Seeking additional funding after the initial installation of your project requires a slightly different approach.  How you proceed depends on how the new money will be used.


New phases
If your master plan for the schoolyard incorporated numerous phases installed over several years, you may be able to go back to the same funders for new funding.  They will be looking for feedback on the success of the project and the school’s ability to manage the first phase. 

Remember that you will be competing for the same funds as schools without naturalization projects and these schools may be given priority.  Some donors may have guidelines outlining how soon you are allowed to apply for funding again.  If this is applicable this information should be available on their website.  If the new phase of your site has a different area of focus it is worth seeking new funders for your project.

Plant addition or replacement
As time progresses you may find that your initial planting was not dense enough, that there are other places on the school grounds that would benefit from plants or that some plants have died.  In this case seek funders that have a specific interest in native plant material. It is also worth approaching local suppliers to see if they would donate plant material or give you wholesale prices.  This is more common at the end of the season. You may also be able to access programs aimed at increasing the number of trees in the area or enhancing community green space.  Be sure not to jeopardize the goals of your project by accepting free plants that don’t fit your project mandate.

New elements
Finding grants or donations for benches, garbage cans and signs may be challenging as they don’t directly provide educational or environmental benefits.  These additions are more oriented to use of the site by neighbours in the area and not students. You may seek funding from groups with a community focus or from individuals in the community who would donate money in exchange for their name on a plaque or other recognition. 

Students leaving the school may consider fundraising for a legacy project to leave behind.  This is a great way to keep those students connected to the site even after they leave.  These kinds of additions are also great ways to recognize people special to the school, like a retiring principal or teacher.

If your school is thinking about incorporating artwork in the site you may choose to have a professional artist facilitate student involvement.  There are agencies with an art-focus that will help with financing.  The Calgary Arts Partners in Education Society funds an artist-in-residence program.

For more information see the Resources page, and refer to the Map for your region.