American Academy of Dermatology
Shade Structure Grant
Up to $8,000 to build a permanent shade structure over a playground or outdoor learning space. For nonprofit schools that already teach sun safety.
- Amount
- Up to $8,000 (materials and installation)
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- No: for-profit schools excluded
- Deadline
- Next round not posted
- Who this fits
- Private school · MicroschoolFor nonprofit schools (and public schools) that serve kids 18 and under and want permanent shade over a play or learning area. A for-profit school can't apply.
- New schools
- Not for brand-new schools
- Where
- National: schools in any US state
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026on aad.org
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- When does the 2027 application open, and is it due December 15, 2026?
What to do now
- Step 1: Run a sun-safety lesson or program for at least a year before you apply
- Step 2: Find an AAD member dermatologist (the AAD's Find a Dermatologist tool) and ask for a support letter
- Step 3: Get a quote from a shade vendor and take two sunny photos of the spot
- Step 4: Apply online when the 2027 application opens
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“The AAD Shade Structure Program is open to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and public schools that provide services, programs, and curricula to children and teenagers…”
You need a letter of support from an AAD member dermatologist, and a sun-safety program that has run for at least a year before you apply. The FAQ also accepts 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(5) groups. No money for shade you've already built. The shade must be permanent and installed by November 30 of the award year; $8,000 covers most 10' × 10' sails, so bigger projects need other money too.
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit (or public school)
- Serves children 18 and under
- Letter from an AAD member dermatologist
- Sun-safety program in place 1+ year
- Permanent shade, installed by November 30
- Two photos of the area to be shaded
Timing
On Oct 5 the page said the 2026 round is closed: “Check back in the fall to apply for 2027.” The AAD's FAQ says the application runs October 1 – December 15. Awards are made in March.