Community-Built Playgrounds

KABOOM! is a national nonprofit organization focused on ending playspace inequity by partnering with communities to build high-quality, custom-designed playgrounds. Their core mission is rooted in the belief that all kids deserve a safe and engaging place to play, regardless of their socioeconomic status. By collaborating with corporate sponsors, municipalities, and local stakeholders, KABOOM! seeks to transform underutilized spaces into dynamic playspaces that promote physical activity, social interaction, and community cohesion. The Community-Built Playgrounds Grant offered by KABOOM! is designed to address the absence or deterioration of public play infrastructure in low-income and underserved areas across the United States. Through this grant, communities receive a custom-designed playground structure, as well as support and resources to fully involve residents in the planning and execution of the build. This participatory model not only delivers a physical playspace but also builds local capacity and civic pride. The playground equipment is primarily provided through KABOOM!’s exclusive partnership with Landscape Structures, a leading playground equipment supplier. Grant recipients are expected to engage in an eight-to-ten-week planning process, facilitated by KABOOM!’s Community Engagement and Build Managers. During this period, grantees work closely with their community to fundraise a portion of the playground cost, organize the build logistics, and recruit volunteers. The build culminates in a single-day community build event, often involving over 100 volunteers. KABOOM! provides extensive support throughout the process, including planning guidance, media relations training, and community engagement strategies. Eligibility for this grant is geographically specific and limited to select metropolitan areas in the United States where KABOOM! currently has open opportunities. Applicants must serve low-income or special needs populations and must either own the land intended for the playground or have a long-term lease with permission to build. Additionally, communities must be prepared to clear and prepare at least 2,500 square feet of flat dirt surface, including removing old equipment or asphalt if necessary. Other responsibilities include securing construction permits, completing soil and utility checks, and sourcing in-kind contributions such as meals for volunteers, restrooms, tools, and waste disposal services. While the grant provides significant support in terms of equipment and planning, communities must also demonstrate their readiness and enthusiasm to engage in the planning and build process. This includes forming a dedicated planning committee, promoting the project within the community, and taking full ownership of the completed playspace, including ongoing maintenance and care. This ownership component is critical, as KABOOM! aims to empower communities to not only build but sustain these play environments. Applications are reviewed based on community need, readiness, and alignment with KABOOM!’s mission of play equity. The process begins with an eligibility quiz, available on the organization’s website, which helps applicants determine their fit for the program. If eligible, communities are guided through next steps by KABOOM!’s staff. There is no explicit deadline listed; instead, applications are accepted on a rolling basis, aligned with regional availability and funding cycles. KABOOM!’s headquarters is located at 7200 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20814, and the main contact number is 202.659.0215.