School Grants

School Playground Grants

Updated-  October 2024

Use this listing of school playground grants to secure funding for your school playground. Planning a school garden? Check out our listing of school playground grants for school gardens as well. Additional materials for writing your grant are available on our grants resource page to assist you.

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SCHOOL PLAYGROUND AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION GRANTS

***** Organization: American Academy of Dermatology

Program/Grant: Shade Structure Grant

Website: https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/shade-structure-grants

Purpose: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) awards grants up to $8k to both non-profit organizations and public schools to install shade structures.

Funding: Cycle: October 1 – December 15, 2024

Amount: $8,000

Deadline: December 15, 2024

Eligibility: non-profits & schools


*****

Website Link: https://www.adoptaclassroom.org/

Amount: $500 

Funding Cycle: Ongoing

Purpose: Teachers who register at the Adopt-a-Classroom Website can be adopted by an individual, a business, or a foundation. Once adopted, teachers will receive up to $500 worth of credit to purchase items that enrich the learning environment, including classroom technology.

***** Organization: Safeway Foundation

Program/Grant: Albertsons Foundation Grants

Website: http://national.albertsonscompaniesfoundation.org/get-funded/

Purpose: Priorities: hunger relief, education, health and human services and assisting people with disabilities.

Funding: Cycle: Rolling

Amount: 25,000

Deadline: Rolling- Reviews bi-annually

Eligibility: non-profits, schools


*****

***** Organization: Safeway Foundation

Organization: Aldi Foundation

Program/Grant: Smart Kids Grants

Website: https://corporate.aldi.us/en/corporate-responsibility/aldi-smart-kids/

Purpose: Supports local communities where they have stores. Emphasis on Health and Wellness

Funding Cycle: Submit the application online

Amount: $ Varies Both money and gift cards

Eligibility: 501 C3 organization


*****

After School Alliance – 21st Century Learning Grants

***** Organization: After School Alliance

Program/Grant: 21st Century Learning

Website: https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/policy21stcclc.cfm

Purpose:  For more than 20 years 21st Century Community Learning Centers have been providing high quality programming to a wide range of children grades pre-K to 12th grade in communities nationwide.

Funding Cycle: To be notified of 2025 release (opens in late 2024) https://0af1eebc.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAPWMQ7T2U0Y6Gm5OVHSrrdV5gPg5aX-SNqfw-6PKgq1efAypa4o6AgPbMKZ7jAJ-m5I8xnWrdwf5VQZGO_rX10P4VX7A5IrA9FBHoGefC88jzo7iYPIJWNAohgpMj7XwbKY4fu8dta8qr26eHvWGGpbTPjVH6ram4eOuHhRw4-3h4wdfOfLjnJq093LbVqTZAd7da4s1dlz8

Amount:

Eligibility:

Website Link: http://www.cwf-inc.org/grantseekers

Amount: Varies 

Funding Cycle: Ongoing

Purpose: The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation (CWF) welcomes funding proposals from non-profit organizations that focus on enhancing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of children. Grants are specifically allocated to initiatives benefiting children across a broad geographic region within the United States. The foundation awards grants for one calendar year and all grant projects must be completed between January 1st- December 31st of the award year. Funding is not provided for routine operational expenses or one-time special costs.

Organization: Cliff Bar Foundation

Program/Grant: Open Call

Website: https://cliffamilyfoundation.org/grants-program

Purpose:   Inclusive Outdoor Access Catalyze solutions that expand access to safe places to enable healthy physical activity and improve mental health.

Funding Cycle: Twice per year. March 1 and Aug 1

Amount: $5,000 to $50,000

Eligibility: 501(c) 3 foundation

Organization: The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation 

Program/Grant:  Funding is intended to support hospitals and schools; museums, performing arts and cultural programs; skills training, educational, and other programming for seniors, youth, and people with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other programs that address community needs.

Website: https://www.mvdreyfusfoundation.org/application-guidelines

Funding Cycle: Ongoing 

Amount: $20,000

Organization: Cigna Foundation 

Program/Grant: 3 grant programs see below

Website: https://www.thecignagroup.com/our-impact/esg/healthy-society/community/foundation/faqs

Purpose: They look forward to partnering with nonprofit organizations that align to at least one of these grant program goals:
• Increase reach of programming that fosters social-emotional skills and well-being.

Funding Cycle: Varies, Will reopen in new year2025. Closed for 2024.

