Fund Raising

Does your school, neighborhood or organization need a new playground? Is your existing playground in need of repairs or an upgrade to bring it up to safety standards? Adding innovative new equipment can reenergize your play area for kids of all ages. You know that having a great playground provides a safe and healthy place for kids to stay active, improve their social skills and fight off childhood obesity. And playgrounds strengthen families and communities.

Of course all this takes money. The good news is that there is nearly always money available. You just have to know where to look for it! Grants are one way you can get the funds you need to make your project happen. For a list of available grants, fundraising ideas and finance options contact us at 800.726.4064 or play@dakotafence.com.

A word on Playground Grants:

Legitimate Grants

A true grant is available through a foundation, non-profit organization, public or private trust, and various government agencies. Legitimate grants are awarded based on independent criteria to fund a need, and are not conditional to a sale of a product. The purpose of a grant program is to facilitate an outcome that can be measured.

Playground (Manufacturer) "Grants"

There exists a practice by some playground equipment manufacturers which could be viewed as less than genuine. Under the pretense of a grant, these manufacturers are claiming to offer matching funds or the like. However these offers bear little resemblance to a legitimate grant, in fact close examination will reveal them to be nothing more than a discounting scheme. You may not find this practice to be particularly insincere until you realize its lack of real value.

What you should know:

• Inflated prices on their equipment and/or freight to offset the costs of the discount
• Hidden costs such as the requirement to purchase other items from them to be "eligible"
• Pressure tactics such as limited time offers
• Small print: payment in full with order and/or no control over ship date
• Limited choice in equipment and colors, must choose from their select few designs
• Other vexing terms and policies for accepting their grants

As the old adage goes - If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

For real value there is one name you can trust, Dakota Fence. Dakota Fence has been serving the region for nearly 40 years, they have designed and installed countless playgrounds and in the process provided their customers with the best overall value. If you are considering a new playground give them a call, they'll be happy to meet with you to discuss all the exciting details, including a list of legitimate grant resources and other fund raising ideas. Call them now at 800.726.4064 or email play@dakotafence.com to schedule your free consultation.

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