You’ve spent months planning out your school or local community playground. You know exactly what structures you want to include and perhaps even the theme of the play area. You’ve done your research in terms of what you’ll need to build it and how long it will take. Perhaps you’ve even gone so far as to find a plot of land and know the local regulations that you’ll need before breaking ground. However, even the most dedicated community and school leaders will come across the barrier of finding funding for their dream playground.
The cost of building a beautiful playground isn’t always cheap. Durable and safe equipment can be pricey, however, the payoff is certainly worth it. Playground equipment comes in all shapes and sizes, so buying the very best is an investment in years of playtime. That said, funding can be hard to come by, especially in today’s world with inflation and a fluctuating economy.
That doesn’t mean you need to give up your dreams, though! There are ways to secure the necessary funds to help make the community’s dreams a reality. One way is through grants.
An Introduction to Playground Grants
You may have heard of grants for public research or specific educational programming. In their most basic form, grants are funds provided by national, state, or local governments as well as organizations and non-profits. Corporations and private institutions can also award grants. They are given to individuals and communities with project plans and initiatives that they cannot fund on their own.
As a type of financial aid, grants typically do not need to be paid back. Similar to college scholarships, grants are meant to help offset the costs of a proposed project. Grants can serve a variety of purposes, from infrastructure projects to social services to economic development to community building. Playground grants are an opportunity for schools, churches, and local municipalities to unlock the money needed to build play areas for children. The amounts will vary based on the donor, so multiple grants may be necessary to fund an entire project.
Now that you have a basic understanding of playground grants, here are a few tips on how to write up the best proposal to receive one.
Tip #1: Start Now
If you’re reading this, chances are that you have a playground plan in mind and are actively looking to secure funding. If that’s the case, then you should start researching and applying for grants ASAP! As with any application process, it can take time to find the right fit and complete the application itself.
Every grant will have different requirements, and some may take more time than others. You may even need to get some sort of approval from local or school officials, which, again, may not be the easiest to secure. The earlier you start, the better prepared you will be.
Tip #2: Know the Purpose of a Grant
You can’t sway the grant holders if you don’t know what their mission or vision is. At the same time, it’s a waste of time to write up a grant for an organization that doesn’t align with your own goals. That’s why the first tip is to know the purpose of a grant.
Do some research to see if you align with the grant’s requirements and if you qualify to receive it. This may mean looking to see what other types of projects they’ve funded in the past. Better yet, look for local organizations that are seeking to enhance the community in some way, shape, or form. While national and larger corporations may offer more funding, these grants can be more competitive. By starting with smaller grants, you may have better chances of receiving the money.
Tip #3: Be Detailed
Grant funders will want to know that their money is going to good use, so the more detailed you are in your application, the better off you’ll be. Include any drawings or renderings in your application as well as any local or state approvals you’ve already received.
Let them know exactly how you plan to use the money and in what capacity. Perhaps you have money for the contract work but need more funding to purchase the equipment itself. If you’ve conducted any local fundraising, such as bake sales or car washes, spell it out. These acts show that you are serious in your plans and aren’t just applying for the sake of it.
Also, proofreading your application is important. As mentioned, every application will require something different. If you don’t follow through on all the necessary documentation or requirements, the funders will likely just move onto the next application. Ask for someone in the community or a governing official to read over the application before you hit the submit button.
Tip #4: Stay the Course
Unfortunately, you may get a lot of no’s before you receive any yeses. There is only so much funding available, and you’ll rarely be lucky enough to get money from everyone. Keep this in mind and know that the right grant is out there for you. Continue to do some research and recruit help if you feel stuck. The more people that are on your side and working with you, the less intimidating the process will be.
