Become a Community Partner

Q. Do these opportunities come around annually?
A. No, KaBOOM! is not a grant-awarding organization, so we do not operate on a typical grant cycle. Our opportunities become available as we secure funding partners, and we aren't typically able to predict where our upcoming opportunities will be.

Q. If we have the application completed but don’t have all the support letters that the application suggests, should we wait to submit our application?
A. It is best to send in applications sooner rather than later, to express interest in being considered for the most current opportunities. An application can be submitted without letters of support, but we strongly suggest sending them as soon as possible.

Q. We are in the midst of applying to become a 501(c)3 non-profit. Are we eligible?
A. Yes. Our ideal candidates are 501(c)3 non-profits, but if your organization is the process of applying for non-profit status, we can still consider your application.

Q. We run a private daycare facility. Are we eligible for a KaBOOM! build?
A. No, KaBOOM! can only work with non-profits, schools and municipalities.

Q. We are a non-profit but do not serve low-income families. Can we still apply?
A. KaBOOM! strives to work in communities with the most need and gives preference to sites in low-income communities and/or those that serve children with special needs.

Q. We'd love to build a playground for our organization, but for liability reasons cannot have it open to the public. Can we still be considered for this opportunity?
A. KaBOOM! is interested in seeing the greatest number possible of kids benefit from each of our playgrounds. We prefer sites that will consider opening their site to the public., but we also understand that this may not be possible for all sites and do not make this an absolute requirement.

Q. We already have a playground, but serve 300 children and could use another. Can we still apply?
A. KaBOOM! looks for communities that have no playground equipment, or equipment that no longer meets safety requirements and will be removed. We generally do not build at a site that already has equipment, but this does not restrict you from applying and allowing one of our team members to understand more about your specific situation.

Q. We do not own our land. Can we still apply?
A. Yes, but please be sure to include contact information for the landowner. In order to build with an organization that does not own the land, we will need to have written consent from the landowner.

Q. The application states that 2,500 square feet are needed for the playground, but we only have 1,500 square feet. Can we still be considered?
A. 2,500 square feet is the minimum size requirement for a playground build. In some instances, we could build in a smaller space, but to get the most from the project, 2,500 square feet is ideal.

Q. The application specifies that 2,500 square feet are needed. We have two separate areas that equal 2,500 square feet. Can they be combined?
A. We look for 2,500 square feet of contiguous space. We can sometimes build on sites that are slightly smaller, however the space needs to be contiguous.

Q. Oh no! I've been so excited about applying, but I just found out my school district does not allow for volunteer installation! Is there any way we could take advantage of this opportunity without having volunteers install the playground?
A. No. Our mission is to create great playgrounds through the participation and leadership of communities. Volunteerism on the part of the community is the cornerstone of our mission. We have had other Community Partners like yours overcome this challenge with their districts, so we recommend that you go on projects.kaboom.org/questions, talk to other community organizers and get their advice.

Q. Our site should be open in the coming months, but there is construction still going on. Can we build a playground before our site is open?
A. Due to safety and logistical challenges, we cannot hold a volunteer installation when there is construction in progress on site. In addition, we will only build a playground that we can be confident will be open to use (and play!) by kids immediately following the installation. We simply cannot risk allowing so much work, energy and resources from your community and from the funding partner to have any possibility of being wasted.

Q. Can staff be the main contact for a KaBOOM! project?
A. Yes, but we require that a parent/non-staff member be a co-chair, and we will need to ensure that parents of kids who will be benefiting from the playground be active members of the planning committee. Engagement of the community will make your project much more meaningful, dynamic and successful.

Q. How far outside an opportunity city can my site be?
A. Our rule of thumb is generally within 15 miles of the designated city. However, this can be expanded depending on the specific opportunity. Just know that sometimes we may be looking to build within a very specific area within the city itself.

Q. Who insures and takes liability for the playground?
A. You, the Community Partner will be the owner of the playground once the build is completed. Ownership entails maintaining liability insurance for the site as well as long-term and daily maintenance.

Q. We want to build two different structures. Is that possible?
A. Depending on the budget and scope of the playground opportunity, it could be possible to build two separate structures. When this is feasible, it usually means that we would build one large structure and one smaller structure for younger children.

Q. We have some equipment we bought and are waiting to install. Can we add that to the equipment that you would be giving us?
A. No, KaBOOM! will need to manage the ordering, purchasing and delivering of all equipment that we will be installing.  It is not possible for us to augment an existing playground. If you are considering installing additional equipment, it would need to wait until after the KaBOOM! Build Day. Occasionally, we come across grant opportunities for communities to refurbish or expand their existing equipment. Visit kaboom.org/grants to see if there are opportunities available.

Q. What safety surfacing does KaBOOM! use?
A. We use Engineered Wood Fiber on 95% of our playground builds. Engineered Wood Fiber is an ADA approved playground safety surfacing (for wheelchair accessibility). It is also safe for children, very cost effective, easy to install, and volunteer-friendly. Find more information here.