Amount: Varies 

Eligibility: Non profit foundation

Website: https://earlychildhoodfoundation.org/

Purpose: Parenting education, Early Childhood Welfare, Early Childhood Education & Play

Deadline: Jan 25, 2025

Amount:  Varies

Organization: Coca-Cola Foundation

Program/Grant: Community Support Grants

Website: https://coca-cola.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp

Purpose: The Coca-Cola Foundation provides grants to a wide variety of 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on children, education, and/or health.

Funding Cycle: Ongoing

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Ongoing

Eligibility: 501 C3 organization

Organization: Costco

Program/Grant: Costco Wholesale Grants

Website: https://forms.benevity.org/eb5f89d4-4631-4c20-8681-0186712671a0 

Purpose: Priorities: Physical Activity and Nutrition

Funding: Cycle: Rolling

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Rolling

Contact: CommunityRelations@costco.com

Eligibility: non-profits, schools

Organization: Kaboom

 

Program/Grant: Creative Play Grants

Website: https://corporate.bestbuy.com/best-buy-now-accepting-applications-for-community-grants/

Purpose: Encourages Creativity, communication, and collaboration in play.

Funding Cycle: Ongoing

Amount: varies by product

Eligibility: 501 C3 organization

Organization: US Dept of Defense Education Activity

Program/Grant: Creative Play Grants

Website: https://www.dodea.edu/education/partnership-and-resources/dodea-grant-program

Purpose: Military children face certain challenges due to their parents’ military service; the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity recognizes this and wishes to ease those challenges, especially in efforts to increase student achievement.

Funding Cycle: Ongoing

Amount: varies 

Eligibility: 501 C3 organization

 

Additional contact info: DoDEA.Grants@dodea.edu
571-372-6026

Organization: Good Sports

Program/Grant: Equipment Donation Opportunity

Website: https://www.goodsports.org/apply/

Purpose  Play for all

Funding Cycle: Our application window is currently closed, but will reopen back in the fall. Organizations that submitted their application in May can expect to receive approval status by the beginning of July.

 

Amount: $15,000 and $35,000.

Eligibility: Your organization directly serves youth between the ages of 3-18 years old in the United States.

  • Your organization serves youth in high poverty areas.
  • Your organization charges a participation fee of $299 or below.
  • Organization provides consistent access to physical activity for kids (physical activity can take many different forms and does not have to be a structured sports program).
  • Schools Only:  Your school does not charge a tuition and more than half of the student body must be eligible for free/reduced lunch.

Organization: Greenfields

Program/Grant: Greenfields Outdoor Fitness School Incentive Program

Website: https://gfoutdoorfitness.com/school-fitness/

Priorities: Provides matching grants of up to 50%for qualifying public and private schools.

Funding: Cycle: Rolling

Amount: Varies

Eligibility: Public and Private Schools

Organization: Harry Chapin Foundation 

Program/Grant: The Harry Chapin Foundation has a focus on programs such as community education, art in education, and the environment, among others, and requires that those applying must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that align with these areas. 

Website: https://harrychapinfoundation.org/home/

Purpose :

  • Arts-In-Education Programs
  • Community Education Programs
  • Agricultural and Environmental Programs

Funding Cycle: Rolling

Amount: Up to $10,000 amount varies

Eligibility: Organizations must maintain an IRS 501(c)(3) classification

Organization: 

Program/Grant: 

Website: https://www.coxenterprises.com/our-impact/james-m-cox-foundation

Purpose: In communities where Cox Enterprises Inc. does business, James M. Cox Foundation offers support to capital campaigns and special projects. Their focus is on early childhood education, empowering families for success, and health, among other things.

Funding Cycle: annual, ongoing. Applications must be submitted by February 15th, June 15th, October 15th

Amount: Varies

Eligibility: a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, other included requirements can be found on their website

Organization: Jimmie Johnson Foundation

Program/Grant: Jimmie Johnson Champions Grant Program

Website: https://jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org/uncategorized/champions-grant-eligibility-and-application-details/

Purpose  Champions Grants that have the potential for high impact and significant positive change to K-12 public schools in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Champions Grants are awarded in the following areas: Science & Technology, Language & Literacy, Health & Wellness (in partnership with Chopt Creative Salad Co.), and the Arts.

Funding Cycle: The 2024 application process will open in spring 2024. Applicants will be notified of their status in December 2024.

 

Amount: $15,000 and $35,000.

