Playground Funding & Grants: A Practical Guide to Getting Support for Your Project
A well-designed play space can transform a community — but raising the funds to make it happen isn’t always easy.
Whether you're working on behalf of a local authority, charity, school, housing association, or community trust, this guide walks you through the best funding routes available in the UK — and what makes an application stand out.
1. Get Clear on Your ‘Why’
Before you dive into funding applications, define:
Who the project is for (e.g. toddlers, mixed ages, accessible users?)
What the space needs (equipment, surfacing, fencing, shade?)
Why it matters (health, inclusion, engagement, wellbeing?)
Funders are most interested in impact — so lead with outcomes, not equipment lists.
2. Know Where to Look for Funding
Here are some tried-and-tested grant sources:
National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All
Supports health, wellbeing, and community-focused outdoor spaces.
🔗 Apply here
Tesco Stronger Starts
Funds initiatives that improve health and access to food, learning and play.
🔗 Learn more
Co-op Local Community Fund
Supports causes that help bring people together and improve wellbeing.
🔗 Apply here
Biffa Award
Funding for recreation and environmental projects — often focused on communities near landfill sites.
🔗 Check eligibility
Local & Regional Sources
Parish and town council grants
PTA fundraising matched with small grants
Housing developer community funds
Health and wellbeing boards or Active Partnerships
3. How to Strengthen Your Application
Successful bids usually:
Clearly explain the community need
Offer realistic, costed quotes from reputable suppliers
Include drawings, plans or images
Show long-term value (maintenance, accessibility, shared use)
Demonstrate community support (letters, surveys, local backing)
Need visuals or cost breakdowns? Playworks can provide quote packs designed to support grant applications.
4. Consider a Phased Approach
You don’t need to do it all at once. Many projects succeed by:
Starting with surfacing or core equipment
Adding more features in future phases
Using early wins to support future bids
Phasing makes the project feel more achievable and fundable — especially when tied to wider development goals.
5. Get the Right Support Early
Many grants are competitive — so give yourself time to:
Research eligibility criteria
Draft answers offline
Get supporting documents in place
And remember: funders want to help — so don’t be afraid to contact them for advice before submitting.
📣 Need help bringing your vision to life?
At Playworks, we’ve supported a wide range of playground projects — from compact school installs to large-scale community builds. We’re happy to provide layouts, quotes, and phased options tailored to your goals and budget.
Get in touch and let’s make something brilliant happen.