Your first step in the planning process is setting up your Playground Ideas “Project Page.” Your “Project Page” is like your very own website for your playground project where you can save your favorite designs, fundraise and receive donations (100% fee-free), update donors, connect with other playground builders in your region, and share your work with the world. We really love seeing the amazing playgrounds our community builds so please upload lots of photos!
Setting up your page:
If you have not already done so, click here to create a Playground Ideas account.
Once you’re logged into your account dashboard click “Start a Project Page”
Enter your project details and you’re ready to go!
Fundraising on your project page:
During the sign-up process, you’ll be asked: “Do you want to receive crowdfunded donations for this project?” If you check “Yes” this will allow people to donate to your project directly on your page. For resources on effective playground fundraising, be sure to check out our “Playground Builder’s Handbook” and this blog post on 10 Tips for Crowdfunding Success.
After you submit your project page, you’ll be asked to enter your PayPal details which will allow direct donations to you from your friends and family. Rest assured that we won’t charge anything to your PayPal account. Ever. (We mean it when we say all our resources are free!) you need to add your PayPal account info so that PayPal knows where to send the money when someone makes a donation. No financial details are held with us and we cannot access your secure PayPal account.
All online transactions require the use of a credit card processor. We use Paypal to ensure any online donations are protected. Paypal charges a processing cost of 30 cents + 1.9% to 2.9% fee, depending on your country. This cost is added on top of a donation so that you receive the entire amount donated to you. So if your Aunt Dorothy donates $10 to your project, she’ll be charged about $10.49 (depending on what country she lives in) and you will receive the full $10.
Finding volunteers on your project page:
During the sign-up process you’ll also be asked, “Do you need volunteers for this project?” If you check “Yes” this will allow your project and contact information to appear when visitors to the site search for volunteer opportunities. Please note that Playground Ideas does not vet or screen volunteers and we advise you to do your own careful screening of potential volunteers.
Remember, if you have any problems or questions along the way we’re happy to help! Click here to contact us.
