Grand Rapids, MI

THE PLAYGROUNDgr

EIN 88-2745614

Health & Wellness Mental Health & Counseling Children & youth Low-income

Mission

To raise awareness around the emotional and mental health benefits of play. At THE PLAYGROUNDgr, we believe play heals.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

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About THE PLAYGROUNDgr

THE PLAYGROUNDgr is a Grand Rapids–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free and reduced-rate play-therapy programming, workshops, staff trainings, and community play events aimed at supporting emotional and mental health for children and families. The organization was founded to reduce disparities in access to play-based therapeutic supports across racial, cultural and socioeconomic lines. In recent years THE PLAYGROUNDgr has expanded partner programming with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Grand Rapids, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and Arbor Circle, launched a recurring free day camp for K–5 students, published an annual report, and received local/state recognition for impact and clinical leadership. The organization's EIN (88-2745614) is consistent with its filings and public charity profiles and its most-recent publicly available fiscal-year data (FY 2024) shows organizational growth in revenue and program delivery.

Notable achievements

State awards for play therapy (2025)

Executive Director Jacqueline Scherer, LMSW, RPT, was honored in 2025 as Michigan Play Therapist of the Year; a colleague (Abbie Marr) received Michigan Friend of Play Therapy of the Year the same year, signaling professional recognition of the organization's clinical leadership.

Major community grant ($50,000)

Received a $50,000 donation from the local giving group 100 Businesses Who Care to support expansion of outreach and programming across West Michigan.

Community recognition (Community Votes Grand Rapids)

Earned top placements in local community-vote programs (including Gold in Therapy and Counseling and placements in community categories), reflecting neighborhood-level support and visibility.

At a glance

Total assets: $80K
Annual revenue: $229K
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 88-2745614
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Website: theplaygroundgr.org
On Mahalo since: May 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Listed and profiled on national charity databases (Charity Navigator, Candid/GuideStar and nonprofit data services); reviewed publicly via Form 990 filings.

Featured in local media and public radio (regional outlets and segment features highlighting the group's 'healing through play' work).

Local awards and community-vote honors (Grand Rapids community awards and regional readers’ choice recognition for mental-health services).

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