Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) began accepting applications for the 2018-2019 grant cycle on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Two grant opportunities are available to communities throughout the state: The Healthy Communities Grant and the Trash Receptacle Grant.

The purpose of the Healthy Communities Grant is to support Louisiana communities by providing them with access to resources they need to address local environmental issues. Grant funds are available to encourage community action in the areas of: environmental education; litter cleanups; litter enforcement; water pollution; household hazardous waste; environmental training/workshops; waste reduction; and reuse and recycle initiatives. The Healthy Communities Grant, which provided $150,000 for projects throughout Louisiana in 2017, is a reimbursement grant and is open to organizations, governmental agencies, schools and universities, KAB affiliates, and pre-certified affiliates.

The Trash Receptacle Grant increases the number of trash receptacles in KLB affiliate communities throughout the state. Last year’s grant recipients found that the installation of these receptacles decreased litter in the surrounding area by 56 percent, supporting previous findings that littering rates decrease when the availability of receptacles increases. The Trash Receptacle Grant does not provide cash funds but instead, up to five attractive, durable and high-quality trash receptacles. This grant is available to Keep Louisiana Beautiful affiliates only.

Applications will be accepted between Jan. 16, 2018 and April 6, 2018. For more details about eligibility requirements or to apply online, visit keeplouisianabeautiful.org/grants. Cabell Mouton may be reached with any questions at programs@keeplouisianabeautiful.org.

Since 2004, Keep Louisiana Beautiful has awarded $3 million in grants to local communities in the areas of litter abatement, waste reduction, recycling, and environmental education.

“We are thrilled to fund local initiatives and support those who are working for a cleaner and more beautiful Louisiana through all of our grant opportunities,” said Susan Russell, executive director of KLB.

Keep Louisiana Beautiful, Inc. is the state’s anti-litter and community improvement organization focused on education, enforcement, awareness and cleanups. Affiliated with Keep America Beautiful, Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s mission is to promote personal, corporate and community responsibility for a clean and beautiful Louisiana. For more information, visit www.keeplouisianabeautiful.org.