Empower Every Child: 6 Ways To Fund Communication Boards

Creating an inclusive playground that isn’t only physically accessible but also communication‑friendly is a vital goal for communities committed to equity. One of the best ways to make this happen is by installing playground communication boards—visual tools that give individuals with communication differences a voice. If you’re looking to bring these boards to your park, school, or community center, here are some funding pathways, along with contact info and actionable tips to get started.

Foundations and nonprofit organizations pride themselves on the support they can provide to the greater community. While some are state specific, there are many that are nationwide. 

Grants from Foundations & Nonprofits

• Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism

• • • Offers playground communication board grants in Massachusetts, with rolling applications reviewed within 30 days.
    • Funding Details: Covers cost of board, fabrication, and delivery.
    • How to Apply: Visit the Flutie Foundation’s “Playground Communication Boards” page and click Apply Now.
    • Contact: Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation, 42 Felton Street #3R, Waltham, MA 02453

• The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation

• • “Funding is intended to support hospitals and schools; museums, performing arts and cultural programs; skills training, educational, and other programming for seniors, youth, and people with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other programs that address community needs.”
  • How to apply: Visit the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation website.

• Coca-Cola Foundation

  • Provides grants to a wide variety of 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on children, education, and/or health.
  • How to apply:visit the Coca-Cola Foundation website.

• Verizon Foundation

  • Offers grant opportunities for ‘human prosperity’ to entities that are classified by the IRS as a public charity under section 509(a)(1)-509(a)(3).
  • How to apply: visit the Verizon Foundation website

Just like foundations and nonprofit organizations, companies often support community disability‑access projects as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Visit the website of your favorite large corporation to learn more about their community outreach programs.

Corporate Sponsorship

• Example: KABOOM!, in partnership with The Home Depot Foundation, has built thousands of playgrounds nationwide, including inclusive elements 
• How to Approach:
  • Research local branches of Home Depot or Walmart, 
  • Tailor pitch to align with their CSR priority (community, health, inclusion).
  • Include estimated budget and project impact.

Look in your own backyard. Local civic organizations, schools and afterschool programs and fundraising and community drives are incredible resources for funding opportunities. Suggesting the organization could have their logo as part of the communication board is a wonderful way to promote their civic involvement and inclusivity. 

Local Community Foundations

• Example: Powell (OH) Parks & Recreation received a grant via the Ohio Parks & Recreation Association (OPRA) Foundation installation initiative (OPRA).
• General Approach:
  • Research your region’s community foundation (e.g., Cleveland Foundation, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore).
  • Identify mini‑grant or playground grant programs.
  • Use a funding template to apply for the grant

Funding Campaigns

• Platforms: GoFundMe, Kickstarter, DonorsChoose (for educators).
  • Tips:
    • Share personal stories and photos.
    • Offer reward tiers (e.g., donor board plaque, social shoutout).
    • Share on social media and in local newsletters.
• For municipalities – SeeMyLegacy is a wonderful resource for funding coordination

School & After‑School Program Grants

If the playground is at or used by a school, several education‑focused grants apply.

• Peaceful Playgrounds Grant Listing
• National PTA Grants
  • How to Apply:
    • Partner with your school’s PTA or special education department.
    • Gather quotes and accessibility impact statements.
    • Apply for Grants

Fundraising Events & Community Drives

• Ideas:
  • Encourage Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold Award candidates to establish a playground communication board campaign as their community project.
  • Host a 5K run/walk; tie it to autism awareness or disability inclusion.
    Hold a bake sale, silent auction, or family fun day at the park.
  • Partner with local schools, scouts, or youth groups.
  • Funds Raised: Even modest efforts can pave the way toward covering board purchase and installation.
  • Tip: Contact the company you would like to work with to design the communication board and request a draft of what the board could look like to display at fundraising events.

Putting It All Together: A Winning Funding Strategy

Now that you have your ideas in place, here a few steps that will maximize your chances of acquiring the needed funds, combine two or more of these strategies:

Crafting a compelling pitch with cost estimates, board specs, and testimonials, plus photos (of your proposed location) and local need data (e.g., number of non‑verbal students), will strengthen your applications.

In Conclusion

By exploring grants, corporate sponsorships, school resources, crowdfunding, and community partnerships, your project can move from idea to reality—bringing life-changing communication tools to the playground. With a clear funding roadmap, local support, and access to templates and expert guidance, you’re well on your way to creating a truly inclusive play space. Let’s give every child the gift of communication. Inclusive play starts here—and you’ve got this!