How to Get Free Playground Equipment for Nonprofit Centers

Nonprofit organizations often exist for the purpose of providing a specific service. Preschool and after-school programs are one type of nonprofit that exists to provide low or reduced cost child care. Playground equipment such as swings or a slide are beneficial to the development of children at the center. Obtaining the equipment when there is little or no available funds requires creative thinking.

Things You'll Need

  • Playground equipment manufacturers
  • Fund raising events
  • Sponsors
  • Grant information
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a wish list of the playground equipment needed by the center. Identify the size and type of equipment needed. Research prices from playground equipment manufacturers. Organize the equipment, cost and related benefits to the children and center on paper. Prepare the information in a neat and easy-to-understand manner.

    • 2

      Raise money for the equipment with a car wash, bake sale or rummage sale. Hold a car wash with volunteers performing the work. Accept donations for washes to go toward purchasing equipment. Accept donations of baked goods from volunteers to sell at a bake sale. Conduct a rummage sale with donated items to raise money.

    • 3

      Approach business owners in the area for sponsorships. Communicate with owners that in exchange for funds toward the playground equipment, they will receive recognition and advertisement as a sponsor or partner with the center.

    • 4

      Talk with local and regional government agencies and organizations regarding information on grant writing. Discover what grants are available that relate specifically to nonprofit or playground equipment. Learn about specific necessary information that needs to be presented to successfully apply for a grant.

    • 5

      Offer the naming rights of the playground to a family or individual that has significant effect or involvement in the community. Propose that in exchange for money to buy playground equipment, the playground itself will be named for an individual or family.