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Playgrounds are beneficial to children’s overall happiness and health. For schools and churches in particular, playgrounds foster a sense of community within the organization. Of course, many times, it is difficult to come up with the money to build a new playground or replace an outdated one. Oftentimes, it’s left up to the parents of the school or the church members to finance and fundraise for these types of efforts. Here are the three main ways schools and churches can secure funding for playground equipment.
One of the first places to consider when looking for funding is grants. Numerous grants are available locally, statewide, and nationally to help communities bolster their offerings. Many organizations, especially family or child-based organizations and nonprofits, understand how playgrounds can improve a community for the better. As a result, many organizations allocate funds specifically for these types of developments.
When conducting your research, it may be easiest to start local and then broaden your search. See what your city or municipality offers first. Your chances of receiving these grants are best because the pool is smaller than when you apply for a statewide or nationwide grant. That said, don’t diminish large organizations! Companies such as the Kellogg Foundation, Costco Wholesale, and The Walt Disney Company are committed to serving local communities and have money set aside for youth-based programs and development.
When applying for a grant for commercial playground equipment, make sure your application is tailored to the specific organization. Understanding the organization’s mission and purpose will help align your application to their overarching goals. Make sure to include who the playground will serve, why you are seeking the funding, and any development plans that you have. A grant application with a strong story or narrative and a thoroughly thought-out plan will stand out amongst others.
Another option that is popular for schools and churches is conducting a fundraising event. Organizing a school or city-wide bake sale, car wash, talent show, or auction can be lucrative and help you get the money you need to begin development. This money can be used to help with construction, buying the equipment, and establishing a maintenance and upkeep plan for any ongoing costs.
Local fundraising events are also a great way to get the entire community involved. For instance, a principal can lean on the school’s PTA to help organize a bake sale. Teachers can email sign-up sheets for families to offer to bring a food item. And children can staff the bake sale tables, helping customers with their purchases while learning important social skills.
When organizing this type of event, see if there is another event that you can align with. For instance, if the senior class is already hosting a tailgating event, perhaps a silent auction could be paired with it to entice even more ticket sales. A walk-a-thon could be paired with a fitness or wellness day to gain more traction.
Online fundraising efforts are also gaining popularity. If your church is building the playground on behalf of a family or a specific individual, then the GoFundMe platform could be used to help raise funds. Email campaigns and social media are other ways to drum up support and get the word out there about your fundraising goals and needs.
You may be surprised to learn that local businesses can be a great source for donations as well. Grocery stores, insurance offices, and big box stores may be willing to offer knowing that their customers are part of the school or church. Like with any fundraising ask, focus your efforts on businesses that align with the establishment’s mission. A neighborhood grocery store, for example, will have a vested interest if it knows that a new playground is being built nearby.
Talking with local business owners about your school or church playground plans can be a great start to see what type of money they may have available. Parents or church members may be employees of businesses willing to lend a hand. For any blind requests, it can be good to do some research online and on social media to see if any local businesses have offered their support in the past. Then, ask to speak with a store manager or representative and give them a takeaway, such as a brochure, of your specific plans and requests.
Some businesses that are unable to donate money may be able to offer other assistance. For instance, a hardware or lawn and garden store may give you a steep discount on any building or planting materials. Retailers like Target or Walmart may donate gift cards for you to use on materials or other necessary items. Construction companies can offer their services and/or other materials, such as concrete pouring. All of these donations will add up, so know that their offer will go to good use!
To thank these businesses, you can have their logos appear in your church newsletter or sent out as an email thank you note to the entire school community. A public thank you on social media can also be a welcome gesture. No matter how you do it, be sure to show your appreciation. After all, it’s the local community that is benefiting from your combined efforts.