KAB Mission Grant Application

Keep Arkansas Beautiful (KAB) proudly offers the KAB Mission Grant—a flexible funding opportunity that supports a wide range of community-driven projects aligned with our mission to inspire and educate Arkansans through beautification, litter prevention, recycling, waste reduction, environmental education, and eco-restoration. KAB will award 8 grants of up to $2,500 each on a reimbursement basis to city and county governments, schools, nonprofits, civic groups, and businesses committed to making Arkansas cleaner, greener, and more beautiful.

Up to 8 grants will be awarded

Applicants must complete all fields listed below. • Applications that are incomplete will be denied. • Provide all contact information. • Receipts for any purchased materials for the effort must be submitted to KAB of proof of expenses before any grant funds are dispersed to the awardee. Any receipt that is not provided is ineligible for reimbursement. • •  If grant is awarded, applicant and any partner entities agree to provide data about the effort such as pounds of litter collected, pounds of recyclables collected, how many plants were planted, square footage of graffiti removed, etc.

KAB Mission Grants are intentionally broad to allow for creativity, flexibility, and local impact. Your project must support at least one of KAB’s four core focus areas:

◦  Native plantings, pollinator gardens, tree planting ◦ Murals and public art installations ◦ Urban greening and revitalization of neglected areas ◦ Trail restoration or habitat enhancement

◦ Public cleanups (land or water-based) ◦ Trash boom installation (see details below) ◦ Highway, park, or neighborhood litter collection events ◦ Educational anti-litter campaigns

◦ Recycling drives and drop-off events ◦ Permanent or mobile recycling bin installation ◦ Community composting or reuse programs ◦ Recycling education and signage

◦ Classroom or public workshops ◦Interpretive signage and awareness campaigns ◦Youth-led projects that teach sustainability ◦Outreach initiatives targeting community engagement

Each project may be reimbursed for up to $2,500 in direct project expenses.

•Litter grabbers and cleanup tools •Native plants, trees, mulch, and landscaping materials •Educational or directional signage •Trash or recycling receptacles •Yard equipment and light tools •Paint and supplies for murals or graffiti removal •Dumpsters or event-related rentals •Educational materials and printing for outreach

•Items already supplied by KAB (e.g., trash bags, gloves, safety vests) •Food and beverages •Maintenance or upgrades to previously funded projects •Permanent structures requiring large-scale construction •Labor and installation cost

Projects involving the installation of a trash boom to prevent waterborne litter are eligible under the Mission Grant. Applicants must: •Upload photos of the waterway and describe the litter issue •Submit permitting or approval from local authorities (if required) •Maintain and clean the boom at least monthly •Submit data and photos quarterly to KAB •Assist with installation of KAB-provided educational signage •Participate in a small-scale community launch event

1. Demonstrated need 2. Clarity of project goals 3. Alignment with KAB’s mission 4. Innovation and creativity 5. Environmental impact 6. Community engagement or volunteer involvement 7. Feasibility and readiness 8. Quality of reporting plan 9. Long-term value or sustainability Grant applications will be scored on a 9-point rating scale (1 =poor; 9 = exceptional ) and based on need, goals, innovation and environment.