Grants, Volunteers Make Playground a Reality

In partnership with KaBOOM, JP Morgan Chase & Co., and the Toro Company, CKC client school Community School of Excellence has a sparkling new playground for their students to enjoy. The new playground sits on what was previously a dirt lot adjacent to the K-8 school in St. Paul. Now, a climbing wall, activity panels, a triple slide, overhead climbing ladders, a lily pad bridge, a jungle gym and more help encourage the school's 1,400 students to be active. More than 100 volunteers helped prep the site, assemble the various components and distribute a semi-trailer load of mulch beneath the play structures.

CSE's new playground is a great example of the ways in which schools can leverage grants, corporate volunteerism and the community to make initiatives and physical improvements possible. Schools can tap into grants for school wellness initiatives, farm-to-school initiatives, kitchen improvements, school gardens, school breakfast initiatives, physical activity programs, curriculum enhancements and more. Search for relevant grant opportunities at the GrantWatch website. We also have several listed in the resources section of our client portal.

KaBoom is currently accepting applications for its 2019 "Build it with KaBoom" grants, the same type of grant that helped bring CSE's playground to fruition this year. Schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul are among those in priority areas identified for 2019 grants. Apply by November 9, 2018.

Through October 31, GameTime is also accepting applications for its 2018 playground grants providing up to 100% matching funds for new playground projects. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are for a limited time only. GameTime's exclusive partner in CKC's region is Minnesota-Wisconsin Playground.