Absolutely! Funding for public benches often comes from a blend of community initiative and targeted programs. Many municipalities have "Adopt-a-Bench" or memorial bench programs where individuals or groups donate the cost of a bench, often with a commemorative plaque. For broader community projects, local government parks and recreation departments may have dedicated budgets or matching grant programs for neighborhood improvements, including benches.
Beyond local government, look into community foundation grants, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives from local businesses, and crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe or Spacehive for hyper-local projects. Non-profits focused on placemaking, such as Project for Public Spaces, sometimes offer resources or mini-grants. The key is to start by partnering with your local parks department to understand regulations, then explore a mix of municipal programs, private donations, and grassroots fundraising to turn your public seating idea into a reality.