Top 5 Ways to Fund Your New Playground in 2025
Designing a new playground is exciting—watching children laugh, climb, and explore makes all the planning worthwhile. But before the fun begins, there’s one big question: how do you pay for it? The good news is that in 2025, there are more funding options than ever for schools, municipalities, churches, HOAs, and community groups. Here are five practical ways to fund your dream playground this year.
1. Apply for Matching Grants
GameTime’s 2025 Matching Funds Grant Program helps communities stretch their budget further. Think of it less like a “free grant” and more like a discount—GameTime matches a portion of the funds you already have secured. This allows your budget to go further, making it easier to afford the inclusive, innovative play space you envision.
2. Seek Local & State Grants
Cities, counties, and states often provide funding for parks and recreation projects. Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana all have grant opportunities that can cover part of a playground project. Partnering with your local parks department or community development office is a great place to start.
3. Host Community Fundraisers
From “buy-a-brick” campaigns to school fun runs, local fundraising not only raises money—it builds excitement and ownership in the community. A playground built with community support becomes a space where everyone feels invested.
4. Partner with Local Businesses & Sponsors
Local businesses love to support community projects that make a visible impact. Offer sponsorship opportunities, like having their name on a playground feature or recognition signage. It’s a win-win: your project gets funded, and businesses get positive exposure.
5. Download the Playground Funding Guide Today
GameTime has compiled a list of local, regional, national, and global funding sources to help you find the funds you need. With over 100 pages of sources, including contact details, websites, and grant and deadline information, the Playground Funding Guide is a valuable part of any fundraising toolkit.
Ready to Start?
At Struthers Recreation, we’ve helped hundreds of communities across Alabama, Mississippi, the Panhandle of Florida, and Louisiana find creative ways to fund and build their dream play and recreation spaces. Whether it’s through the GameTime Matching Funds Grant, fundraising support, or other avenues, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
👉 Contact us today to talk about funding options for your 2025 playground project and download GameTime's Playground Funding Guide!
