National Philanthropy Day Initiative

The National Philanthropy Day grant initiative is facilitated by the Long Beach Community Foundation (LBCF) to support local nonprofit organizations committed to community service through beautification projects. This annual funding opportunity celebrates National Philanthropy Day by enabling a single nonprofit or educational institution to lead a one-day, volunteer-driven exterior beautification project. The initiative is designed to foster collaboration between LBCF's network of board members, staff, fundholders, and community partners with the selected nonprofit's own team to make a tangible improvement to the community. The grant specifically funds projects that enhance the exterior of buildings owned by the applicant organization and used to serve its members. Projects must take place at a publicly visible location in Long Beach, California. The initiative aims to generate a clear visual improvement through efforts that can be fully executed in one day by local volunteers and that require approximately $5,000 in total funding. To be eligible, applicants must affirmatively meet six key project criteria: the project must beautify the exterior of a publicly visible site in Long Beach; be completed in one day by volunteers; operate on a $5,000 budget; deliver significant visual improvement; involve the applicant organization's board, staff, and volunteers in both participation and financial support; and be “shovel ready” for implementation on or around November 15, 2025, with long-term maintenance ensured by the organization. The grant application must be submitted in full, including all required documentation, by 5 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025. The selection will be made by the LBCF grants selection committee of the board, and award notifications will be issued in August 2025. Projects will be judged on their alignment with the defined criteria and their potential to create a meaningful, visual transformation. Funding for the selected project is up to $5,000. Previous awardees have included a range of community organizations such as Young Horizons Preschool, Boys and Girls Clubs of Long Beach, and Long Beach Organic, with projects ranging from mural paintings to garden installations and accessibility enhancements. These examples highlight the grant’s intent to support visible, impactful improvements to spaces serving vulnerable and diverse populations. Organizations with questions or in need of feedback prior to applying are encouraged to contact the Long Beach Community Foundation at info@longbeachcf.org. LBCF is also available to review a brief project description (100 words or less) that confirms alignment with the grant's six required elements.