Grant Opportunities
Because playground construction, renovation, and maintenance tend to be expensive, play area committees commonly seek financing through grants. Grants consist of funds donated by non-profit, corporate, or government sponsors. They’re issued to help finance projects beneficial to a community (and don’t need to be repaid!) If your application is accepted, the grant might cover most if not all costs for installing a playground in your neighborhood, school, daycare center, church, etc.
Playground grant sponsors include:
Non-Profit Organizations
Organizations such as KaBOOM! typically sponsor grants for community and school playgrounds in lower-income neighborhoods.
Corporations
Corporations receive tax breaks for issuing playground grants for neighborhoods, schools, and community parks.
Government Grants
Government Grants offer grants on the local, state, and federal level for playgrounds and parks.
American Playground Company’s Business Match
American Playground Company is proud to provide a matching grant program for non-profit and government entities in support of children’s play. Click Here to Read More.
My grant paid most but not all of my playground’s installation cost. How can I pay the balance?
Putting in a playground is a community effort, with many people invested in the project. You can utilize this manpower to start a fundraising event, such as a bake sale or sponsored run. You can also start a crowdfunding campaign and spread it through social media, gaining donations from more people throughout your community.
TIPS FOR WRITING A GRANT
- Research and understand the purpose of each grant you apply for. Write your proposal according to each grant’s requirements.
- Write the proposal as though you’ve already won the funding. Clearly establish all of your goals. Include graphics and images whenever possible.
- Consult with required stakeholders and gets appropriate approvals ASAP. The sooner you submit your proposal, the better.
- Have a third party review your proposal for clarity.
American Playground Company’s Business Match Program!
We Want To Help!
The American Playground Company’s parent company, American Fence Company, is proud to offer a $500 to $25,000 matching grant program for non-profit and government entities supporting children’s play. Grant amounts are at our discretion, and applicants are required to match a minimum of 50%. Proposals submitted should aim to improve the following permanent structures and materials associated with kids’ play:
- Playground Structures
- Slides
- Swings
- Surfacing
- Inclusive Playground Equipment
- Spinners
- Climbing Equipment
- Playground Musical Equipment
Who is Eligible?
All non-profit organizations and government entities in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Kansas. Applicants must have 501(c)(3) status or and IRS determination letter verifying their government entity status. Examples of supporting documentation include a letter from an authorized government official or a copy of the legislative act creating a government body.
Mandatory Playground Inspections
All applicants must agree to and be capable of supporting regular inspections by a CPSI certified playground inspector . Each time inspector surveys your playground, they will provide a document that 1) identifies non-compliant issues, 2) contains items and pictures noting hazards, the priority of hazard ranking, and information on how to resolve all issues within. You may fix these issues yourself, or contract a playground company to fix them for you.
Audit Your Playground
You cannot schedule an inspection unless your playground has been audited. American Playground Company conducts a safety audit for every playground we install. This ensures safe play for users and guarantees playground owners the Standard of Care. Has your playground never been audited? Contact American Playground Company and schedule an audit today!
The Application Process
Applications should be filled out as completely and accurately as possible. The application should clearly state how the applicant intends to provide a safe and fun environment for children to play. When filling out the application PLEASE READ THE DIRECTIONS FOR EACH SECTION THOROUGHLY & INCLUDE ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION or your application will not be considered!