Build a new playground!

Apply for a KaBOOM! playground today and your community will have a new place to play in 2011!

KaBOOM! is a national nonprofit that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in North America. KaBOOM! brings together parents, community leaders and corporate partners to facilitate the planning and design of new community play spaces. Our goal is to not only build a new play space but use the project to strengthen existing support networks and build new community relationships.
We are currently accepting applications from nonprofit, child serving organizations and schools that would benefit from and embrace the process of a community built playspace partnership.
An organization must meet the following criteria to qualify:
· Have 501(c)3 status (government entities may partner up with a nonprofit to meet these requirements)

· Serve a low-income/high-need community
· Have no playground or need to replace an existing playground
· Fundraise $8,500 USD towards the cost of equipment. We offer online webinars (www.kaboom.org/webinars) to assist with fundraising ideas.
· Provide at least 2500 sq. feet in available land and complete any needed site preparation, i.e. removing old equipment, asphalt, grading the land.
· Provide additional in kind responsibilities such as breakfast and lunch for Build Day, tools, restroom facilities, and a dumpster.
· Recruit about 100 volunteers for Build Day and recruit parents who are excited about serving on planning committees for an 8-10 week period leading up to Build Day.
· Accept ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the play space upon completion.
In return, your organization will:
· Receive a new custom designed playground!
· Establish an ongoing relationship with a Funding Partner throughout the planning process and for years after who is interested in having an impact on your community.
· Bring community members together as they work toward this common goal.
· Participate in a planning process that will teach you about fundraising, community building, media relations, etc. that can be used during future community projects.
The approximate 8-10 week planning process kicks off with a Design Day where children literally design their dream playgrounds, and culminates on Build Day where volunteers build the new playground. We encourage you to forward this information to any others who may benefit. Please contact Nada El-Eryan at 202-464-6069 or nel-eryan@kaboom.org with any questions.
Please submit your application by June 22, 2011. If you need more time, I would be happy to work with you to establish a new deadline.

*Council members-I think this would be a great opportunity to collaborate with other agencies in your community! Please e-mail me if interested in assembling a team.