June 25th, 2025
Dreaming of a new playground but wondering how to raise money for a playground? You're not the first. Whether you're planning for a school, church, neighborhood, daycare, or city park, raising money for a new playground space is a very rewarding investment. With a little strategizing, commitment, and creativity it's very possible to have a successful playground fundraiser.
At Noah's Park & Playgrounds our goal is to help you get the most out of your budget. We have helped countless organizations turn their wish list into a very real playground. In this post, we'll guide you to know what to fundraise for, timelines, playground grant opportunities, and creative playground fundraising ideas to create the best space for your community.
Set Fundraising Goals to Raise Money for Playgrounds That Matter
Fundraising for a playground project can seem overwhelming. Starting the process by clearly defining the goals of the fundraiser will make the project seem more manageable and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Use SMART goals to stay on track and work towards the end goals — a new playground.
- Specific: Clearly define the goal, such as "raise 50,000 for new playground equipment."
- Measurable: Goals should be quantifiable so that the money raised can be easily tracked.
- Achievable: Keep goals realistic based on the resources and community members available.
- Relevant: Align the goals with the purpose of the playground and the needs of the community.
- Time Bound: Set a clear deadline for the playground fundraiser.
Why Community Engagement is Key to Any Playground Fundraiser
When it comes to raising money for a big project, such as a new playground, it's important to take plenty of time to create a plan of action. Is the playground a brand new space, a full playground makeover, or smaller scale refresh of a few pieces of equipment? Determining the answer to this question will define the scope of the project — who it's for and what equipment.
Having a clear plan will:
- Ensure accurate fundraising goals
- Strengthen grant and donation proposals
- Prevent mistakes
Playground fundraising is much more manageable with help from the receiving community. Gathering support from the community members who will benefit from the space not only strengthens connections, it increases awareness and donor reach.
Build a Playground Fundraising Plan That Gets Results
For your fundraising efforts to be successful, thorough planning is essential. Start by creating a clear budget and deciding what equipment is most needed. Set realistic timelines and milestones to make sure the project stays on schedule and identify target donor groups most likely to support your project.
Define Your Budget and Funding Needs for Playground Equipment
Contacting a commercial playground company, like Noah's, early in the planning process will help make sure you're on the right track. Your budget should go beyond just equipment and include things like surfacing, shipping, installation, and more — especially if leasing playground equipment is part of your plan.
Typically playground budgets are broken down like this:
- Equipment: 55%
- Installation: 25%
- Delivery: 8%
- Surfacing: 7%
- Landscaping: 5%
Keep in mind these percentages are just a general idea. The final cost of each category will depend on things like the state of the space the playground will be installed in or whether or not you'll need installation.
Set Milestones to Stay Motivated While Raising Money for a New Playground
Start by setting a target date for the equipment to be ordered by. Consider the time of year you want to have the equipment delivered and installed during. Keep in mind that full-scale playground projects can take anywhere from six months to eighteen months depending on the size of the playground. Now work backwards and create milestones you want to hit to reach the final goal. These could be monthly amounts of money you will need to raise, or specific parts of the project funded by certain deadlines.
Target Playground Fundraiser Ideas for Different Communities
The ways to raise money can be tailored to the type of organization you are raising money for. Let's explore a few fundraising ideas tailored to different audiences.
School Playgrounds
Parents and PTO groups are often the most engaged supporters. Local businesses — especially those with parent clientele — can contribute meaningfully. Alumni, school staff, and educational foundations can also contribute to the playground fund.
Church Playgrounds
Begin with the congregation. Boards, families, and ministries are usually open to helping raise funds. Ask local businesses with church connections to support your mission.
Neighborhood Playgrounds
Get residents, HOAs and volunteer groups on board. Consider hosting a neighborhood auction or dinner night to build community while raising money.
Daycare Playgrounds
Parents and grandparents are your biggest advocates. Encourage them to donate items an auction, or purchase commemorative bricks to support the playground fund.
City Park Playgrounds
City budgets and park boards may already support your causes. Reach out to tourism groups or nonprofits. Partner with civic groups for a community wide 5K event or silent auction.
Look for Playground Grant Opportunities
Grants are a powerful way to boost your efforts. Search for grants that support youth development, community health, or accessibility. Whether it's a small local grant or a larger state or federal award, applying for a playground grant can help you hit your goals faster.
Pay attention to the requirements of each grant, and make sure your organization type qualifies to receive the funds. Grants are offered at the local city or county level and may be less competitive. Many states offer rolling deadline grants, and while federal grants may be more competitive, it's worth applying for to reach your goals faster.
In addition to applying for playground grants, look for private foundations that would be interested in supporting a project that benefits children, families, and communities. These could be family and corporate foundations, health and wellness organizations and nonprofit organizations that focus on inclusion and accessibility.
Smart Ways to Raise Money for a New Playground
Once your plans are in place, it's time to rally your community around the cause! Hosting creating and engaging fundraisers will bring in more than just donations. It builds awareness, excitement, and a sense of ownership in the playground project.
Host in Person Playground Fundraisers That Get the Community Involved
Community events work for a reason. Bringing people together through fun runs, 5Ks, walks, family dinner nights, bake sales, or carnivals, create memorable experiences while bringing in donations, entry fees, raffles, and sponsorships. While also showing people what you're raising money for.
Sell Branded Merchandise to Raise Money
Selling t-shirts or other branded merchandise is a simple way to raise funds and build community pride. Add a buy a bring campaign to your fundraising lineup. Engraved bricks are both a donation and a lasting memory.
Use Online Playground Fundraiser Tools to Reach More Donors
Enlist supporters to help raise more!! Peer to peer campaigns allow fundraising efforts to expand past the direct community. Individuals can create their own fundraising pages and share with friends or family members through social media and reach more people. Online fundraising efforts through platforms like GoFundMe, Classy or Donor Box are great for organizations like churches or schools to reach past members that may have moved away, or for daycares to reach family members of kids.
Fundraising Ideas for Playground Equipment Sponsored by Local Businesses
Reaching out to corporate businesses can completely change your fundraising efforts. Not only can it bring in substantial donations, but it also helps you create lasting connections with your community.
Begin reac
hing out to local businesses by explaining how their donation and the playground will benefit the kids of the community. Make sure to specifically state what you are hoping to receive, whether it's a monetary donation or donating a piece of playground equipment. Starting with businesses located closest to the new playground are more likely to be successful.
Turn the donation into a marketing opportunity for the business by offering recognition for their donation. This could include naming rights to a specific piece of playground equipment or part of the project they funded, or a sign located within the space with the names of all of the donors.
Engage Families, Teachers & Volunteers Who Care Most
Your most powerful supporters are the people who already care: families, teachers, and community members. Encourage personal storytelling in your campaign — parents can share how a new playground would benefit their children. Collaborate with PTO and PTA organizations or other civic organizations to reach important stakeholders.
Track Fundraising Progress Toward Your New Playground Goals
Throughout the playground fundraiser period, make sure to keep track of donations, and how the money is spent. Provide updates to the community on fundraiser progress, and how much is left to go. This will keep donors motivated to continue supporting the project. As you reach each milestone, celebrate the donors and acknowledge the contributions that helped achieve them.
Turn Fundraising Ideas for Playground Equipment into a Real Community Space
Whether you're organizing a playground fundraiser for a school, church, daycare, or city park, it brings people together and strengthens your mission. By planning ahead, building relationships, and choosing the right strategies, your playground fund can grow faster than you think.
At Noah's Park & Playgrounds, we are here to help you at every step, from designing your space to choosing the right equipment. Let's work together to raise funds and bring your playground dreams to life: