June 30 2017

30 in Thirty 2017

In 2011, we were fortunate to find some willing and generous partners who helped us launch an ambitious program: 30 Grants in Thirty Days. We knew that many of our friends across Virginia had wonderful ideas about projects to beautify their part of the Commonwealth, ideas about initiatives to combat litter, and plans to help educate others about the value and importance of these sorts of acts. All they needed was a bit of funding to get things off the ground. When you’re talking about a bit of paint and some elbow grease, or some trash bags and a team of volunteers, a few hundred dollars can go a long way. In the Spring of 2011, we invited people to apply for grants, and then proceeded to hand out a grant each and every day for an entire month. It made a huge difference to many groups and areas, so we did it again in 2012… and 2013… and every year since.

Going into this year, we had awarded $145,000 to 195 different projects. These were schools, churches, nonprofits like us, neighborhood groups, and more. Thanks to our wonderful partners this year, Altria, Keep America Beautiful, and Deep Run Marathon Dance, we were able to expand our categories of grants. Added to Community Beautification and Greening, Litter Prevention, and Recycling was Cigarette Litter Prevention! We often don’t think about a tiny cigarette butt, but it’s one of the biggest contributors to litter in America. In addition, we were able to add five more grant winners. Our 30 in Thirty Grants used to range from $250 to $1,000. This year, they ranged from $500 to $1,000, and five winners were awarded $2,000 to expand and/or continue legacy projects!

So 35 Grants in Thirty Days!

You can look back at this month’s daily posts to see the details about this year’s winners. Congratulations to them all, keep up the great work to keep Virginia beautiful! Now get busy with that grant money!

Beautification Keep Hopewell Beautiful Hopewell

Beautification Galax Public Art Committee Galax

CLPP askHRgreen.org Chesapeake

Litter Friends of Peak Creek Pulaski

Beautification Richmond Guardian Angels Richmond

Litter Loft Ridge Homeowners Association Chantilly

Beautification E.B. Stanley Middle School Abingdon

Beautification Keep Prince William Beautiful Prince William

Beautification Seatack Elementary VA Beach

CLPP Town of Richlands Richlands

Litter Lynnhaven River NOW VA Beach

Recycling Robious Elementary PTA Midlothian