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What's an annual fund and how does it support a splash pad after construction?
Quick answer
An annual fund is a yearly fundraising appeal to a stable donor base, generating recurring revenue for ongoing operations. For splash pads, target $5K-$50K/year to cover maintenance, programming, and improvements. Mail/email appeal in November, online giving days (Giving Tuesday), and small events.
An annual fund is the fundraising machine that keeps a splash pad alive after construction. Distinct from the one-time capital campaign, the annual fund raises smaller amounts ($25-$5,000 per gift) from a recurring donor base each year, generating $5K-$50K toward maintenance, programming, kids' events, and small improvements. Standard annual-fund mechanics: a fall direct-mail or email appeal letter (November is highest-yield), Giving Tuesday participation (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving — coordinate with global #GivingTuesday for visibility), spring renewal letter, summer event-driven asks, and end-of-year tax-deduction reminders for December donors. Build a CRM of past donors (start free with Donorbox, Bloomerang, or even a Google Sheet for under 500 donors), segment by giving level, and tailor appeals. Recurring monthly giving is gold: a donor giving $25/month ($300/year) for 5 years is worth more than a one-time $500 gift. Recognize annual donors publicly with a refreshed donor wall each year. Many cities partner their parks foundation with the splash pad's annual fund to share infrastructure.