PLAY 60, Play On

60 Minutes. Every Day. Play On.

Let's Make Play Happen!

Together, the 50 Fund, the NFL Foundation and KaBOOM! are collaborating to launch the PLAY 60, Play On grant program open to the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. Our goal is to close the opportunity gap for kids in the Bay Area and provide a catalyst that will inspire communities to rethink play in order to ensure all kids get the play they need to thrive.

Grants ranging from $2,000 to $150,000 are aimed to support the creation of playful transformations of sidewalks and spaces that encourage kids’ active play.

How can you bring more play to kids in public spaces?

Submit your grant application by October 19, 2015.

Key Dates

  • September 17, 2015: Official program launch
  • September 23, 2015: Webinar
  • October 5, 2015: Early Application Deadline
  • October 19, 2015: Final Application Deadline
  • October 26, 2015: Early Awards
  • November 7, 2015: Final Awards
  • October 26 - January 29, 2016: Projects Initiated

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

This grant is open to municipalities, neighborhood associations, schools, non-profit organizations, businesses and individuals based in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. However, applicants MUST be public agencies or tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Individuals or entities other than public agencies or tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits MUST partner, through a formal memorandum of understanding, intent, agreement or the like, with one of these entities to apply for funding.

  • Applicants must propose projects that will provide services to San Francisco Bay Area children, youth, and young adults from birth through 24 years of age who are from low-income households or high-risk communities, including public systems (e.g. foster care or juvenile justice).
  • Strong preference will be given to applicants who are physically located in the community they serve.  Please note that each organization can only submit one application. However, it is acceptable to apply for a project that will be implemented at multiple sites.
  • Strong preference will also be given to applicants that are led by Super Communities. If your city is not a Super Community, sign up here to become one.
  • Strong preference will be given to applicants that able to complete their projects by January, 29, 2016.  The grant may be the only source of support for a specific project, but if additional funding is required, it must have been secured prior to an applicant proposing the project. 

Funding available

A total of up to $750,000 is available for this grant program.

  • Funding for projects, programs and events under this grant will be in the range of $2,000 - $150,000, although total project expense can exceed this amount. 
    • Proposed projects must have all required funding at time of application (excluding the requested grant amount) and must clearly demonstrate this in the project budget. Applicants that submit requests for projects that have pending or otherwise unconfirmed funding (excluding the grant grant) may not be considered.
    • Applicants that have projects that are implemented at multiple sites can’t exceed $50,000 per site
    • Applicant must secure the permission and necessary permits to implement the project at the proposed site.  

 

Selection criteria

Only applicants who have submitted complete applications and demonstrate they meet the eligibility requirements will be considered.  Key criteria used in the competitive selection process include:

  • Integrates active play opportunities into daily life for children and youth in economically challenged neighborhoods
  • Offers increased access to unique and innovative play opportunities that are easily replicable and well-suited for serving economically challenged neighborhoods
  • A positive impact on low-income families and kids
  • Applicant has the necessary staff/volunteers to successfully implement the project or event
  • Budget is reasonable and feasible for the proposed project scope
  • Ability to complete project by January 29, 2016

Sustainability

PLAY 60, Play On grants accomplish the above while reducing impact on climate change; using resources and materials responsibly; inspiring families to embrace sustainability personally; leaving a positive legacy for the region.

Additional Information

  • Only applications completed using KaBOOM! online system and submitted between September 17, 2015 and October 19, 2015 will be considered.
  • Questions can be sent to play60playon@kaboom.org.
  • San Francisco Bay Area includes the following 9 counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma.
  • Please review the PLAY 60 Play On Grant Program Official Rules for full eligibility requirements.