Playground Equipment Grants and Funding
Are you looking for playground equipment grants and funding?
We understand that securing a budget for new play areas can be a challenge – that’s why we are proud to have partnered with FundEd, a leading expert in grants and funding support for schools.
Through our partnership with FundEd, we can help guide you towards the best funding options available to find you playground equipment
grants. Whether you’re planning a full playground redevelopment, adding exciting new play structures, or upgrading your existing equipment, there are a wide range of grants and funding opportunities that could support your project.
How we can help:
Expert advice on the most suitable playground equipment grants
Access to comprehensive lists of available playground equipment funding opportunities
Guidance on preparing successful funding applications
Practical tips to maximise your chances of securing grants
We believe that every child deserves a safe, stimulating, and inclusive outdoor play space – and funding should not be a barrier to achieving this. With the right support, your vision for a vibrant new playground can become a reality.
If you would like to find out more about how we and FundEd can assist you, or if you would like to discuss your project, please get in touch with us today. Let’s work together to create an inspiring play environment for your pupils!
Contact us for more information on the latest local grants.
Current UK Government Funding you can use with Everyday Play playground equipment.
The PE and Sport Premium is government funding for UK schools to improve physical education and sports opportunities for pupils.
Schools are required to publish a report on their website detailing how they have spent their PE and Sport Premium funding by 31 July 2026.
Phase 2 School-Based Nursery (SBN) Capital Grant 2025–2026
A UK government grant providing funding to schools to expand or improve nursery facilities for early years education.
The deadline for applications is 5:00 PM on Thursday, 11 December 2025.
Other known available grants
National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All
Who can apply: Schools, charities, and community organisations across the UK.
Funding available: £300–£20,000 for projects lasting up to 2 years.
Eligible projects: Playground upgrades, outdoor learning spaces, and accessibility improvements.
How to apply: Apply online via the National Lottery Community Fund website.
Tesco Stronger Starts
Who can apply: Schools, registered charities, and not-for-profit organisations supporting children and young people.
Funding available: Up to £1,500 awarded through customer voting in Tesco stores.
Eligible projects: Small-scale playground improvements, new equipment, or upgrades to existing facilities.
How to apply: Apply online through Tesco Stronger Starts.
Co-op Local Community Fund
Who can apply: Charities, community groups, co-operatives, and social enterprises in the UK and Isle of Man.
Funding available: Grants shared between three local causes per community, minimum £1,000 per project.
Eligible projects: Playground development, wellbeing initiatives, or projects supporting young people’s skills and health.
Note: Applications for 2025 are closed; the next round is expected mid-2026.
How to apply: Visit Co-op Local Community Fund.
Biffa Award
Who can apply: Non-profit organisations (excluding schools) for projects near landfill sites in England and Northern Ireland.
Funding available: £10,000–£75,000 for projects costing up to £200,000.
Eligible projects: Larger-scale playground projects and community outdoor spaces.
How to apply: Apply online via Biffa Award.
Playground Fundraising
Playground equipment is often one of the top priorities for PTAs, parents, and school leadership teams. But how do you actually go about raising the money? Here’s a practical guide to help you explore the best strategies and start turning your plans into reality.
Fundraising Avenues to Explore
Every school is unique, so it’s worth surveying your community to find out which types of fundraising would be most popular and what skills or contacts people can offer. Here are some of the most common – and effective – ways to fundraise for outdoor play projects:
Playground Grant Funding
Potential: £500 – £10,000+
There are numerous grants available for schools developing outdoor learning or play spaces. Some are specifically focused on education or outdoor enrichment (e.g. Ernest Cook Trust), while others are broader in scope, such as the National Lottery’s Awards for All programme.
Writing a compelling grant application takes time. You’ll need to prepare detailed budgets, gather quotes, seek letters of support, and demonstrate community need and impact. Plan ahead and don’t leave it to the last minute.
FundEd is a valuable resource, offering a grants database and expert guidance on bid writing – ideal for schools looking to strengthen their application success rate.
Crowdfunding in the Community
Potential: £2,000 – £8,000
Crowdfunding allows you to tell your story, showcase your vision, and invite a broad audience to contribute small amounts online. It’s a great way to involve the whole community – from parents and extended family to local businesses and former pupils.
You can also seek sponsorship from local companies. Many have community support or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets, especially businesses like estate agents, which benefit from strong local schools. After-school clubs and other organisations using your premises might also be willing to support a shared space improvement.
Fundraising Events
Potential: £150 – £3,000
Events are a fantastic way to bring people together and raise funds at the same time. Make it clear that proceeds are going towards your playground project, and consider hosting events that tie in with the theme of outdoor play.
Some ideas include:
Summer fairs and outdoor festivals
Campover nights or open-air film screenings
Pet shows, car boot sales or nature trails
Sponsored activities like fun runs, bounce-a-thons, or fitness challenges (don’t forget to claim Gift Aid!)
Low-Effort Fundraising Ideas
Potential: £50 – £1,500
Small activities can quickly add up – and they’re perfect for involving a wide range of supporters.
Small, simple activities can build momentum and quickly contribute to your fundraising total – without requiring a huge amount of time or resources.
One popular option is a “Loose Change Challenge”. Each class gets a jar or container, and over a set period (a week or month), pupils are encouraged to bring in spare coins from home. It creates a fun, friendly competition between classes to see who can collect the most. You can even offer a small prize for the winning class, like an extra playtime or non-uniform day.