Deadline: Rolling
Amount: Rather than providing monetary awards, this program provides successful applicants with a custom-designed playspace, including play equipment, safety surfacing, and site enhancements. Approximately 175 to 200 awards are made annually.
Eligibility: Local Government, Non-Profits, Private Sector, Schools/School Districts
The purpose of this program is to transform community spaces to include a permanent play structure that ensures that kids, particularly those in poverty, get balanced and active play so they can thrive. Playground projects must engage community members in the design, planning, and building of the playground, and playgrounds will be custom-designed by the community. Awards are for complete playgrounds, including equipment, safety surfacing, and installation and shipping. Playgrounds will build on a fixed date 8 to 12 weeks after the award.
Priority consideration will be given to applications that:
- Demonstrate the need for the playground
- Serve low-income children
- Engage the local community, parents, and stakeholders in the planning and execution of the project
- Own the land for the proposed playground or have a long-term lease
- Fundraise for the cost of the playground
- Complete site preparations and obtain necessary permits
- Provide insurance for the playground
- Use an approved vendor listed online at kaboom.org/resources/preferred_vendors to construct the playground
Generally, playground designs are for children in the following age ranges: 2 to 5, 2 to 12, or 5 to 12 years old.
This program accepts applications to build playgrounds across the country; however, not all areas have funding available at all times. Organizations submit applications, and then when funding becomes available, applicants in the corresponding areas will be contacted.
Applicants seeking support for a Build it Yourself grant should refer to the KaBOOM!: Let’s Play Community Construction Grants: Build it Yourself program, listed in eCivis Grants Network as FD3885.