Shade structures play a significant role in protecting people from extreme sunshine. However, many public recreational areas do not have shade structures despite being frequented by people of all ages. For example, according to one study that assessed school playground safety, 75% of playgrounds were exposed to full sun, which can be uncomfortable for kids and drastically increases the surface temperature of metal playground equipment, such as slides.
One reason for the absence of shade structures in public spaces like playgrounds is a lack of funding. Grants and funding for shade projects in the public sector are one solution for creating cooler and more comfortable public spaces for children and adults alike. Several grants are available to finance shading projects for the benefit of the public.
Understanding Grants for Shade Structures
Organizations provide grants to help nonprofits and other businesses provide public services. Grants are unlike loans in that the grantee is not expected to repay the funds. However, they are expected to use the funds for their stated purpose. Government organizations, foundations, businesses, corporations and banks can award grants.
Why Are Grants Offered for Shade Structures?
Grants for shade structures help fund the installation of permanent shade structures in outdoor locations that are not protected from the sun.
Public spaces like parks are crucial communal spaces that promote social interaction, community engagement and outdoor recreation. These spaces help children and adults boost their physical health and overall well-being. Installing shade structures in these spaces could encourage people to spend more time outdoors. The National Recreation and Park Association outlines three more reasons why parks can consider shade structures:
- Protection from harmful UV rays: Shade structures protect people from harmful UV rays. They allow guests to enjoy longer periods outside and make more visits to the park without worrying about the harmful effects of extreme sunshine.
- Reduced temperatures under shade structures: Shade structures can reduce temperatures during hot days or seasons. Like extreme sunshine, excessive heat can also be harmful to health. Children are especially prone to the negative effects of excessive heat, such as dehydration, heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Shade structures provide children with areas where they can take breaks from the extreme heat while playing outdoors.
- Keeping outdoor equipment durable: Extreme sunshine can damage outdoor equipment like benches, picnic tables, playground equipment and other park amenities. Shading equipment from the sun ensures it remains strong and durable.
Types of Shade Structures
Shade structures come in various designs:
- Square and rectangle shade structures: These shade structures offer a simple design and are a great choice for areas with little ground space. They can shade benches, walkways, picnic tables and more. You can also combine several shade structures to cover a larger area. One variation is hip shade structures, which are low-maintenance, durable and sleek.
- Multi-sided shade structures: Some of the most aesthetic shade structures are multi-sided shade structures because they come in a range of colors and shapes to create a unique look. These shade structures are typically octagon- or hexagon-shaped and best suited for large, round areas.
- Cantilever shade structures: These shade structures utilize a unique post system that prevents the posts from blocking the view. One or two posts are placed on one side of the structure, and the shade extends in the opposite direction.
- Sail shade structures: These shade structures provide sun protection and are very stylish. In addition, sail shade structures are highly customizable. They provide excellent coverage for splash pads, pool areas and other open-air areas.
- Specialty shade structures: You can also choose a specialty design for your shade structure, such as butterfly wings or flower petals.
- Custom shade structures: If you’re eager to build a truly unique design, you can opt for custom shade structures.
You also have different material choices for your shade structures:
- Fabrics: The fabrics for shade structures are typically made from plastic threads woven into cloth. These fabrics provide the necessary UV and weather protection and are easy to clean and maintain. Some fabrics are fire-retardant and noncombustible.
- Waterproof materials: These structures are made from Novashield®, polyvinyl chloride or polytetrafluoroethylene.
- Steel: Powder-coated steel is resistant to corrosion, and powder coatings give your organization plenty of color options.
Eligibility Criteria for Shade Structure Grants
Eligibility for shade structure grants varies depending on the funder or organization issuing the grants. Let’s explore the eligibility criteria for the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) as an example. To qualify for AAD’s shade structure grant, your business must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or public school that serves children and teenagers 18 and under.
- Submit a letter of recommendation from an AAD member dermatologist. You can submit the letter with your organization’s online application.
- Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to sun protection within your organization. The campaign must be in place for at least one year before you apply.
Funding Sources for Shade Structures
Applying for grants is a competitive process. There will always be other individuals, organizations or nonprofits seeking funding from the same donor. In your application, try to demonstrate to the funder how the shade structures will benefit your community. Use statistics and facts to build your case and cite information to make your claims credible.
Some major sources of grants for sunshade projects are governments, private foundations and corporate sponsors.
Government Grants
You can apply for federal and state grants to finance shade structure projects in your community. For example, in 2023, the Department of the Interior announced it would provide more than $224 million in grant funding throughout 2024 for the creation of new parks or the substantial renovation of existing parks. The National Cancer Institute also awards grants, including one that aimed to build shade structures in passive recreation areas to study the value of shade structures in skin cancer prevention.
An example of state-level funding for shade grants is the Alabama Department of Public Health, which announced in 2023 that it would award grants of up to $15,000 for shade structures.
You can use the grants.gov search feature to locate government-awarded funding opportunities.
Private Organizations
Private organizations also provide funding for shade structures. For example:
- American Academy of Dermatology: The AAD offers up to $8,000 in grants for permanent shade structures. The organization offers these grants to nonprofits and public schools.
- KABOOM: KABOOM builds or improves playgrounds across the United States in partnership with nonprofits or municipal agencies that serve children. However, you’ll have to check if KABOOM serves your area before you apply. KABOOM has helped improve or open more than 16,700 playgrounds in the U.S. since 1996.
