Community Grant Program
Keep Oakland Beautiful awards community grants of up to $1,000 every year. Individuals or community groups can apply for a grant to help fund a project that helps keep Oakland clean, green and beautiful, and brings people together in public space. Successful past projects have included park and neighborhood cleanups, beautification projects, tree and greens planting, community gardens, pop-up libraries, graffiti removal and murals, and litter container tile mosaics.
Please see our FAQs below and reach out to KOB Programs for additional questions.
Please see our FAQs below and reach out to KOB Programs for additional questions.
Applications for the next grant cycle will open in Spring 2025.
Previous Grant Awardees
See 2024 Awarded Projects
See 2023 Awarded Projects
See 2022 Awarded Projects
See 2021 Awarded Projects
See 2024 Awarded Projects
See 2023 Awarded Projects
See 2022 Awarded Projects
See 2021 Awarded Projects
Grantee Requirements
Other Resources
We encourage you to utilize resources and tools available to support your projects or other needs. KOB has compiled a non-exhaustive list of free accommodations you may find useful either as a grant recipient or for general use.
FAQs
About the Community Grant Program
How many grants does KOB make per year?
It varies from year to year depending upon available funds. In 2023, 13 awards were granted.
What is the minimum and maximum amount of a KOB grant?
There is no minimum amount. The maximum awarded grant per project is $1,000 (in 2023 and prior grant cycles, the maximum award was $800). Multi-year grants may be considered, but grantees must apply for each year separately.
Where does the KOB grant money come from?
KOB grant funds are from individual and corporate donations.
Do I have to pay back the grant?
No, the grants are not repayable.
Is the grant subject to taxes?
No, grants to individuals or groups that use the funds for the stated charitable purpose are not taxable. Here is a good article on the topic.
Will I get an IRS tax statement from KOB?
No.
How does KOB decide who gets a grant?
The KOB Programs Committee looks for projects that best meet our funding criteria: creative, community benefit, evidence of sustainability as well as capacity to complete and maintain the project.
What are the reporting requirements for this grant?
A final report form will be distributed to awardees, consisting of a project summary and pictures upload.
About the Application
How do I receive a grant?
KOB opens Community Grant applications in the Spring of each year. Announcements will be made for application openings and deadlines.
Do I have to be low income to get a grant?
No.
Are grants available in all of Oakland’s neighborhoods?
Yes.
Does my group have to have a 501(c)(3) non-profit status to get a grant?
No.
Can an individual apply for a grant?
Yes. Please note that all projects must have a public benefit component, e.g. visible to the public.
Can a neighborhood group, church group, or other group apply for a grant?
Yes. Organized groups are encouraged to apply.
Do school projects qualify for grants?
Yes, KOB accepts applications for school projects. However, KOB limits grants to schools to 20% of our total funding for each grant period.
Can I apply for a grant if I was already awarded one in a previous grant cycle?
Yes.
About Projects
What kinds of projects does KOB fund?
KOB will fund projects that take place in the city of Oakland on public or private property. Applicants for projects on city-owned property are required to be Adopt a Spot stewards. Projects on private property must have approval from the property owner. For projects on private property, priority will be given to those that can be enjoyed by members of the public/community. Projects must be consistent with the mission of KOB. See this page for examples of previously funded projects.
Should I have already raised any money to apply for a grant?
While you are not required to have raised any money to qualify for a grant, evidence of prior action taken (organizational and/or financial) to accomplish the project will make your grant application more competitive.
Can I use the grant for my own property?
Yes. Please note that all projects must have a public benefit component, e.g. visible to the public.
Can I use the grant for property I rent or don’t own?
Yes, but you will need the property owner’s permission as part of your application. Please note that all projects must have a public benefit component, e.g. visible to the public.
Can I use the grant for a project on City of Oakland property?
Yes. Awarded projects on City property must have applied and received prior permission from the City’s Adopt a Spot program. (See further details about Adopt a Spot below.)
Can I use the grant to beautify a vacant lot?
Yes, but you will need the property owner’s permission as part of your application.
How can I find out who owns a piece of property?
The Alameda County Assessor’s office has this information available. For both public and privately owned lots that you do not own, please note in your application the property owner and their and contact information, including which public entity (e.g. EBMUD, CalTrans, City of Oakland).
Possible Issues with Project Proposals
KOB has historically declined the following types of grant request applications:
City of Oakland’s Adopt a Spot Program
KOB requires that Community Grant applications for projects that are on City property have Adopt a Spot Program approval for the same location prior to disbursing any grant. Please note that Adopt a Spot approval does not ensure that you will receive a grant from KOB. The City of Oakland's Adopt a Spot review process is intended to identify any hazards or other concerns that the proposed project may create and ensure long term maintenance. We recommend that you apply to the Adopt a Spot program well in advance of your application to the KOB Community Grant Program as it can take a minimum of 3 weeks for City approval. The City of Oakland Adopt a Spot Program may have concerns with projects including:
How can I support KOB's Community Grant Program?
Community grants are funded in part by corporate partnerships, and largely from generous donations from people like you!
There are many ways you can donate to KOB to support these grants.
PO BOX 22015
Oakland, CA 94623-2015
Keep Oakland Beautiful (KOB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the tax id # 82-5359377. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Keep Oakland Beautiful (KOB) is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, a national nonprofit organization.
- Projects on City of Oakland property must be approved by the City and have Oakland Adopt a Spot approval
- Projects on private property will be considered, with priority going to those that can be enjoyed by the community
Other Resources
We encourage you to utilize resources and tools available to support your projects or other needs. KOB has compiled a non-exhaustive list of free accommodations you may find useful either as a grant recipient or for general use.
