How to Raise Money for a Neighborhood Park
The neighborhood park isn't just a safe place for your kids to play. It's where you meet the people who live in your community. It's where your kids make new friends they don't see every day at school. It's a little piece of nature in a concrete world. A multichannel approach is the best way to raise money for your park.
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Instructions
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Check local fundraising laws so you don't get into trouble. You may need to form a nonprofit organization to raise money for your park. Establish a neighborhood association if you don't already have one.
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Write letters to the community. Point out how they'll benefit from a neighborhood park. Tap into surrounding neighborhoods that have parks and get their sympathy for your cause.
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Appeal to local businesses. Offer them recognition for their generosity. Restaurants, retail stores and other large establishments gain great visibility when their logos appear on your website, marketing materials and event items.
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Build relationships with affluent members in your community. Invite them to tour the land you're thinking of purchasing. Get their input on what they think the park should have, how it should look and how to keep it safe.
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Apply for grants in your community. A community fund or conservation organizations in your area may be able to contribute some money, but you stand a better chance if you've got community support.
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Host events to raise money for your park. Tap into your neighbors' expertise and find creative things to offer your community. Accountants in your neighborhood, for instance, can offer tax help at reduced rates and donate the proceeds to the park.
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Cooperate with local conservation organizations and neighborhood beautification and quality of life groups. Pooling resources can cut event costs, educate more people and influence city government to take you seriously.
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Tips & Warnings
Be prepared for competition if the land you want to buy for your neighborhood park is in a desirable part of town.
Write petitions and lobby your city government to support your efforts in creating your park.
Write letters to the editor and opinion pieces in your local papers educating the community about the need for the park.
