Keep Charlotte Beautiful (KCB) offers two annual grant programs to support community projects aimed at enhancing the city’s environment: the Beautification Grant and the Tree Care Grant. The Beautification Grant, which provides up to $8,000, is open to neighborhoods, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and individuals throughout Charlotte. Projects must align with KCB's four main principles: litter prevention, waste reduction and recycling, beautification, and community greening. Eligible projects can include activities that prevent litter, promote recycling, enhance the appearance of community spaces, or improve green areas. The grant covers project costs through reimbursement upon completion and does not require matching funds.

To apply for the Beautification Grant, applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by November 13, 2024. The LOI should provide a brief project description, location, requested amount, proposed project date, involved entities, and the project’s potential impact on the community. Following the LOI review, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full grant application, which will be scored based on criteria such as project impact, design, community involvement, budget, and sustainability. A pre-application workshop was held on October 16, 2024, to guide potential applicants.

The Tree Care Grant, which awards matching grants of up to $3,000, supports initiatives aimed at maintaining Charlotte’s tree canopy. Eligible projects include tree care activities like canopy assessments, ivy removal, small tree pruning, and community education about tree preservation. Applications are accepted annually, with details for the 2024-2025 grant cycle to be announced in August 2024.

Grant-funded projects must be completed by December 31, 2025, and cannot start until the contract is signed. Written permission from property owners may be required for projects conducted on private property. For more information or assistance, applicants can contact KCB via email or phone.