614 Beautiful Grant

614 Beautiful is a grant program dedicated to the beautification of communities within the City of Columbus, Ohio. The program is supported by the City of Columbus and receives additional assistance from the Neighborhood Design Center. Its main objective is to activate spaces and foster connectivity within neighborhoods by empowering residents and local organizations to collaborate on placemaking initiatives. These projects aim to address equity issues, spark creativity, and strengthen the sense of community among residents, local businesses, and organizations. Applicants must form teams consisting of residents or local organizations, ensuring that projects are community-driven from ideation through implementation. All volunteers participating in the project must come from within the community. Eligible projects include public art installations such as murals, banners, and sculptures, as well as landscape enhancements, wayfinding and signage, facade improvements to buildings, and transit-oriented or streetscape enhancements. All projects must be situated within the Columbus city limits, preferably in opportunity neighborhoods, and must be in publicly accessible locations. The funding scope allows for grants of up to $15,000 per project. While matching funds are not required for applicants, additional support and leveraged resources are encouraged to maximize project impact. The grant jury reserves the right to award less than the requested amount based on project scope and merit. For the 2025 cycle, the application process opens on June 9, 2025, and submissions must be received by July 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Following the close of applications, the jury will review submissions from July 14 through July 17, 2025. Grant awards will be announced on July 21, 2025. The permitting, approval, and planning phase will take place over the summer of 2025, with project implementation expected between fall 2025 and spring 2026. Community unveiling events are planned for spring or summer 2026, with the final project completion deadline set for July 31, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to connect with neighbors and local organizations to discuss project ideas, start budgeting, and look into required permissions or approvals before applying. Support and questions can be directed through the contact form provided on the program’s website. Program information sessions are available online, and a program video will be released after June 16, 2025. Contact information for the program is provided via an online form on the 614 Beautiful website. The program is made possible through the City of Columbus and with support from the Neighborhood Design Center and the Office of Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla. Prior recipients and examples of funded projects, such as murals on Sullivant Avenue, are showcased to inspire prospective applicants.

Engage with neighbors and community organizations, begin budgeting early, and review logistics such as permissions or approvals.