Eligibility: K-12 public schools in Charlotte, North Carolina, that have been fully operational and serving students for a minimum of 3 years, are eligible to apply.  Past Champions Grant recipients are eligible to apply.

Program/Grant: Kars for Kids Small Grants for Education

 

Website:  Kars4Kidsgrants.org

Purpose: We are passionate about helping children develop into productive members of society

Funding Cycle: Rolling

Amount:  Grants typically range from $500-$2,000

Eligibility: any qualified K12 school

***** Organization: Kellogg Foundation

Program/Grant: Various grants in their focus areas

Website: https://www.wkkf.org/grantseekers/

Purpose: educated kids, healthy kids, secure families, racial equity, and civic engagement.

Funding Cycle: Rolling

Amount: Varies

Eligibility: Your organization or institution, as well as the purpose of the proposed project, must qualify under regulations of the United States Internal Revenue Service.


*****

Organization: Kaboom

Website: https://kaboom.org/community-built-playspaces/application

Purpose: A $15 million, three-year commitment to build or fix up 2,000 playgrounds by the end of 2013, benefiting an estimated five million children across North America.

Funding cycle: Non-profits Check website

Amount:$15,000

Nonprofits, municipalities, neighborhood associations. Funds to be used for the purchase of playground equipment that will be built using the KaBOOM! community-build model. Contact info:help@kaboom.org 202-659-0215

Organization: Kresge

Website: https://kresge.org/grants-social-investments/current-funding-opportunities/

Purpose: Health initiatives ongoing.

Funding cycle:  Check website

Amount:varies by initiative

Organization: Panera Bread Foundation

Website:Panera Bread Foundation 

Purpose: The middle school programs have focused on developing skill sets and helping children build healthy relationships with trusted adults through mentorship programs. Other programs have specialized in STEM or STEAM programs for students.

Funding cycle: Fall of each year. Grants available in October. Grant deadline Mid-November

Amount: gives out $150,000 annually

Nonprofits, Schools

Organization: PNC Financial

Website:  https://www.pnc.com/en/about-pnc/corporate-responsibility/philanthropy/pnc-foundation.html

Purpose: Support sustainability projects, particularly in the area of early childhood education.

Funding Cycle: Rolling

Amount: Varies

Eligibility: nonprofit organizations with a special emphasis on those that work to achieve sustainability and touch a diverse population, in particular, those that support early childhood education.

Website: https://sparkpe.org/grant-finder

The SPARK Grant-Finder Tool helps you locate funding for your Physical Education, After School, Early Childhood, Classroom Activity, or Coordinated School Health program. Grants can be used for curriculum, teacher training, or equipment.

Funding Cycle: Rolling

Amount: Varies

Eligibility: Non-profit organizations

Contact: 1-833-737-7275

Organization: The Olive Tree Foundation

Program/Grant: The Olive Tree Foundation

Website: https://theolivetreefoundation.org/how-to-apply/

Purpose:  The foundation focuses its grantmaking on basic needs, community development, as well as youth and children’s education.

Funding Cycle: Closed for 2024, will reopen in new year. Check back to link.

Amount: $1,000-$10,000

Eligibility: Section 501(c)(3) non profit

Organization: America Heart Association & Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Website: https://voicesforhealthykids.org/campaign-resources/grants 

Purpose: The initiative aims to engage, organize, and mobilize people to improve the health of their communities and reverse the childhood obesity epidemic.

Funding Cycle: Rolling deadlines

Amount: $20,000- $100,000

Contact: voicesforhealthykids@heart.org.

Organization: Walmart

Website: http://giving.walmart.com/apply-for-grants/

Purpose: Support health and wellness in communities

Funding Cycle:

  • Grant applications for calendar year 2024 will be accepted on a quarterly basis. Deadlines for submissions are as follows:
    • Quarter 1: Feb 1 – April 15
    • Quarter 2: May 1 – July 15
    • Quarter 3: August 1 – October 15
    • Quarter 4: November 1 – December 31
  • Applications may be submitted at any time during each quarter funding cycle. All applications will be reviewed before the next funding cycle.

Amount: $250- $5000

Eligibility: organizations with a current tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code


SHADE STRUCTURE GRANTS

***** Organization: American Academy of Dermatology

Website: https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/programs/shade-structure-program/eligibility-application

Purpose: Purchase of permanent shade structures designed to provide shade and UV ray protection for outdoor areas.

Funding cycle: Check website

Amount: $8,000

Eligibility: Schools, non-profits. Applicants must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to sun safety and skin cancer awareness by having a sun safety/skin cancer awareness program in place for at least one year prior to application.

