It is a common complaint that there are not enough safe areas for children to play, with existing playgrounds often being vandalized or falling into disrepair due to a lack of funding for upkeep.
So, what are the options available to keep our existing playgrounds in a usable state or to have new playgrounds installed?
There are a number of options available; however, we will focus on government playground funding and how you can apply for this. There are millions of grants available nationally, some through government or local council avenues, and some available through charities or other private organizations.
However, even with all of these grants available, it can be difficult to know where to begin when trying to access the available funds.
What is Playground Funding?
Funding grants are amounts given to organizations to help pay for the cost of their endeavor. Most funding sources will have conditions that have to be met for the funding to be granted, so it is important to ensure that you read the small print for each funding source you are interested in. Choosing the right funding option is important to ensure that you are able to get what you need.
The funding for playgrounds is usually in the form of a grant, meaning it is non-repayable and does not work in the same way as a business loan. You may be able to get a grant for the full amount of the cost of the playground you are intending to install, or you may need to find additional funding sources if the grant is not enough.
How to Apply
All funding sources will have their own application process, usually online, which you will need to satisfy in order to receive the funding payment. In addition to completing the application form, you will be asked for the proposal for the playground that you are planning to install. This will need to include the location and an outline of what equipment will be installed, usually.
There will, of course, be other considerations that will need to be made. Such as planning permission, where you will purchase the playground equipment from, and the company you will use for installation.
If you are unable to find an appropriate funding source, there are companies that can assist you in finding a grant that meets your needs. This is an excellent way to explore a number of options at the same time to ensure you are getting the most appropriate funding option available.
If you are unsure about any aspects of the funding before or during the application process, we recommend that you contact the grant holder before continuing. This can save you a considerable amount of time and guesswork when applying. The full application process can be very time-consuming, and if, during the consideration process, it is found that a mistake has been made, the application will be declined.
Funding applications are also highly competitive, so it is important that you have covered every aspect of the application form in as much detail as possible to have the best chance of being approved.
