THE COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION GRANT HAS BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO THE CITY’S ADDRESSING A $485 MILLION DEFICIT.

The guidelines and requirements of the grant are posted below for reference.

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Before applying, organizations should develop a project idea and begin organizing and compiling the elements required to complete a project. Projects should build community through the implementation process and enhance the neighborhood once complete. The final proposal must include documentation showing the vendors and professional services used for the project, a schedule of workdays ending with the completion date, an explanation of how the organization will match the amount requested, and details of the maintenance plan.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL PROPOSALS

All projects must meet the following eligibility standards:

• Be contained within CITY of Los Angeles boundaries;
• Have public access;
• Be sponsored by a community-based organization;
• Include a timeline to be completed in 9 months or less;
• Include a match that equals or exceeds the amount requested.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Proposals are accepted from community-based organizations. Organizations that have applied in the past include Homeowners Associations, Beautification Committees, Neighborhood Councils, Parent Teacher Associations, Block Clubs, Business Improvement Districts, Neighborhood Watch Groups, and Chambers of Commerce. However, organizations do not need 501(c)(3) non-profit status to apply for a grant.

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS

Community-based organizations can apply for funding for projects in public places. This includes projects on street islands (medians), sidewalks, parkways, walls visible to the public, park property, library property, and public school campuses.

Proposals should be for physical improvements. Types of projects that have been completed with CB Grant funds are landscaping projects, neighborhood markers, tree plantings, murals, benches, planters, signs, trash receptacles, gardens, marquees, and kiosks. Organizations should contact OCB staff if they wish to propose a project that meets the General Eligibility Requirements, but is not listed above.

MATCH

The match is the organization’s contribution towards the project. OCB requires a 1:1 match; a match that equals or exceeds the grant award. Organizations are not limited to the contribution of cash to fulfill the match. OCB will accept donations, discounts, in-kind professional services, and volunteer labor as a match towards a project.

GENERAL INFORMATION WORKSHOPS

Organizations that are considering applying for funding are strongly encouraged to attend a General Information Workshop, even if they applied for past funding. The 90-minute workshops cover the grant process in detail, explain how to fill out the application, offer tips on submitting a competitive proposal, and provide a great opportunity to meet like-minded people.

APPLICATION SUBMITTAL

Organizations must submit THREE (3) COPIES of the application.

APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS

Applications are reviewed by a community review panel comprised of community leaders who are nominated by the Council Offices, the Mayor’s Office, and OCB. The number of projects funded overall is determined by the amount of funding available, the amount of applications received per region, and the amount requested by applicants. Every effort is made to share the money as equitably as possible throughout the City of Los Angeles.

AFTER SUBMISSION

Notification letters will be mailed to the Head of Organization and Project Manager by mid-January. Detailed information regarding the final decision can be obtained by calling OCB staff. Funded projects that have all the necessary approvals can begin accessing the awarded funds in February. Awarded projects that require additional information, approvals and permits can begin accessing their funds once all outstanding contingencies are met.