Playground Fundraising for your Play Equipment

Funding and grant sources

We have listed a range of grant and funding sources below, though please be aware that some may require a subscription. As this information can change, it is always worth double-checking each website to confirm that the funding is still available before you apply.

These are only a few examples of the support available in the UK. Many other trusts and companies provide funding for community initiatives, and it is often well worth looking into ‘hyper-local’ grants available in your own town or county.

Grants 4 Schools: www.grants4schools.info

Grants for Schools aim to provide comprehensive and up to date funding information service for the UK Education sector. These include grants to primary schools, secondary schools, academies, colleges, independent and free schools. They offer a 28-day free trial facility.

The National Lottery Community Fund: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

The National Lottery Community Fund awards millions of pounds every year to local projects and charities. To make things easier, their website offers a ‘funding finder’ tool; this allows you to filter through available grants by area, project size, and the type of group you are, helping you find the best fit for your playground project.

Parentkind: www.parentkind.org.uk

Parentkind is the leading network for PTA fundraisers across the UK. They provide specialist support and expert advice to parent volunteers, ensuring every school has the opportunity to benefit from a thriving PTA. With over 12,500 members raising more than £120 million annually, their collective impact rivals some of the UK’s largest charitable organisations.

Wooden Spoon – The Children’s Charity of Rugby: www.woodenspoon.org.uk

Known as the children’s charity of rugby, Wooden Spoon provides vital grants to support life-changing projects throughout the UK and Ireland. If you are looking for funding, you can find full details on their application criteria and available grants at www.woodenspoon.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant.

Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards: www.tescoplc.com/tescocharitytrust

Tesco is committed to supporting local causes through its network of Community Champions. They provide awards aimed at helping charities and non-profits that focus on education for children and general community initiatives.

You’ll find a Community Champion in the majority of Tesco stores, ready to help with fundraising events and local projects. It’s also worth noting that Tesco staff can claim an additional 20% in match-funding for their own personal fundraising totals.