2025 KOB Community Grant Awardees
Congratulations to these 16 projects for being awarded a Keep Oakland Beautiful Community Grant for 2025. Read below to learn more about these projects and their impact in neighborhoods throughout Oakland.
East Side of Eden Community Gardens at East Oakland Boxing Association
Revitalization of the community garden into a public healing and wellness space
Youth programs that teach agriculture, climate equity, and nutrition
Support for survivors of trafficking and foster youth through gardening
Distribution of fresh produce to 350+ families weekly
Native Gardens for Hunter Avenue by Biological Reserve Cerro Hermoso
Planting of sidewalk trees in East Oakland to beautify a high-crime area
Promotion of stress reduction, shade, and community connection
Early plantings sparked neighborhood collaboration on maintenance
Hood Hygiene by Oakland Don’t Play Inc
Cleaning drains in deep East Oakland to reduce flooding and disease, with plans to install debris-prevention covers and warning signs
Improves sanitation, safety, and community pride
Clinton Park Community Clean-Up & Art Restoration Initiative by Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce
Weekly clean-ups and graffiti removal in Clinton Park
Community murals to beautify and reclaim public space
Encourages youth engagement and local talent
Success tracking through photos, surveys, and participation
Brookfield Village Elementary Gardens by Revitalizing the Ghetto
Restoration of a school garden as a hands-on learning site
Involves families in planting, composting, and food co-op model
Promotes food sovereignty, sustainability, and community healing
Fremont Pool and Melrose Community Garden by Melrose 27X Neighborhood Council
Beautification of the Fremont Pool area and addition of new garden beds
Revitalization of neglected community spaces with new committees
Vantage Point Park Beautification by San Antonio Station Alliance
Cleaning and planting in a neglected park with a scenic view
Addition of pollinator plants and tree shade to deter dumping
Aims to attract more visitors to nearby businesses
Mural at Prescott School by Common Vision
Community-designed mural to beautify Prescott Elementary garden
Involves students, families, and neighbors in planning and painting
Celebrates nature, stewardship, and diversity
Mural at Rainbow Community Neighborhood Council 27y Parklet
Installation of a mural by artist Amanda Lynn on a community-adopted parklet
Grant funds support mural mounting structure
Highlights transformation of a vacant lot into a vibrant community space
Flowering Ruby Street by Upward Spiral
Planting flowers and small trees in neglected areas with encampments
Hosting of regular clean-ups to promote safety and discourage encampments
Success measures through engagement, cleanliness, and safety
54th Street Pollinator Garden by Sidewalk Trees & Gardens
Creation of a pollinator garden on a blighted Caltrans lot
Revitalizes a freeway-adjacent space into a community gathering area
Driven by local input and community vision
Planting Project in King Estate Open Space by OKNIA
Restoration of the erosion-prone hillside with native plants and jute matting
Addition of goat exclusion zones to protect vegetation
Aims to stabilize soil and enhance native species
Beth Eden Green Initiative by Beth Eden Baptist Church
Creation of a mobile exhibit showcasing local wildlife through resident photography
Encourages environmental stewardship and awareness
Highlights benefits of local green actions and restoration
3rd Street Renewal Project by South Prescott Neighborhood Association
Addition of sidewalk planters with solar lighting to beautify parks
Enhances safety, sustainability, and community involvement
Focus is on native and drought-resistant plants
Allendale Park Community Garden
Mural restoration, drip irrigation and seed library installation
Improvement of water efficiency and access to planting materials
Enhances signage and community engagement
Lake Merritt Institute
Restoration of U-Clean boxes surrounding Lake Merritt