Budgeting for Inclusive Play

Planning an inclusive playground for your community or school often starts with a big question.

How do we fund it?

While budgets can feel overwhelming, the good news is that many funding sources are available to support playground projects—especially those designed to be inclusive and open to the entire community.

If you’re planning for a school, emphasizing that the playground will be accessible to the broader community outside of school hours—including evenings and weekends—can make your grant applications stand out.

Not sure where to start? I can help guide you through the process, from identifying funding opportunities to crafting compelling applications that showcase the value of your project.

Show Your Progress:

Create a digital thermometer on your website to share updates with donors and community members.
For in-person events, use a physical poster with a fillable progress bar—it’s a fun and visual way to generate excitement.

Celebrate Milestones:

Recognize milestones, such as reaching 25%, 50%, and 75% of your goal. Share updates through social media, email campaigns, and local events.

Engage the Community:

Organize fundraisers like bake sales, community markets, or corporate sponsorship drives.
Build an online presence to reach a broader audience and accept digital donations.

Say Thank You:

Thank donors, sponsors, and partners publicly through newsletters, social media, or community events. Acknowledgement goes a long way toward building lasting relationships.

Lessons Learned from Julia’s Junction

During the fundraising campaign for Julia’s Junction, I discovered invaluable insights into securing funding for an inclusive playground. Here’s what worked for us:

Grant Applications:

It is crucial to write a compelling, well-researched application that highlights the inclusivity, community impact, and long-term benefits of your playground design.

Local Business Partnerships:

Contact businesses in your area. Many have corporate giving programs or community funds and are eager to support initiatives that make a difference.

Community Engagement:

Host events to bring awareness to your campaign and build a sense of ownership among local residents.

No matter the scale of your project, fundraising is a journey filled with ups and downs. Staying organized, motivated, and enthusiastic will keep your campaign moving forward.

Ready to Start Your Campaign?

Fundraising for an inclusive playground is a rewarding challenge, and I’m here to help! Whether it’s finding grants, writing applications, or planning community events, I’d love to share my knowledge to make your project successful.

Work With Me