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Funding

Funding for Commercial Shade Installation

Budgets are always an important consideration, but there are numerous grants and financing options available to help you secure the playground sun shade structure you need. With the right combination of these resources, you can achieve your project goals.

Applying for every shade structure grant program you may qualify for is important. A shade structure grant essentially gives you money which does not have to be repaid towards the cost of buying and installing your structure. With funding in place, you may be able to buy a larger, better-quality shade solution, allowing you to offer better sun protection over a larger area. This can allow you to offer maximum protection to your visitors.

What Shade Grants Are Available?

Some grants are for specific types of projects. For example, there are specific shade grants for schools and educational institutions as well as playground shade structure grants for communities. You do not need to be a non-profit to apply. While some funding is reserved for not-for-profit organizations, there are also grant options for other types of groups.

Since there are so many types of grants, read over instructions and requirements carefully. You may just find a funding program which allows you to secure the shade structure you want and need. USA SHADE has a list of grants to consult to get started on your funding journey.

Applying for Shade Grants

The process of applying for grants is competitive. To apply effectively to shade structure grant programs, keep in mind the following tips:

  • Always read instructions completely and fill out applications as fully as possible.
  • Be sure to stress how your shade structure project will help others in your community.
  • Spend time editing and polishing your application writing to make it as persuasive as possible.
playground shade

AAD Shade Structure Program

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) awards grants up to $8k to both non-profit organizations and public schools to install shade structures.

The application for the 2025 Shade Structure Grant will be open from October 1 – December 15, 2024.
AAD Shade Structure Grants »

Home Depot

The Home Depot Building Healthy Communities Grant Program helps support improvement projects as well as community development.
Visit the Home Depot Foundation »

KaBOOM Community Partnership Grant

KaBoom! offers grants to help communities build play space projects that are safe for kids.
Visit Kaboom! Advocacy Grants

Mattel Children’s Foundation

The Mattel Children’s Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation that look to improve the lives of children in need.
See Mattel Community Strengthening »

NFC Grant Program

USA SHADE is partnered with National Fitness Campaign, a San Francisco-based social enterprise, to help communities fund and build outdoor fitness courts in cities and schools.
Visit National Fitness Campaign Grants »

The Shade Foundation

The Shade Foundation of America occasionally provides grant programs for shade structures.
Visit ShadeFoundation.org »