For most Park Boards, PTA’s, PTO’s, School Boards, Government Officials, and many other playground decision makers, funding a new playground can be difficult. When President Obama passed the stimulus bill it made funding playground improvements relatively simple. That money is about to run out and schools and governments alike are feeling the pinch. Here is a CNN article that talked about making the cuts:
http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/05/news/economy/state_budget_cuts/index.htm
So now what? No more federal money, our states are struggling, and jobs are being cut. How are we supposed to fund a new playground in this mess? Simple, dedication and hard work! There are many options out there that people don’t realize are available. Grant money is a big one. We have a grant guide that’s filled with 75 pages of ideas. I would be happy to send this to anyone who is interested!
There are also a number of fund raising companies out there that can help with your project. Landscape Structures uses Pride Fundraising. This type of fundraising is focused around activity rather than selling. Pride uses things like walkathons and bikeathons to raise money. As a Landscape Structures dealer, I am authorized to give any interested party a discount code for Pride to help you keep more of the money you raise! Please contact me for details!
There are also the traditional fundraising activities. Selling candy to raise money is an original way to raise money. After all, who doesn’t like chocolate?! I was actually at the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP) conference a few weeks back and met the co-owner of Ruthie & Dana Fundraising. Ruthie explained to me that she is a leading distributor for Fannie Mae Candies (which, by the way, are REALLY good). Ruthie is really nice, and can help answer any questions you may have! Here is their website if you want to check them out:
http://www.ruthieanddanafundraising.com/
There are also more original ways to get the word out you need money for a playground. Everyone wants to help kids. Especially if it’s going to keep them active. I have recently been working with Monticello United Methodist Church to get them a couple structures on site. They have raised enough money for their Weevos structure, but are short funds for their Evos. As a plea to church goers and parents, the church leaders worked with the kids to make this really cute video to boost their fund raising efforts. Please check it out! It is really great! Scroll down to the middle of the page and click on playground puppet show. You’ll not be disappointed!
http://www.monticelloumchurch.org/
I hope I was able to arm you with some ideas to help you with your fundraising as times get harder and budgets get tighter. If there is anything else I can help with please contact me!
