Are you a public school or nonprofit organization in Louisiana or Mississippi looking to add shade to your outdoor spaces?
The American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) Shade Structure Grant program is an incredible opportunity to add much-needed outdoor shade structures to your facilities’ outdoor spaces. By providing up to $8,000 for permanent shade structures, this grant can help protect your community from the harmful effects of sun exposure.
In this guide, we’ll explore the details of the AAD Shade Structure Grant program and provide helpful tips for crafting a successful application. We’ll also share how Pelican Playgrounds can help you secure the grant and build your new shade structure.
Why Are Shade Structures Important?
One of our shade structure projects in Mississippi.
In Louisiana and Mississippi, we’re used to dealing with the beating sun in the summer. But too much sun exposure is dangerous: It can lead to sunburn and an increased risk of skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, children are particularly vulnerable to harm from sun exposure because their skin is thinner.
The facts about skin cancer are serious:
- Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S.
- Skin cancer can affect anyone, no matter their skin color.
- Sunburns during childhood can increase the chances of developing melanoma later in life.
Shade structures can also help prevent heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration. Heatstroke is particularly dangerous for children. By providing shade, you can reduce the risk of overheating and create a more comfortable environment for outdoor activities, like recess and outdoor education.
Understanding the AAD Shade Structure Grant
The AAD Shade Structure Grant program awards grants of up to $8,000 to schools, day cares, parks, and other nonprofit organizations where children learn and play. These grants fund the construction of permanent shade structures in outdoor areas, such as playgrounds, pools, or recreation spaces. The Shade Structure Grant program is open on AAD’s website from October 1, 2024 to December 23, 2024.
Eligibility Requirements
We recently built this playground and shade structure.
To be eligible for the AAD Shade Structure Grant, you must:
- Be a public school or a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the United States.
- Provide services or programs to children and teenagers who are 18 and younger.
- Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to sun safety and skin cancer awareness.
- Be recommended by an AAD member dermatologist.
How to Apply for the AAD Shade Structure Grant
To apply for the AAD Shade Structure Grant program, plan ahead for these steps:
- Gather information: Collect the required information about your organization, the proposed shade structure, and the benefits it will provide to your community.
- Contact an AAD member dermatologist: Find a local AAD member dermatologist who can write a letter of support for your organization’s application.
- Complete the application: Fill out the AAD’s online application, providing detailed information about your organization and the project.
- Submit supporting materials: Include the required supporting documents, such as letters of support, financial information, and photos.
- Await notification: The AAD will review applications and notify you of your application decision.
How to Write a Strong Application
To increase your chances of securing an AAD Shade Structure Grant, consider the following tips:
- Highlight the need: Clearly communicate the need for a shade structure and how it will benefit your community.
- Demonstrate commitment: AAD wants to see evidence of your organization’s commitment to sun safety and skin cancer awareness, such as an awareness program.
- Present a detailed plan: Develop a comprehensive plan for the shade structure, including its location, size, and design. Pelican Playgrounds can help you with this!
Pelican Playgrounds: Your Partner in Shade Structure Grants
At Pelican Playgrounds, we’re passionate about helping schools, municipalities, and nonprofits create safe outdoor recreation spaces. We offer a wide range of playground equipment and shade structures that can be customized.
We can help you with:
- Grant application assistance: Our team can provide guidance and support throughout the grant application process.
- Design and planning: We can help you design a shade structure that fits your outdoor space and is within your budget.
- Sourcing quotes: We work with the best manufacturers of shade structures, including USA Shade. We can provide you quotes and options to choose from.
- Construction and installation: Our experienced crews can install your new shade structure.
- Maintenance and support: We offer ongoing maintenance and support to ensure the long-term durability of your shade structure.
Don’t miss out on your chance to secure up to $8,000 for your organization’s outdoor shade needs! We recommend applying as early as possible to secure funding. We can help you take advantage of this amazing grant program — you can contact us by calling us at (844) 504-7529 or emailing us at info@pelicanplaygrounds.com today.
