KABOOM! has announced a $14 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in support of efforts to achieve playspace equity across the United States.

The gift will support the KABOOM! 25 in 5 Initiative to End Playspace Inequity, a five-year, $250 million plan to gather diverse partners to drive resources to twenty-five priority places with limited access to quality playspaces. According to KABOOM!, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has threatened the livelihood of communities, including schools and public spaces, weakening the physical, social, and emotional health of children, especially in communities of color.

“Our children are facing unprecedented challenges, making our mission that much more urgent, requiring the sustained commitment and support for kids and communities that are often denied opportunities,” said KABOOM! CEO Lysa Ratliff. “We are making great progress, but we can’t do it alone—we need the partnership of funders, communities, nonprofits, municipal agencies, and other organizations that support kids. Playspace equity is achievable in our lifetime, and together, we can work to end playspace inequity for good.”

(Photo credit: Unsplash/Vika Strawberrika)