Applications are being accepted for Long Beach Love Your Block grants, which encourage community-driven projects that enhance a neighborhood, now through Sept. 26.
Love Your Block is a national program established by Bloomberg Philanthropies, and focuses on revitalization projects, from trash clean-ups to vacant lot restorations. Since 2009, the program has improved 4,000 public spaces by creating 800 art displays, cleaning 102,000 square feet of graffiti and removing 6.7 million pounds of trash, according to the program’s webpage.
Long Beach was one of 16 cities chosen for the 2024-26 funding round. The City is funneling these grants to align with its Westside Promise initiative, prioritizing projects that will improve the quality of life in West Long Beach.
Grants of up to $2,5000 will fund projects that reduce exposure to poor indoor and outdoor air quality; promote clean air education, behavior and tools; enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety; and/or build community capacity to advocate for street and environmental improvements.
“The Love Your Block program provides vital funding to support residents engaging in impactful, community-led projects that address their most pressing needs,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “The first year of this program supports our Westside Promise, which will help improve the livability of West Long Beach and promote the overall wellbeing of the community. I encourage all residents to apply and contribute to driving this positive change in our community.”
To be eligible, applicants must be a Long Beach resident 18 years of age or older, have proposed projects occur within the 90810 zip code, and have a passion for addressing issues impacting residents, especially in West Long Beach. While only individual Long Beach residents are eligible to apply, local nonprofits and businesses are encouraged to support projects through donations, volunteers and materials.
“The Love Your Block mini-grants will help give life to resident-led projects that will improve the quality of life and health outcomes of West Long Beach residents,” said Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga in a public statement. “I am happy to witness how this program will foster connections, promote environmental justice and elevate the places we proudly call home.”
Eligible residents, especially those living in West Long Beach, interested in applying for a mini-grant can fill out an application online in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog at lbcity.info/LYB-MiniGrantApp now through Friday, Sept. 26. Awarded projects will be announced by Thursday, Oct. 16, with project completion required by Dec. 31.
For more information and to apply, visit the Office of Civic Innovation webpage. Learn more about the Westside Promise at longbeach.gov/wsp.
