grants and funding
How to get funding for your playground project
What is a playground grant?
A grant is financial aid from different types of organisations that allocate funds for playground projects in the community. Grants are a great way to realise a playground project or an outdoor fitness site because not only will a grant boost the overall budget and help your project immensely, the money allocated is for free and must not be repaid. Playground grants can come from different pools, such as:
Corporate or business grants
National grants
Foundation grants
Individual grants
Applying for funding and grants may seem like a big hill to climb, as many stakeholders are involved. We are happy to advise and guide you from the start of your funding journey.
Who can apply for a playground grant?
Whether you are looking to fund a playground as a school, kindergarten, local council, or non-profit organisation, grant funding opportunities are available for all! Remember that specific projects require specific grants, and different stakeholders will be relevant depending on your project. For example, a stakeholder may specifically want to provide funding for inclusive playgrounds to support a community with special needs, and so the playground should prioritise inclusive design. To give you an overview, we can take you through how to start your search for funding.
Finding a donor match
1. Local Prospects
2. National Prospects
3. Fundraising
Grant application process
1. Consult the experts
We recommend involving your local KOMPAN playground consultant early in the grant application process. With our expertise, we can guide you from the start, assisting with project visualisation and cost breakdown. It's also beneficial to involve children in the planning to ensure the playground meets their needs.
2. Form the application team
Having a supportive team is crucial for success in the grant application process. For school playground grants, involving your Parents and Citizens' (P&C) Organisation as the core team can be highly beneficial. Non-profit organisations often have a higher success rate in securing funding, making them valuable assets in the application process. Drawing on their expertise and resources can significantly enhance your chances of securing the grant.
3. Agree on a budget and design
Collaboratively, we can establish both a budget and a design for your project. Your playground consultant will assist in determining a realistic budget, as this is a crucial piece for any application. It's important to strike a balance between ambition and feasibility in your budget to realise your vision for the outdoor activity area. Many funding sources require the playground project design and a detailed breakdown of costs, which we can provide guidance on. Rest assured, we're here to support and advise you every step of the way.
4. Start networking
Networking is a powerful tool for building team and business relationships, which can lead to identifying and creating valuable opportunities, such as applying for a playground grant. The more stakeholders you involve, the easier it becomes to secure funding for your project, especially within your local community. Reach out to local business associations, families, and parent groups—they can all play a role in supporting your grant application process.
5. Sign-off and apply
Once you've finalised the budget and outlined the scope and details of the playground project, it's time to present it to stakeholders for final approval. After receiving their sign-off, you can begin applying for grants. It's essential to pursue multiple funding sources, as grant sizes and requirements will vary. By diversifying your approach, you increase your chances of securing the necessary funds for your project.
6. Receive grant money - let’s go!
It's not uncommon to apply for grants multiple times, but persistence often pays off in the end. With careful research and thorough preparation, your playground grant application should be well on its way to securing funding for your project. Soon enough, you'll be able to turn your vision into reality and bring joy to your community with the playground of your dreams!
Six tips for writing a playground grant application
Crafting a successful playground grant application requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some key tips to help you write the best application possible:
Start early: Begin the application process well in advance to allow ample time for preparation and gathering necessary information.
Know the fund: Familiarise yourself with the grant requirements and ensure that the fund is suitable for playground projects in your area.
Align your cause: Tailor your application to align with the goals of the funding organisation, emphasizing how your project contributes to creating healthier communities or enhancing outdoor activity areas.
Understand your audience: Highlight the specific needs of your local community or institution and demonstrate strong community support for the project. For example, if you are seeking inclusive playground grants, make sure there is a local group of children and families with special needs who are aware of and support the plan.
Be specific: Provide clear and professional details about your project, including visuals of the layout, cost breakdown, and timeline. Consider including a list of product prices to streamline the fundraising process.
Proofread: Double-check your application for errors and ask someone unfamiliar with the project to review it before submission to catch any typos or inconsistencies.
Remember, your cause is worthwhile. Playgrounds play a vital role in promoting physical activity and healthier lifestyles for children.
Want to start planning your outdoor play and fitness area?
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