Contact info:shadestructure@aad.org


*****


TREE GRANTS

***** Organization: Fruit Tree Planting Foundation

Website: https://www.ftpf.org/apply

Purpose:

Funding cycle: Check website

Amount: 20-25 Trees

Eligibility: Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies.

Contact info:info@ftpf.org

*****

***** Organization: California ReLeaf Foundation

Website: https://californiareleaf.org/grants/

Purpose:

Funding cycle: Check website

Amount: varies

Eligibility: Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies.

Contact info:Contact Cindy Blain, Executive Director

*****


SCHOOL NUTRITION GRANTS


SCHOOL NUTRITION GRANTS

***** Nourish Ed- Action for Healthy Kids

Organization: School Grants for Healthy Kids

Website: https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/nourished/

Purpose: Our NourishEd program is a comprehensive approach to nutrition education and food access

Funding Cycle: Ongoing

Amount: Varies

Deadline: Ongoing

Contact Info:ActionforHealthyKids.org


*****

***** Organization: No Child Hungry Foundation

Website: http://www.nokidhungry.org/solution/community-investments

Purpose: Providing students access to healthy and nutritious meals is the focus of No Kid Hungry Foundation grants. Currently, the foundation supports projects that increase access to summer meal programs, school breakfast, and after-school snacks and meals. Plus, advocacy efforts, including anti-hunger issues and needs and educating families about SNAP and the Women, Infants, and Children programs. Interested schools can submit letters of inquiry year-round.

Funding Cycle: Summer Programming

Amount: Average grants range from $5,000 to $10,000.

Eligibility: non-profits and Preference will be given to schools located within a 50-mile radius of a Jamba Juice store


*****

***** Organization: American Heart Association

Website: https://voicesforhealthykids.org/campaign-resources/grants

Purpose: Voices for Healthy Kids funds coordinated state, local, and tribal public policy issue advocacy campaigns focused on access to healthy food and active living.

Funding Cycle: Ongoing
Amount: 50,000 – 250,000 for 18 months

Deadline: Ongoing

Contact Info:https://voicesforhealthykids.org/contact


*****

***** Organization: Bonnie’s Plants

Website: http://bonniecabbageprogram.com/

Purpose: The 3rd Grade Cabbage Program promotes a love of gardening through growing cabbage plants. Kids may win a $1,000 scholarship from Bonnie Plants.

Funding Cycle: Annual ( close in September )

Amount: $1000

Eligibility: 3rd grade


*****

GARDEN GRANTS

*****SDA Farm to School Grants

Organization: USDA Farm to School Grants

Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/farmtoschool/fy18-farm-school-grant 

Purpose: The purpose of the USDA Farm to School Grant Program is to assist eligible entities in implementing farm to school programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. On an annual basis, USDA awards up to $5 million in competitive grants for training, supporting operations, planning, purchasing equipment, developing school gardens, developing partnerships, and implementing farm to school programs.

Funding Cycle:

Deadline: January 8, 2021

We will continue to keep you updated on the USDA Farm to School Grant Program through our E-letter and our website.

Amount: Planning awards range from $20,000 – $45,000; implementation and support service awards range from $65,000 – $100,000; training awards range from $15,000 – $50,000. Matching funds of 25% are required for all four grant types.

Contact Info: farmtoschool@fns.usda.gov


*****

***** Organization: California Fertilizer Foundation

Website: http://www.calfertilizer.org/Grant14.htm

Application Download: http://www.calfertilizer.org/CFF%20grant%20application%202023-24%20-%20First%20Time%20Applicant.pdf

Purpose: Supports school gardens

Funding cycle: Check website Funds grants twice a year

Due date: grant applications usually due in May

Funding Amount $1200- $1,500 (you may re-apply annually)

Eligibility:Non-profits and government agencies

Contact info: cffgrant@healthyplants.org.   Kayla Gangl at (916) 574-9744.


*****

***** Organization: Colorado Garden Show, Inc.

Website: http://coloradogardenfoundation.org/colorado-garden-foundation/grants

Purpose: Supports horticulture and horticultural related projects and those groups that are directly related. Education is emphasized. Areas of interest include horticultural-related research, education, therapy, and community improvement.

