Greener Grounds Grant

The Greener Grounds Grant is administered by Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), an organization committed to promoting community responsibility and environmental stewardship across the state of Louisiana. In partnership with French Quarter Festivals, Inc., KLB developed the Greener Grounds Guidebook and Workbook to help large outdoor event organizers reduce waste, increase recycling, and prevent litter. This grant initiative supports the implementation of these best practices, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of Louisiana’s more than 400 annual festivals and events. This reimbursement-based grant offers financial assistance to municipalities, parishes, and nonprofit organizations that organize large outdoor events, such as festivals, fairs, parades, and concerts. Applicants may request up to $10,000 if their event draws 3,000 or more attendees per day or up to $5,000 for events with at least 1,000 daily attendees. A minimum match of 15%—either in cash, in-kind contributions, or volunteer labor (valued at $29.14 per hour)—is required. All grantees must complete the Greener Grounds Workbook as a condition of reimbursement. Funds may be used for eligible expenses such as permanent or disposable trash and recycling receptacles, bins, bags, signage for waste stations, litter prevention education, and volunteer-related support like t-shirts or meals (with caps at 10% of the budget per item). Labor provided by nonprofit organizations to service waste collection containers is also eligible for reimbursement up to 15% of the total grant budget. Ineligible costs include dumpster rentals, tipping fees, or labor from for-profit service providers. Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria: events must be held outdoors in Louisiana with a minimum of 1,000 daily attendees, be open to all Louisiana citizens, and occur after the execution of the grant agreement but before May 14, 2027. All applicants must be registered as a State Certified Vendor, be in good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State, and submit required documentation such as Form W-9 and, if applicable, an IRS Determination Letter. Participation in a mandatory informational webinar is required prior to grant agreement issuance. Additionally, grantees must conduct a KLB Love the Boot Week event (tentatively scheduled for April 17–25, 2027) and complete a detailed Final Report by May 14, 2027. This report must include the completed workbook, documentation of social media posts, photographs, press release, acknowledgment letters, and a full accounting of reimbursable expenses. Throughout the grant cycle, grantees are expected to implement waste management strategies such as composting, plastic bottle and aluminum can recycling, and the creation of waste stations with clear signage. Public recognition of the grant through social media and press releases is also required. These measures aim not only to reduce environmental harm but also to educate attendees and inspire long-term behavior change in waste reduction and litter prevention practices at public events across Louisiana.

Complete the workbook early; align spending with eligible items; ensure all media and press steps are fulfilled.