- City of Oakland Adopt a Spot: Tool Rental
- City of Oakland: Hazardous Waste Disposal
- City of Oakland: Contact OAK311 for Infrastructure or Maintenance Services
- Oakland Public Library: Tool Lending Library
- Oakland Public Library: Seed Library
- Oakland Recycles: Bulky Junk Drop-off or Pickup
- Free Mulch: Oakland Tree Trimming, ChipDrop, or other local tree services
FAQs
About the Community Grant Program
How many grants does KOB make per year?
It varies from year to year depending upon available funds. In 2023, 13 awards were granted.
What is the minimum and maximum amount of a KOB grant?
There is no minimum amount. The maximum awarded grant per project is $1,000 (in 2023 and prior grant cycles, the maximum award was $800). Multi-year grants may be considered, but grantees must apply for each year separately.
Where does the KOB grant money come from?
KOB grant funds are from individual and corporate donations.
Do I have to pay back the grant?
No, the grants are not repayable.
Is the grant subject to taxes?
No, grants to individuals or groups that use the funds for the stated charitable purpose are not taxable. Here is a good article on the topic.
Will I get an IRS tax statement from KOB?
No.
How does KOB decide who gets a grant?
The KOB Programs Committee looks for projects that best meet our funding criteria: creative, community benefit, evidence of sustainability as well as capacity to complete and maintain the project.
What are the reporting requirements for this grant?
A final report form will be distributed to awardees, consisting of a project summary and pictures upload.
About the Application
How do I receive a grant?
KOB opens Community Grant applications in the Spring of each year. Announcements will be made for application openings and deadlines.
Do I have to be low income to get a grant?
No.
Are grants available in all of Oakland’s neighborhoods?
Yes.
Does my group have to have a 501(c)(3) non-profit status to get a grant?
No.
Can an individual apply for a grant?
Yes. Please note that all projects must have a public benefit component, e.g. visible to the public.
Can a neighborhood group, church group, or other group apply for a grant?
Yes. Organized groups are encouraged to apply.
Do school projects qualify for grants?
Yes, KOB accepts applications for school projects. However, KOB limits grants to schools to 20% of our total funding for each grant period.
Can I apply for a grant if I was already awarded one in a previous grant cycle?
Yes.
About Projects
What kinds of projects does KOB fund?
KOB will fund projects that take place in the city of Oakland on public or private property. Applicants for projects on city-owned property are required to be Adopt a Spot stewards. Projects on private property must have approval from the property owner. For projects on private property, priority will be given to those that can be enjoyed by members of the public/community. Projects must be consistent with the mission of KOB. See this page for examples of previously funded projects.
Should I have already raised any money to apply for a grant?
While you are not required to have raised any money to qualify for a grant, evidence of prior action taken (organizational and/or financial) to accomplish the project will make your grant application more competitive.
Can I use the grant for my own property?
Yes. Please note that all projects must have a public benefit component, e.g. visible to the public.
Can I use the grant for property I rent or don’t own?
Yes, but you will need the property owner’s permission as part of your application. Please note that all projects must have a public benefit component, e.g. visible to the public.
Can I use the grant for a project on City of Oakland property?
Yes. Awarded projects on City property must have applied and received prior permission from the City’s Adopt a Spot program. (See further details about Adopt a Spot below.)
Can I use the grant to beautify a vacant lot?
Yes, but you will need the property owner’s permission as part of your application.
How can I find out who owns a piece of property?
The Alameda County Assessor’s office has this information available. For both public and privately owned lots that you do not own, please note in your application the property owner and their and contact information, including which public entity (e.g. EBMUD, CalTrans, City of Oakland).
Possible Issues with Project Proposals
KOB has historically declined the following types of grant request applications:
- Projects where other resources are readily available for the project
- Planting projects where there lacks proper access to irrigation water for the plantings proposed
- Requests for new trash bins (you may request sites to be evaluated for new litter container installation through Oak 311)
- Projects on private property that only benefit the property owner
- Projects that have no apparent public benefit
- Projects with unrealistic or insufficient project budget to complete the project
- Grant requests with no evidence of volunteer and financial capacity needed to complete and sustain the project
- Projects that do not have Adopt a Spot approval
City of Oakland’s Adopt a Spot Program
KOB requires that Community Grant applications for projects that are on City property have Adopt a Spot Program approval for the same location prior to disbursing any grant. Please note that Adopt a Spot approval does not ensure that you will receive a grant from KOB. The City of Oakland's Adopt a Spot review process is intended to identify any hazards or other concerns that the proposed project may create and ensure long term maintenance. We recommend that you apply to the Adopt a Spot program well in advance of your application to the KOB Community Grant Program as it can take a minimum of 3 weeks for City approval. The City of Oakland Adopt a Spot Program may have concerns with projects including:
- Garden projects with edible produce due to possible contamination of edibles
- Planting projects on City property that may create traffic sightline hazards
- Projects that do not have the property owner approval
- Planting projects that interfere with underground infrastructure (pipes, wires, etc.)
How can I support KOB's Community Grant Program?
Community grants are funded in part by corporate partnerships, and largely from generous donations from people like you!
There are many ways you can donate to KOB to support these grants.
- Donate online through our secure form here,
- Become a KOB Business Sponsor here.
- Mail your donation to the following address. Make checks out to “Keep Oakland Beautiful”.
PO BOX 22015
Oakland, CA 94623-2015
Keep Oakland Beautiful (KOB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the tax id # 82-5359377. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Keep Oakland Beautiful (KOB) is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, a national nonprofit organization.