Funding cycle: Check website

Amount: Annual grants program: up to $25,000

Major grants program: $25,000-$150,000

Eligibility:Non-profits and government agencies

Contact info: Jim Fricke, jim@gardeningcolorado.com 303-932-8100


*****

***** Organization: Whole Kids Foundation

Program/Grant: Garden Grant Program

Purpose: To Support a new or existing edible educational garden located at either a: K-12 School or 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves children in the K-12 grade range.

Funding cycle: Check Website

Amount: $3,000

Deadline: March 31, 2021

Eligibility: K-12 Schools or Non-Profit Organizations in U.S./Canada

Contact info:www.wholekidsfoundation.org


***** Organization: U.S. D.A.  Food and Nutrition Services

Purpose:Farm to school efforts help teach children where their food comes from and how food fuels their bodies.

Funding cycle: Fall of Each Year

Amount: Varies

Eligibility: Schools and youth educators; Community centers or organizations; Youth groups

Contact infohttps://www.fns.usda.gov/f2s/farm-school-grant-program:


*****

***** Organization: Growing Spaces

Purpose:”Growing Spaces is offering in-kind grants to registered non-profits, schools or veterans’ organizations that are actively providing fresh food to underserved and food-insecure communities.”

Funding cycle: Applications due June 30, 2024

Amount: $2,000 – $5000 for Growing Dome Greenhouses -one-time

Eligibility: Non-profits, Schools.

Contact info: https://growingspaces.com/gardening-grants/#school


*****

***** Organization: Burpee Home Gardens

Purpose:”I Can Grow” is a national campaign from Burpee Home Gardens that supports and encourages the popular interest in home vegetable gardening among younger and novice gardeners.

Funding cycle: Check Website

Amount: $2,500 one time

Eligibility: Schools and youth educators; Community centers or organizations; Youth groups

Contact info:http://www.KidsGardening.org


*****

***** Purpose: Mission Nutrition Fruit and Veggie Grants for Schools

Website: http://www.thelunchbox.org/programs/grants/

Funding Cycle:  Ongoing.

Amount: $2,500.

There is no deadline. Grants will be determined on an ongoing basis depending on available funding.


*****

***** Purpose: Youth Garden Grants

Website: https://kidsgardening.org/grant-opportunities/youth-garden-grant-24/

Funding Cycle: Annual

Amount: $500 and a shipment of gardening supplies- $1900.

Deadline. Friday, December 15, 2023.


*****

What It Is: Supports the development of herb gardens in schools as a way to stimulate students’ interest in herb planting and gardening.

Award: $300

Deadline: To apply for a 2025 grant, visit the website in the summer of 2024 for more information.

Application Requirements: K-12 educators who are interested in creating or maintaining an herb garden with their students. The project should have a clear educational outcome related to the study of herbs. LINK APPLICATION

***** Sponsor: Paonia Soil Company

Website: https://paoniasoilco.com/nonprofit-program/ 

Funding Cycle: Fill out application

Amount: varies

Deadline. on going

Contant: rylee@paoniasoilco.com


*****

Organization: American Heart Association
***** Purpose: Teach children about gardening for school gardens.

Website: https://www.heart.org/en/professional/educator/teaching-gardens/teaching-gardens-grant

Teaching Gardens Networkwork Sign UP to be notified of grant availability: Teaching Gardens Network Sign Up 

Funding Cycle: Annual

Deadline. Check website


*****

***** Sponsor: Whole Kids Foundation

Website: https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/programs/school-gardens-grant/

Sample Garden Grant application from 2023: https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/assets/documents/2023-Whole-Kids-Foundation-Garden-Grant-Application_FINAL.pdf

Funding Cycle: Opens Feb.1 and closes March 1 each year approximately check website

Amount: $3000

Deadline. March 1

Contant: grants@wholekidsfoundation.org


*****


OTHER

*****

Organization: The Creative Coalition And WE

Website: https://community.wwe.com/diversity/programs/be-star

Purpose: Is Your Organization Taking A Stand Against Bullying? Would Additional Funding Help Take Your Efforts To Another Level?

Funding Cycle: Annual ( 11-01-2013) Check in fall of each year

Amount: $25,000.00

Questions?  BeaSTARAlliance@wwecorp.com or Bhorvath@thecreativecoalition.org.


*****

***** Purpose: Kroger Community Program

Website:https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards

Funding Cycle: Annual

Amount: % of Kroger sales based on Kroger Shoppers Cards linked to your non-profit organization and used throughout the year.  Payout once a year.  (sign up at local Kroger store)

Deadline. ongoing


 

*****

***** ENTER ACCORDION CONTENT HERE *****

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