fundinggrantsponsorshipphilanthropy
Does KaBOOM! fund splash pads as part of playground builds?
Quick answer
Increasingly yes — KaBOOM!, the national playground nonprofit, has expanded into 'play infrastructure' including splash pads. Their Build It with KaBOOM! program partners with corporate sponsors (Disney, Target, Carmax) on community-led builds. Apply at kaboom.org with a Friends-of-Parks 501(c)(3).
KaBOOM! has built 17,000+ playgrounds since 1996 and increasingly funds 'play infrastructure' beyond traditional swings-and-slides — splash pads, ninja courses, fitness loops, and inclusive play environments. Their flagship Build It with KaBOOM! program pairs community organizations with corporate sponsors (Disney's Imagination Build, Target Build, Carmax Build, Foresters) for one-day community-build events. Total project values: $80K-$200K, with the corporate sponsor covering most equipment and KaBOOM! coordinating logistics. Splash pads built through KaBOOM! tend to be modular, surface-mount systems rather than full in-ground installations. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) lead organization, project site secured for 25 years, demonstrable underserved-community context (low-income, high-need by KaBOOM!'s scoring), and 200+ committed volunteer-builders for a single build day. Application window opens annually; selection is competitive (under 10% acceptance rate). Smaller alternatives: KaBOOM! Project Grants ($5K-$15K) for smaller play-equipment additions to existing parks. Apply at kaboom.org.