Why not build a playground?

Hi Everyone,

I work for an organization called KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit with a
mission to create a great place to play within walking distance of
every child in America. The organization has developed a series of
resources to allow you to take part in the great movement of play.

· Challenge Grants: Earn $5,000 for your playspace project! The
Home Depot and KaBOOM! are partnering on a Challenge Grant program that
will provide 140 grants to communities across the United States and
Canada. There are grants available for both Community-Built Playspace
and Field Refurbishment grants. Both grants will award $5,000 to
deserving communities. In 2007, applications will be accepted for two
deadlines: January 8th and February 28th, 2007. For more information
on how to earn $5,000 for your playspace project, please visit the
KaBOOM! Web Portal here. Special consideration will be given to
applicants who attend U Play! New Orleans.

· Trainings: Get your degree in playspace planning with the experts
by attending a KaBOOM! University of Play or Workshop Entirely on
Play!. KaBOOM! offers regional (WE Play!) and national (U Play!)
trainings that bring together community and business leaders for fun,
hands-on learning and networking. From February 8th- 10th, KaBOOM!
will be bringing play back to New Orleans by holding an informative and
inspiration filled U Play! for over 300 parents, community activists,
business leaders, and concerned citizens. Scholarships, valued at
$600, are available to assist with the expenses of attending. For more
information, please visit the KaBOOM! Web Portal here.

· Toolkit: The toolkit is a four volume user friendly manual
containing all of our knowledge about community built playspaces. It
includes the Community-Build PlaySpace Manual, the Community
FUNdraising Manual, the A to Z Community Assets & Resources Manual and
the PlaySpace Owner's Manual. For details and to receive a free
toolkit, click here.

· Web Portal: The Portal is an interactive Web site that serves as a
valuable resource for information about KaBOOM! and its activities. It
is also an online community where activists and leaders join to share
ideas, experiences, and information about the importance of play and
creating great places to play.

The Web Portal contains many exciting features including:
o Information Resources: a wealth of information about all aspects of
planning for, and building, playgrounds.
o Playspace Finder: Search and read about local playspaces or add one
yourself.
o Project Planner: Use this tool to share information about your
project or search for similar projects in your community.
o Create Your Own Website: Take advantage of this unique opportunity to
create your own website for your project. Select your own layout,
upload pictures, and raise funds!
o Online Forums: Connect with other community leaders involved in
building a playspace or advocating for play. Also, hear from experts
on play and community-build projects!
o Vendor Rating System: Read reviews about your local equipment vendor
or post a rating.
Please take advantage of these resources for your playspace project.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please fee
free to contact us at anytime! Good luck and we look forward to
hearing from you!