KaBOOM! Playground Grant
THE CHALLENGE
Shelby Baptist Medical Center wanted to maintain its role as a trusted healthcare provider in Chilton County, especially as a brand new hospital opened nearby. We needed to foster goodwill with the local community in a way that was meaningful and lasting. So, we partnered with the local YMCA to help fund a playground that would serve the families already connected to both organizations.
MY ROLE
I led the grant writing process from start to finish. The KaBOOM! application was highly specific, asking detailed questions about community readiness, long-term maintenance plans, and inclusive design.
To answer those prompts effectively, I immersed myself in the local YMCA’s story talking to staff, learning about the families they served, and capturing the deeper “why” behind the project. In finalizing the application, I ensured the community’s voice and spirit came through and that KaBOOM! could see exactly why this playground mattered.
THE OUTCOME
We secured the full $15,000 grant from KaBOOM!, and the playground was built with support from volunteers, families, and community partners. It now serves as a joyful, safe space for play and a physical representation of how deeply Shelby Baptist invests in its neighbors.