Municipal Beautification Mini Grants

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) has announced a competitive grant opportunity for municipalities under its Litter-Free Rhode Island initiative. The Municipal Beautification Mini Grants are designed to help cities and towns across the state enhance the visual appeal and livability of their public spaces through small-scale beautification projects. These grants aim to promote civic pride, environmental stewardship, and community engagement by supporting locally driven revitalization efforts. A total of six municipalities will be awarded one-time grants of up to $2,000 each. These funds are intended to support the execution of projects that bring color, creativity, and greenery into public areas. Eligible project types include landscaping, tree planting, fall plantings intended for spring bloom, the revitalization of parks and other communal spaces, and public art installations. All awarded projects must be completed within six months of funding and require documentation of both the project’s starting condition and its final results. Applicants must be municipal entities within the State of Rhode Island. RIDEM encourages municipalities to collaborate with nonprofit organizations or community groups to enhance local participation, although such collaboration is not mandatory. Applicants may only submit one proposal per municipality. If multiple applications are submitted, only the first will be considered. To qualify, applicants must use the official online application form and adhere to all submission guidelines. Proposals will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the project’s sustainability, potential long-term impact on the community, and how well municipal matching funds may extend the state's investment. While matching funds are not required, projects that leverage additional resources or demonstrate strong local commitment may be viewed more favorably. The grant can fund a range of expenses including materials, supplies, contracted services, and modest equipment costs directly related to the beautification initiative. The application deadline is October 10, 2025. RIDEM will announce award recipients during the week of October 20, 2025. Questions about the program or application process may be directed to Suzanne Amerault at the RIDEM Director’s Office via email at Suzanne.Amerault@dem.ri.gov. The program is part of the broader Litter-Free Rhode Island campaign, which encourages cleaner and greener environments for both residents and visitors throughout the state.

Projects with sustainable practices, matching funds, or long-term benefits are prioritized. Only the first application from each municipality will be reviewed. Community partnerships are encouraged but not required.