Funding Opportunity:
Funding Opportunity: Outdoor Physical Activity Infrastructure for Ages 5-10

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Provide convenient access to playground equipment for vulnerable kids ages 5-10 in Colorado and foster community pride and spirit around the community playground.

Grant Deadline: Not accepting applications. This work is in progress.

Associated Measurable Results

Applicants will be asked to indicate how their work will numerically: 

  • Increase the number of underserved Coloradans who have convenient access to recreational physical activity.

Criteria

To be considered for funding, applicants must demonstrate within the grant application how they meet the following criteria:

  • The Foundation will review applications from organizations developing play spaces in high-need areas as determined by one of the following pieces of community demographic data:
    • Communities and schools serving a significant number of children from economically disadvantaged households.
    •  Communities and schools that have no playground within one mile in an urban area and 10 miles in a rural area or a demonstrate need to replace an existing unsafe or outdated playground.
  • The playground must serve youth ages 5-10 (K-5th grade).
  • If on school grounds, the playground must be open to the general public during non-school hours.
  • Youth, parents, community residents and teachers (when located at a school) must be included in the planning, implementation and maintenance of the playground.
  • Projects must include a plan to draw neighborhood kids to the playground as a community attraction and destination for kids during their free time.

We often partner with third-party evaluators, contractors and other organizations over the course of our work with applicants and grantees. Your application and its attachments may be shared with these individuals or entities during the review process and grant cycle. All third-party organizations partnering with the Foundation have signed a confidentiality agreement and will not use or share the information for purposes outside of the scope of work specific to the grant application or grant award. If you have any concerns or would like additional information, please email [email protected] or call our senior director of Grantmaking Operations at 303-953-3600.

What We Will Fund
  • Fixed Infrastructure: Funds can be used to purchase tangible, immovable, age-appropriate, outdoor playground equipment for kids ages 5-10 (K-5th grade) and necessary associated surfacing.
  • Playground Markings: Funds could be used to support costs associated with painting the playground with colorful, engaging and stimulating game and activity patterns that encourage physical activity.
  • Community-based Planning: Funds are expected to be used to meaningfully engage kids, parents and community members in planning and designing the playground to facilitate ownership and empowerment.
  • Signage: Up to 10 percent of funds could be used to purchase and install clear and identifiable signage and information in and around the playground to draw people into the park and encourage use by community residents.
  • Activation: Up to 15 percent of funds could be used for promotional materials and events, including flyers, newsletters, brochures and a one-time ground breaking ceremony to activate people to use the play area. However, this may not exceed $50,000.
  • Weather Protection: Up to 10 percent of funds could be used to purchase structures for sun, rain and snow protection at the playground, including canopies and trees, to encourage use year-round.
What We Will NOT Fund
  • Freestanding Equipment: Funds cannot be used for freestanding equipment such as balls, bats, nets, jump ropes, parachutes, weights, and other movable, non-stationary equipment that would require storage.
  • Athletic Courts and Fields: Funds cannot be used to build fields, courts or pools for specific sports such as baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, rugby, soft ball, soccer, tennis, or swimming.
  • Fitness Stations and Trails: Funds cannot be used to purchase and install fitness stations and trails separate from the purchase and installation of playground equipment for kids ages 5-10.
  • General Maintenance: Funds cannot be used for the maintenance of existing resources related to landscaping, surfacing, trash, paint, drainage, hardware, sidewalks or other maintenance in isolation from the purchase and installation of playground equipment.
  • Programming: Funds cannot be used for programming such as fitness classes, dog-training classes, photography classes, sports camps, festivals, movie nights and other community gatherings.
  • Amenities: Funds cannot be used to purchase outdoor furniture such as tables, benches, bleachers and grills; build bathrooms; construct parking lots; or provide other amenities that add comfort without significantly increasing physical activity.
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