Posted on Nov 01, 2022 | News,Press Releases
Keep Louisiana Beautiful Announces $550,000 in New Grant Opportunities for Trash Receptacles and Community Beautification Projects
MANDEVILLE, La. – Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) is pleased to announce two new grant programs for trash receptacles and community beautification projects totaling $550,000. The applications for both grants are available online as of Nov. 1 and the deadline to apply is Dec. 16, 2022.
The trash receptacle grant program, allocating over $460,000 for receptacles, is intended to reduce litter in public spaces. Louisiana parishes, municipalities, state agencies, governmental entities, political subdivisions, public universities and colleges, and KLB Affiliates in good standing are eligible to apply.
Applicants will choose to receive up to 10 high-quality trash receptacles to be installed on public property. KLB has identified three styles of trash receptacles that meet the needs of most communities. If awarded, KLB will order, purchase, and arrange for the delivery of up to 10 trash receptacles to a designated location. Receptacles must be installed on public property prior to May 30, 2023.
Pre and post receptacle installation litter scans must be conducted at each location. Data from the pre-installation litter scans must be submitted with the grant application. Data from the post-installation litter scans must be submitted with the final grant report.
“Recent data collected by Keep Louisiana Beautiful shows a reduction of litter by 56 percent in areas where trash receptacles are properly installed and maintained,” says Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director. “One of our organization’s key initiatives is to help build infrastructure that supports clean, beautiful communities. Funding trash receptacles is one way we do that.”
The community beautification grant program will provide reimbursement grants for beautification projects ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 and totaling up to $90,000. Louisiana parishes, municipalities, state agencies, governmental entities, political subdivisions, universities and colleges, KLB Affiliates in good standing, 501c6, and 501c3 organizations are eligible to apply. Projects must be completed prior to May 30, 2023.
Through the community beautification grant program, KLB will fund planting projects and welcome signs on public property in high visible areas such as community entry points, highway corridors and medians, and major roadways and intersections. Plants and trees must be at least 25 percent native to Louisiana and other restrictions apply.
In addition to beautifying public spaces, proposed projects should exhibit diverse community support, collaborations between organizations, matching contributions, and benefits to community residents.
“People are less likely to litter in areas that are well maintained and beautiful,” says Russell. “We are excited to support planting projects in Louisiana communities in order to reduce litter and enhance residents’ quality of life.”
These grants are made possible with funding from the State of Louisiana and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
“Being over tourism for the great state of Louisiana, I recognize the importance of putting our best foot forward,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “I’m grateful to our state legislature for the additional funding for litter abatement which allows us to move forward on important initiatives such as this one.”
Information and grant applications can be found here. Questions about KLB’s new grant opportunities can be directed to marketing@keeplouisianabeautiful.org.
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Keep Louisiana Beautiful is an anti‐litter and community improvement non-profit organization focused on achieving a clean and beautiful Louisiana through education, enforcement, public awareness, and community engagement. Keep Louisiana Beautiful is affiliated with Keep America Beautiful and comprised of a statewide network of 40 Community Affiliates and seven University Affiliates. Learn more at www.keeplouisianabeautiful.org.
