walmart Foundation. Don't forget to reach out to your local businesses and banks to request grant opportunities as well.

Nonprofit Organizations

Many nonprofits offer grants for school playgrounds and community projects. Research the nonprofit organizations in your city, region and state to get started.

Other Sources of Funding for Playgrounds

Grants for playground equipment aren't the only way to receive help for your fitness or playground project. There are many different avenues you can pursue to pad your budget and make playground financing possible, including: 

Crowdsourcing. Outside of official government grants, there are plenty of places to turn for fundraising assistance. Individuals in your community, local businesses and service clubs in your region are excellent resources that may be willing to donate to your new playground. We recommend using a combination of online fundraising as well as making personal requests whenever possible.

Fundraising events. In-person fundraising events can be dynamic ways to engage with your community and raise both funds and awareness about your playground project. Host your own party and include several fundraising prospects and a special guest. You can also prepare information about how your playground will positively impact the local community. 

Financing. If you need extra help to bridge the gap, look into financing options to help break down the cost of your new playground. At Playworld, we offer several convenient and simple ways to finance the entirety of your playground. Our leasing and phasing programs allow you to get your project started without a burden on your budget. 

Now that you know how to find grants, check out some of the grants that we share in our downloadable grant guide

Playground Grants

Below is a sample of the government agency, corporation, and nonprofit grants in our guide. Those grants cover a variety of applications, such as community parks, schools, churches, and some are accessibility-specific.

1. Project Fit America 

Project Fit America is a national agency that works at the grassroots level with schools and front-line educators to create new opportunities for kids to be active, fit and healthy. 

https://www.projectfitamerica.org

2. Home Depot – Building Healthy Communities

The Home Depot Foundation's primary goal is to provide grants and volunteer opportunities to support the renovation, refurbishment, retrofitting, accessibility modifications, and/or weatherization of existing homes, centers, elementary schools and other similar facilities. 

https://www.communitybuildersstl.org/funding/rolling-deadline-home-depot-foundations-community-impact-grants-program

3. Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

The Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Program awards grants to nonprofit organizations that impact and empower people living with paralysis, their families and caregivers. 

https://www.christopherreeve.org/get-support/grants-for-non-profits

4. Walmart Community Giving Program

Walmart awards local cash grants every year to help address the needs of the communities where they operate.  Any school or organization with projects that specifically benefit the community as a whole can apply.

https://walmart.org/what-we-do/strengthening-community/local-community-support 

5. W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grant

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) believes all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive. WKKF has worked with dozens of communities on projects to help vulnerable children realize their full potential.

https://www.wkkf.org/grantseekers 

To find further grant opportunities, download our expanded grant guide.

 

Download Grant Guide

 

Download Our Grant Guide

Eligibility requirements vary widely, depending on the grant. Some grants are only for non-profit organizations or require you to show how your playground will help your community.

Raise Money with Crowdfunding

In many cases, community members are willing to raise money for a kid-focused project such as a safe play space. If you want to raise money for playground equipment for a park, your local community might be willing to donate. You can even set up a crowdsourcing campaign online to attract donations.

Start a fundraising event

Holding a raffle, special event, bazaar or other fundraising event raises not just money but also awareness about your new playground. Choosing the right event, getting volunteers and organizing your efforts is a big project on its own, which is why Playworld has some free tips for your fundraising adventures.

Get financing for equipment

The company that is designing, building and installing your playground may offer financing options to make your playground more affordable. You can use financing to get your project started now and then fundraise to cover the costs later. Playworld offers quick, easy ways to finance 100% of your playground.

Browse Our Grant Guide to Learn More About Funding Your Playground

Creating a safe place to play can have a lasting impact on the children and families in your community. If financial stress is standing between you and a completed play space, we're here to help. There are plenty of grants for playgrounds and financing options you can access to make your playground equipment a reality. Download our grant guide to access our latest resources and tips. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We would love to help create a payment plan for your new playground, so children can begin experiencing the joy of play as soon as possible!