Creating safe, engaging playground spaces for students doesn’t have to break the school budget. Numerous grant opportunities exist specifically to help schools fund playground equipment and improvements. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the most promising funding sources available.
Federal and State Programs
ESSER Funds remain one of the most accessible funding sources for schools. ESSER Funds are a great way to add more school playground equipment, but there are many other sources, too. These federal dollars can be applied toward playground improvements as part of student wellness and outdoor learning initiatives.
State-Specific programs vary by location but often provide substantial funding. For example, schools in Charlotte, North Carolina can access grants ranging from $15,000 and $35,000 for K-12 public schools that have been operational for at least three years.
Corporate and Foundation Grants
KaBOOM! Partnerships offer some of the most generous funding opportunities. Thanks to the generous support of the Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund and Georgia Power, KABOOM! is offering grants of up to $25,000 for community playground projects. KaBOOM! works with various corporate partners to fund playground builds nationwide.
NFL PLAY 60 Grants focus on promoting youth fitness and addressing declining physical education programs. Through its PLAY 60 grant opportunity, the NFL Foundation provides clubs resources to help address the rise in the obesity rates among youth and the decline of physical education programs in schools across the country.
GameTime Community Champions provides ongoing funding opportunities. GameTime will accept grant orders until October 24, 2025, or until all eligible funds are disbursed, whichever comes first.
Specialized Funding Programs
Shade Structure Grants address specific safety needs. The AAD awards Shade Structure Grants of up to $8,000 to schools, daycares, parks, and other non-profit organizations for installing permanent shade structures in places where children learn and play.
Regional Foundations often focus on specific geographic areas. The Meyer Memorial Trust, for instance, fund urban, rural, and tribal communities in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington where people work to improve the places they live.
Getting Started
The key to successful grant applications lies in preparation and timing. Many grants operate on rolling deadlines, while others have specific application windows. Start by researching which programs align with your school’s needs and location.
Remember that a grant is a sum of money that is applied for to be used for a specific purpose, without reimbursement. It is essentially free money! With proper planning and a compelling application, your school can access these valuable funding sources to create amazing play spaces for students.
Begin your search today by exploring the grant resources from major playground manufacturers and checking with your state’s education department for local funding opportunities. Your students’ new playground might be just one successful application away.