Just another idea: our local school got a nice donation from their neighborhood association. Seems someone was thinking about how the whole neighborhood uses a nice school playground, so perhaps the community would be open to contributing to its successful completion.

Is there a neighborhood association nearby? Maybe run an ad (or better, contact a local reporter for a story) and just ask?

Welcome to the boards!

If it makes you feel any better, I'm looking at raising around $140,000 for a "universally accessible" playground! :eek:

We're doing a LOT of grant writing, but finding with the economy being less than stellar, corporations are finding all sorts of ways around giving. If you're fortunate enough to live near certain large corporations, you'd do well to check with them (Hasbro is one, JustBorn--they make "Peeps" candy). Have an empolyee file for a grant, especially if the company promotes employee volunteerism--those requests are generally favored mroe readily.

Tricky Trays (Chinese Auctions) are good if run efficiently (average in northern NJ is around $9,000). We've raised $1,600 with a penny drive, and walk-a-thons can be VERY lucrative (check out the threads on these boards with this one)!

Keep it simple--dance/dinners are a lot of fun, but can be a tremendous amount of work, making them not worth the money you make. I know there are some out there that do VERY well, but we just can't seem to do it here.

Good luck!

We did a "bridge" toll...but I guess you have to have a bridge in your town to do it or at an intersection. Simply collect donations from waiting motorists. We advertised it way in advance and gave out thank you stickers. It raised about $5,000 in three days (Friday afternoon, Sat, and Sun).

Good luck!

I don't know if this would help, but 4 years ago when we were raising money for our playground, the chairman sort of packaged it where you could "buy" a portion of the equipment i.e.: donate $250 and you get a small plaque (it really was small 1"x3") that said "donated by Mary & John Smith in honor of Michael and Ashley". There are tiny little plaques all over the equipment! Might help a little.
Good luck
Shelly

Help!!!
I just met with a playground equipment representative and realize we have to raise $40-50,000 for not just equipment but the surrounding play area as well. I need any ideas that may help us generate alot of funds quickly. Preferrably without having to sell anything. We already do a magazine drive and Innisbrook. Any success stories out there?
Thanks