2024 Spotlight Projects

First United Methodist Church Preschool - $32,000

2024 depicts a year of the playgrounds in our Pikes Peak Region. The first project helped to support the construction of a 750 ft outdoor playground at First United Methodist Church and Preschool in downtown Colorado Springs. The playground will be utilized by children ages 18 months - 2.5 years old. The preschool needed to construct a new playground specifically dedicated to this age group in order to continue serving kids in their toddler program.  They are one of only a handful of preschools that offer a program for children under 2.5 years of age. Research shows that the continuity of care encompasses different strategies designed to support children’s development and learning that foster early learning, school readiness and success, and social and emotional development. Structured and unstructured play outside grow these skills that children undeniably need.

Friends of the Children - $75,000

This grant funding represents a partnership with Friends of the Children and Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy, a public middle school in southeast Colorado Springs. The initial funding supported Phase 1 – the construction of a 7,000 ft outdoor, community playground. The playground is utilized by youth attending Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy (540 students), youth and families served by tenant, Friends of the Children – Colorado Springs (200+), and residents of the surrounding community (4,600 residents). More than 80% of the youth represent minority populations, and more than 80% are from low-income households. There is not currently a playground at the school and the nearest playground is over a mile, away primarily accessible by car, due to location. 

The initial project was presented on behalf of Friends of the Children as an opportunity to provide a safe and enriching space for families and mentors to gather to further enhance the protective factors facing youth in our community. After discussions with Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy administration, we believe the project can go beyond a playground to serve the greater community. The second phase, to be completed in fall 2025, will be the construction of a pump track in partnership with Kids on Bikes. 

Moniker fully intends to support the project in phases that will further enhance the campus to serve the needs and interests of the school and the surrounding southeast community in Colorado Springs. ​

Other 2024 Projects Completed

• Atlas Preparatory School  - $10,000 to support the Continuing Education Opportunity Fund for nontraditional student trajectories including CNA certification, technical certification, and earn-to-learn programs.