The Playground Blog

Raising money for your playground project can be a daunting task, especially when the economy is less than cooperative.  A few basic fundraising steps will help add to your success. 

• Make sure you know how much money you need to raise.  It may sound simple enough, but many playground projects are surprised by hidden costs down the road.  Have you calculated the cost of resilient ground surfacing?  How about shipping costs?  Once you have an all-inclusive, no-surprises budget – your target is tangible and real. 
• Use a visible gauge to show the success of your fundraising efforts.  A mural outside the school, or a giant thermometer at a local vehicle intersection helps keep your community aware of hard work.  One of our communities salvaged an old metal slide, and painted their fundraising progress up the slide. 
• Get creative with your fundraising ideas.  Put a new spin on the basic pledge or donation. (check out this Certificate of Playground Stock)   If you are selling a product, make sure the product is useable and meaningful.  When planning an event, check with other organizations in the community to make sure it hasn’t been done before – or that the timing won’t conflict with other community events. 
• Use the media to draw attention to your fundraiser.  A simple fundraising press release goes a long way in getting the word out to your community.  Send the press release to your local radio station, the newspaper, and any local organizations’ newsletters. 
• And finally, remember to be your fundraising committee’s biggest cheerleader.  Your enthusiasm speaks volumes about the worthiness of your playground project, and will make the difference in your fundraising efforts.

Learning Structures provides our community-built playground clients with detailed ideas and tips via our Fundraising Coordinator’s manual, as well as manuals for PR, Volunteer Recruitment, Children’s Committee, and many more.  All volunteers on your playground committee have skills and talent that can be put to great use, with a little guidance and direction.