As the United States approaches a once-in-a-generation milestone—its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026—communities across the country are being invited to step up, roll up their sleeves, and help make America shine. To support this nationwide effort, Keep America Beautiful (KAB) is offering the 2026 Greatest American Cleanup Grants, empowering local affiliates to lead cleanup, beautification, and community-building projects in advance of the historic celebration.
These grants are more than just funding opportunities—they are a call to action. By investing in projects that clean, green, and unite neighborhoods, Keep America Beautiful and its partners are ensuring that the nation’s 250th birthday is celebrated not only with fireworks, but with visible pride in the places we call home.
A Nationwide Effort Rooted in Local Action
The Greatest American Cleanup is a long-standing Keep America Beautiful initiative focused on reducing litter, improving public spaces, and fostering civic engagement. In 2026, the campaign takes on special meaning as it aligns with America’s semiquincentennial. The grant program encourages affiliates to think big while acting locally—bringing people together to improve roadsides, shorelines, parks, trails, and neighborhoods in tangible, lasting ways.
Funding may be used for a wide range of eligible activities, including litter removal from roads, highways, waterways, and shorelines; tree, flower, and garden planting; recycling and waste-reduction initiatives; public art enhancements; and the restoration of trails, playgrounds, and recreational spaces. While celebrations are an important part of July 4, proposals that focus only on events will not be funded—projects must emphasize action and impact.
Funding Details and Availability
For 2026, at least $320,000 in total funding will be distributed nationwide, with grants of up to $5,000 per affiliate. The grant committee reserves the right to adjust award amounts based on project scope and overall demand.
Grants are designed to be catalytic rather than ongoing operational support. Affiliates are encouraged to leverage this funding to jump-start projects that can attract volunteers, partners, and additional resources, creating momentum that extends beyond July 2026.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The Greatest American Cleanup Grants are exclusive to Keep America Beautiful affiliates, including local and state affiliates. State affiliates may apply independently or in partnership with local affiliates, or serve as pass-through funders, provided projects can be completed within the required timeline.
Several factors can strengthen an application:
Affiliates that meet President’s Circle standards for 2025 will receive extra points during review.
Priority consideration is given to affiliates that have secured—or commit to securing—a Greatest American Cleanup pledge from their highest local elected or paid government official.
Only one application per affiliate is permitted.
Affiliates may apply for both Greatest American Cleanup Grants and Greatest Green Grants, provided projects are clearly distinct and independently executable.
Key Dates to Know
Timing is critical for this grant program. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 23, 2026. Extensions will not be granted, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Selected grantees will be notified in March 2026, with projects required to be implemented between March 20 and July 1, 2026. A final report, along with supporting documentation and photos, is due by August 1, 2026.
What Makes a Strong Application?
For 2026, Keep America Beautiful is placing special emphasis on projects that deliver visible results and community engagement before Independence Day. Applications are strongest when they clearly articulate:
- How the project aligns with the Greatest American Cleanup goals
- Specific activities, timelines, and measurable outcomes
- How the project will bring people together, including volunteers and partners
- The lasting or sustainable impact beyond the grant period
- Innovation, creativity, and service to diverse populations and communities
Projects that include a cleanup component will be prioritized, even if they also incorporate planting, art, or recycling efforts.
Budget Guidelines and Allowable Costs
Grant funds may be used for practical, project-focused expenses, including cleanup supplies, kits, tools, and personal protective equipment. Up to 10% of the budget may be allocated to administrative or project management costs, and another 10% may be used for maintenance related to the funded project fileciteturn0file0.
Grantees are required to display sponsor recognition signage during their activities, using approved Keep America Beautiful branding. While affiliates are encouraged to explore local relationships with sponsors like Coca-Cola bottlers, they are asked not to solicit national sponsors independently.
Reporting, Branding, and Payment Structure
Grant payments are distributed in two phases. Grantees receive 70% of the award upfront after executing the grant agreement and submitting an invoice. The remaining 30% is released upon approval of a final report and invoice.
All funded projects must be branded as part of the Greatest American Cleanup, using official branding kits provided by Keep America Beautiful. Grantees are also required to submit photographs documenting their work, including before-and-after images and volunteers in action, helping tell the story of community impact nationwide.
Building Toward a Beautiful July 4, 2026
The 2026 Greatest American Cleanup Grants represent an opportunity to honor America’s past while investing in its future. By empowering local leaders and volunteers to care for their communities, Keep America Beautiful is ensuring that the nation’s 250th birthday is marked not just by celebration, but by stewardship, pride, and collective action.
For affiliates ready to make a difference, the message is clear: now is the time to plan, partner, and prepare. Together, these projects will help ensure that when July 4, 2026 arrives, communities across the country will be cleaner, greener, and more united than ever before.