- Mattel: The Mattel Children’s Foundation works alongside organizations committed to improving the lives of children and lives by the “Play It Forward” mantra.
Corporate Sponsorships
Nonprofits can also seek corporate sponsorships to receive funding for projects. In these cases, corporations provide funding to support a nonprofit’s mission. In exchange, the nonprofit acknowledges the corporation’s contribution. While this partnership is mutually beneficial, the benefit to the for-profit agency should not exceed the benefit to the nonprofit organization.
Budgeting for Shade Structures
Before applying for a grant, you’ll want to determine the total cost of the shade structure project. You can then submit your proposal, complete with the amount of money you need to complete the project, to the funders. Based on the maximum amount specific funders offer, you can narrow down your search to sponsors who can offer the amount you want.
Shade structure costs vary widely, depending on size, customizability, special features and other factors. If you plan to install more than one structure, you can multiply the cost of one shade by the number of structures you want to install. You also need to factor in the cost of a permit with your local government.
Here’s a closer look at some of the factors that determine the cost of a shade structure:
- Design complexity: Custom designs can lead to higher costs than conventional designs. The fabrication and engineering needed for custom and intricate structures is more complex.
- Size and coverage area: The larger the shade structure, the higher the cost. Large shade structures require more materials and labor than medium-sized and smaller shade structures.
- Location: Permits, labor rates and site-specific conditions may influence overall costs.
- Maintenance: High-quality structures may have higher initial costs but will ultimately be more affordable to maintain.
- Installation: The type of installation and anchoring will also determine the cost of installing the shade. Installation typically accounts for a large portion of the project’s overall cost.
Cost Benefits
If your project total sits on the higher end, you may worry that the amount might scare funders away. As you apply for the grant, you can outline the cost-benefit of the shade structures to help the donors appreciate the importance of the investment. These cost benefits are not the same as the benefits of using a shade, which you’ll also want to include in your application or proposal. These cost benefits include:
- Extending longevity: Extreme weather conditions can damage playground amenities. A shade structure can extend the life span of these amenities by reducing heat exposure and shielding them from direct sunlight. Reducing the need for frequent replacement or repairs translates into long-term cost savings.
- Improving sun protection: Shade structures protect occupants from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. They prevent dehydration, overheating and other heat-related illnesses, and they help reduce the risks of sunburns and skin cancer. By reducing these risks, the shade structures ultimately minimize potential medical costs associated with treating sun-related health issues.
- Increasing usage: Extreme heat can make playground equipment too hot to touch, making it uncomfortable. This prevents children from playing for as long as they wish. Installing shade structures ensures playing amenities or sitting areas in a park are protected from direct sunlight. This way, people can enjoy the outdoors for as long as they wish. The cost of installing the shade structures makes sense because people can enjoy the outdoors throughout the day, regardless of the heat.
- Lowering maintenance costs: Playground surfaces, such as mulch or rubber, can degrade quickly without proper protection from the sun’s harsh rays. This degradation increases maintenance costs. Shade structures can significantly reduce wear and tear on these surfaces, leading to lower maintenance costs.
Climate Considerations for Shade Structures
An area’s climate plays an important role in choosing appropriate shade structure materials.
Cold Climates
Durability and flexibility are key for cold climates. Your business can consider installing retractable shade structures that are easy to adjust based on the current weather conditions or season. The shade structures can then allow sun exposure in colder months and provide shade during warmer periods. The structure must be sturdy enough to withstand strong winds, and the materials should be UV-resistant. Integrated lighting is also essential for shorter days and lower light levels.
Humid and Tropical Climates
Persistent heat and high moisture levels are common in humid and tropical climates. Shade structures for these areas need to address both sun protection and airflow. Shade structures with open design help facilitate airflow, which helps reduce humidity.
Additionally, look for mold- and mildew-resistant materials that can withstand high humidity. Water-resistant materials can also help protect occupants during rainy conditions. Any metallic components of the shade structure must be corrosion-resistant. Manufacturers can often treat or coat the metals to make them corrosion-resistant.
Hot and Arid Areas
In hot and arid climates, maximum UV protection and air circulation are needed. Materials like high-density polyethylene mesh are ideal for these areas because they are designed to breathe and offer excellent UV protection. You can also choose light-colored materials to reduce heat absorption. In addition, look for materials that are resistant to tearing, damage and fading.
Coastal Areas
Shade structures in coastal areas should be made of materials that can withstand strong wind, salty air and bright sunlight. UV protection is also important, given the reflective nature of water and sand.
When you work with a reliable company like USA SHADE to source your shade structures, you can find options that are effective all year round. Our expert team will work with you from beginning to end, from design development to engineering and manufacturing.
Work With USA SHADE on Your Shade Structure Project
A lack of funds does not need to discourage your business from installing shade structures in public spaces to benefit your community. Governments, private organizations and corporations can help fund your business’s project if you meet their criteria.
As you look for funding and budget for your project, you’ll also want to ensure you invest in high-quality shade structures that maximize the benefits of shade in public spaces, such as protecting playing amenities from degradation and reducing the risks of skin cancer.
Your organization can get such shade structures from USA SHADE, a proven fabric structure designer and manufacturer. We have been providing shade solutions for over 25 years. Start designing your custom shade structure online, or contact us for a quote on our shade solutions. You can also explore our project portfolio to see some of our completed work!
