Your Top Sources for Funding Playground Markings in 2024

Funding playground markings for your school or children’s centre doesn’t have to be a strain on your budget. There’s a whole host of ways to obtain the money you need, from generating your own through fundraising ideas to getting assistance from grants. 

These grants, typically coming from outside sources, are ready and waiting to support you in your quest for a better play and learning space for your students. All you need to do is find the right one for your needs and apply. 

In this guide, we’ll explore some of our top funding sources available to UK schools in 2024, helping you turn your playground into a dynamic space for learning and play.

The PE and Sport Premium

Where better to start for your funding than at the very top? The PE and Sport Premium is yearly funding given by the UK Government to help primary schools improve the quality of PE and sport provision, including teacher training, equipment, and facilities. Certain types  of playground markings – specifically Courts & Sports markings – fall under this umbrella. This is because they provide targeted activities that will encourage even less active children to take part and give children with specific needs the opportunity to have fun with their peers.

There are specific conditions schools must adhere to when using this grant, however. For more information, please see the PE and sport premium for primary schools page.

Sport England

The clue may be in the name, but Sport England is committed to helping fund small and large projects that will help others get active. With investments available up to £15,000, the organisation offers help with crowdfunding pledges, grants, and resources that promote and improve physical activity. 

To find out more and to see if you qualify for their funding, please visit Sport England’s website.

Bank of Scotland Foundation

The Bank of Scotland is committed to helping people and local communities across Scotland, offering small, medium, and large grants for a variety of projects. It’s important to note that these grants are open specifically to charities and therefore will more likely be beneficial to children’s organisations than to schools. If you would like to learn more and see if your organisation is eligible for funding, please see the Bank of Scotland Foundation website.

The National Lottery Community Fund

The National Lottery offers a wide range of funding opportunities for projects and needs of all kinds across the UK. However, the Community Fund is ideally suited to playground markings and giving makeovers to outdoor areas.

Offering separate grants of under £20,000 or over £20,000, the Community Fund is designed to provide support that allows people and communities to thrive. This includes “at the earliest stage”, meaning it’s ripe for improving your outside spaces at school. Generally speaking, this programme can fund:

• Capital costs (such as building and land improvements)
• Staff costs
• Running costs
• Activities
• Equipment
• Other core costs needed to support your project

The National Lottery Community Fund can tell you more if you’re thinking of applying.

People’s Postcode Trust

Funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery, the People’s Postcode Trust funds causes across Scotland. This includes projects meant to get kids of all ages moving and exercising. For more information and to apply for a grant, please visit their website.

Aviva Community Fund

The Aviva Community Fund is designed to offer support and project funding of up to £50,000 to community projects. Eligible causes can apply for this at any time, so if you’d like to see what this fund could do for you, please take a look at the Aviva Community Fund website.

Tesco Stronger Starts

Tesco’s Stronger Starts is perfect for those looking to transform their playgrounds and outside spaces. Open to schools, registered charities, and non-profit organisations of all kinds, the fund gives priority to projects that provide food and support to young people. This means a school or children’s organisation looking for equipment for their outdoor playground would be eligible for help. 

To learn more and to start applying, please visit Tesco Stronger Starts’ website.

ASDA Under 18 Better Starts

As a grassroots grant, the Under 18 Better Starts Grant is designed to offer charities and not-for-profit organisations up to £2,000. This can be used in a variety of ways that benefit young people, including by addressing inclusion and boosting their wellbeing. For children’s centres and organisations looking to create a more inclusive outside space for young people, or to ensure they have the perfect place to stay fit and healthy, this could be the ideal funding source. Learn more about the Under 18 Better Starts Grant online.

Things to Think About Before Applying

Before diving into funding applications, it’s crucial to lay the groundwork for your playground marking project. Here are some essential factors to consider:

Defining Your Vision

• Clearly outline what you want to achieve with your playground markings
• Consider how the markings will support your curriculum and school values
• Involve teachers, students, and parents in the planning process – like you would when getting involved in our playground marking competitions.

Assessing Your Needs

• Conduct a thorough evaluation of your current playground
• Identify specific areas for improvement or new additions
• Prioritise your needs based on impact and urgency.

Researching Costs

• Get quotes from reputable playground marking companies by getting in touch
• Consider all aspects, including design, materials, and installation
• Factor in potential maintenance costs for the future; this is likely to be lower when working with Designs & Lines, as our markings are designed to last up to 10 times longer than paint.

Gathering Supporting Evidence

• Collect data on how playground markings can improve student outcomes
• Document any safety concerns with your current playground
• Prepare photos of your existing space to illustrate the need for improvement.

Aligning with School Improvement Plans

• Ensure your project fits with your overall school development strategy
• Be prepared to explain how the markings will contribute to educational goals – the organisation you’re asking for funding from is likely to ask!

Building a Project Team

• Assign roles for the funding application process
• Include members with diverse skills (e.g., writing, budgeting, project management); if you choose to work with us, we’ll also have our own team members who can work with you on this.

Considering Timing

• Be aware of funding cycles and application deadlines
• Consider planning the installation during school holidays to minimise disruption, though with us you won’t have to do this as we can work around breaks, lunchtimes, and on weekends.

Preparing for Partial Funding

• Have a plan in case you don’t secure the full amount needed
• Consider phasing the project if necessary, adding a marking at a time – remember the kids will love whatever you add, so it’s okay if everything isn’t added all at once.

Thinking Long-Term

• Consider how the markings will be maintained over time; if you decide on markings from Designs & Lines, this should be as simple as an occasional wash or sweep
• Plan for potential future expansions or changes.

Find the Funding You Need and Order Playground Markings

Now that you’re equipped with knowledge about various funding sources, you can start applying for the money you need. In a short while, you could be taking the next step towards making your outside space into a vibrant hub for exercise, learning, and play.

We can work together to make that next step happen. As soon as you have the funding in place, reach out to Designs & Lines or start browsing the playground markings you need. With our help, funding challenges won’t hold you back from creating an inspiring outdoor space for your students.