Local Funding Strategies Presented by: Vickie Berkley Colorado Center for Community Development
What is Active Schoolyards Active Minds? A schoolyard planning and design program fostering physical activity and academic success in schools and surrounding communities.
Why schoolyards? Childhood obesity is rapidly increasing in Colorado
Focal point for Community and neighborhood
Encourages physical activity for students and community
Opportunity for improved student achievement
Active Schools Active Minds Design Age-appropriate Play Equipment Community Gateway Hardscape games, Outdoor Art Shade Structure Outdoor Classroom Grass Play Field Cost Estimate
Age-appropriate Play Equipment
Community Gateway
Hardscape games
Outdoor Artwork
Shade Structure
Outdoor Classroom
Grass Play Field
School District 30% $40,500 Large Grants/ Foundations 45% $60,750 Volunteer/ In-Kind 10% 13,500 School Funds 15% $20,250
What can you do to make this happen? 1) Form a Schoolyard Improvement Committee 2) Identify Resources in your community 3) Develop a fundraising plan with specific goals Volunteer/ In-Kind Donated Materials Donated Time Utilizing Local Trades Volunteer Build Events Sweat Equity School-Raised Funds Donations Fundraisers Local Business sponsorship Grants Volunteer/ In-Kind School-Raised Funds
1) Schoolyard Improvement Committee Parents, teachers, neighbors, local businesses, city council, designers, contractors, publicists, Public speakers, bookkeepers, gardeners, students
1) Schoolyard Improvement Committee Set goals Raise awareness Create enthusiasm Organize events Gather resources Raise funds Ask for support
2)Identify resources in your community Make a list: Who is willing to volunteer? Who has expertise to donate? Trades, Contractors, Landscapers, grant writers Who are potential financial donors? Will the PTA help? Who has materials to donate? What businesses will help?
3) Develop a fundraising plan with specific goals What do you want to build first? Garden Gateway Play equipment How much can you raise? What is your timeline?
3) Develop a fundraising plan with specific goals Typical Costs Estimates: Outdoor Art $900 Boulders $1200 200 of Fence $5,000 Gateway $8,000 School Garden $10,000 Shade Structure $25,000 New Play Structure $5,000-$35,000
School-Raised Funds Play Equipment Grass Fields Fundraisers Component Sale People sponsor specific pieces of the playground Buy a Brick Sell bricks that can be engraved with purchaser s name Art Tiles Sell tiles and let people decorate them
School-Raised Funds Fundraisers Popcorn sales at school sporting events Garden bulb and plant sales School fairs or carnivals Penny drive Custom wristbands Auction Raffle Jump-a-thon Pancake breakfast Spaghetti dinner
School-Raised Funds Local business sponsorship Restaurants Lowe s, Home Depot Local businesses/ corporations Civic groups Professionals and professional organizations Don t be afraid to ASK!
School-Raised Funds Grants Shade structures Play equipment Trees Foundations Non-profits Corporations
With the right supervision volunteers can do an amazing job. Schoolyard sweat equity has many added benefits.
Schoolyard Sweat Equity Empowers students
Schoolyard Sweat Equity Builds Ownership
Schoolyard Sweat Equity Builds Community
Schoolyard Sweat Equity Builds Stewardship
Get the word out contact media celebrate the victories
Recognize and thank donors and volunteers
Resources Sample Fundraising Letter (Place your school or group logo here) Dear, We are excited about a community project that is taking place in (your community name here). Through a grassroots effort, the citizens of are joining hands to provide schoolyard improvements, not only for the children of but for children throughout the area. One of the things that makes this project unique is that the playground is designed with input from the children, parents, schools and community members, and the entire community wil help with the fundraising and acquisition of materials and labor to build the playground. The overall cost for the project is $. We at feel that this is a worthy project that should be supported especially by those in our local community. A project such as this is a once in a lifetime investment that wil not only produce an outstanding place where our children can grow and play, but it offers a tangible model for community involvement, service, cooperation and leadership that will leave a lasting impact for the rest of their lives. We want to invite you to join with us in supporting this project by your $ tax-deductible donation (if applicable). We have been told that there will be a permanent plaque at the playground site to recognize donations (if applicable). This is one way that we can show our community that we love and support our children. Also available on CCCD Website Thank you for considering this very special project. We have enclosed additional information that further explains this wonderful opportunity for the community and all those who choose to get involved! Sincerely,
Resources Sample student Letter Also available on CCCD Website
Resources Sample Fundraising Flyer What it is and why you should participate! A community-based program to improve local schoolyards providing opportunities for increased physical activity for students and local residents Goals of Active Schoolyards Active Minds Project To enrich school grounds with additional recreational, educational and ecological features that will create a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment The improved schoolyard is a proactive way to benefit health at the community level and will encourage physical activity for both students and community residents Studies show that well planned and equipped schoolyards increase physical activity while also enhancing the learning environment resulting in improved achievement Also available on CCCD Website (your logo inserted here) PROJECT EAGLE VISION "Home of the Eagles"
Resources Sample Fundraising Flyer Also available on CCCD Website
To recap: 1) Form a Schoolyard Improvement Committee 2)Identify Resources in your community 1) Develop a fundraising plan with specific goals
For more information: CCCD website: cap.ucdenver.edu/cccd KaBOOM! : http://kaboom.org/ Kid Country 2012: http://www.kidcountry2012.com/documents/planning %20Guide%20for%20Fundraising%20Committee.pdf 5 Steps to Playground Fundraising from Creative Recreational Systems, Inc.: http://www.creativesystems.com/steps_toplaygroun d_fundraising.htm American Dermatological Academy http://www.aad.org/member-tools-andbenefits/volunteer-opportunities/shade-structureprogram/shade-structure-program Chipotle http://www.chipotle.com/en- US/company/philanthropy.aspx
For more information: We will be hosting a webinar for school and district staff on grant funding opportunities. February 28, 2012 at 7:00 am March 1, 2012 at 4:00 pm Check in with your school staff to see how you can get involved with applying for grant funding.
Thank you! Questions? Contact Vickie Berkley: vickie.berkley@ucdenver.edu 303-315-5890