Overview 

Keep America Beautiful is offering Litter Study Solutions Grants, made possible through the generous support of Dollar Tree. These grants provide funding for projects that implement targeted, data-driven solutions to reduce litter and improve community environments. 

Informed by the findings of the 2026 National Litter Study, funding will be awarded for projects that address tire dumping and vehicle debris, micro-trash (items smaller than four inches), cardboard litter, plastic and other single-use items, and coastal cleanups in inaccessible areas as identified in the litter study. Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative, scalable solutions that create measurable, lasting environmental and community impact and can serve as models for litter prevention and remediation. 

Funding Available 

• $100,000 in funding is available. 
• Up to $5,000 per affiliate. 

 *The grant committee may adjust grant amounts at its discretion. 

Eligibility 

• These grants are open to Keep America Beautiful affiliates. 
• KAB affiliates in President’s Circle will receive priority review and consideration, but all affiliates are welcome and encouraged to apply. 
• No more than one (1) application per affiliate will be accepted. 
• KAB affiliates are welcome to apply either in partnership with local KAB affiliates in their state or as pass-through funding for those affiliates, provided that projects and activities can be implemented within the grant activation timeline. 

Timeline

• Application Deadline: 5pm ET on August 31, 2026. 
• Grant Evaluation & Notifications: September 2026 
• Implementation Period: Activities must be completed by April 30, 2027. 
• Final Report Due: 5pm ET May 31, 2027. 

Application Guidelines 

• Preference will be given to projects that introduce innovative approaches to addressing priority litter challenges, infrastructure, and education rather than supporting one-time cleanup events alone. 
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to describe how project outcomes will be sustained beyond the grant period through maintenance, partnerships, education, or continued community engagement. 

All proposals must … 

• Clearly articulate the litter issue the project addresses and explain how the project aligns with findings from the 2026 National Litter Study and/or local litter data. 
• Clearly articulate how the proposed project will improve community appearance, environmental quality, and long-term litter prevention. 
• Clearly articulate how the proposed project will be measured for impact reporting. Outline the data you intend to collect.  
• Data examples include, but are not limited to: 

• Pounds of litter removed 
• Tires collected 
• Vehicle debris removed 
• Pounds of cardboard collected or recycled 
• Volunteers engaged 
• Miles of roadway, shoreline, waterways, or public spaces improved 
• Priority consideration will be given to projects focused on one or more of the following: 
• Tire dumping prevention, collection, recycling, or enforcement initiatives 
• Vehicle debris removal and prevention 
• Cardboard litter reduction, collection, reuse, or recycling initiatives 
• Micro-trash prevention and removal strategies, particularly for litter items smaller than four inches 
• Difficult-to-access cleanup projects in waterways (e.g. mangroves, marshes) 
• All proposals must clearly articulate how the proposed projects and activities will help promote healthy and resilient communities. 

Budget Recommendations 

• Funds may be used to purchase cleanup supplies, equipment, litter prevention infrastructure, educational materials, disposal services, contractor support directly related to project implementation, volunteer support materials, and personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• All requested expenses must directly support project implementation and measurable outcomes. 
• Up to 10% of the project budget may be allocated to administrative and project management expenses. 
• Up to 10% of the project budget may be allocated to maintenance or follow-up activities to ensure lasting project impact. 

Other Requirements 

• As you plan your grant program activities, please note that grant recipients will receive funding in accordance with the terms of grant agreement. 
• All grant recipients should make an effort to share volunteer opportunities related to their funded project with the Dollar Tree Community Impact team. Please share volunteer opportunities with your Regional Director or Grants Manager, Halle at hfernandez@kab.org and they will share these opportunities to them. 
• As you plan your grant program activities, please keep in mind that grantees will receive 70% of their cash grant upon executing a grant agreement and submitting an invoice. The remaining 30% of the award will be disbursed after submitting a final invoice and having their final reports approved by Keep America Beautiful. 
• All grant recipients will be required to recognize Dollar Tree's support through approved project signage and promotional materials. 
• Projects should incorporate volunteer engagement whenever feasible. 
• Grant recipients must submit a final report that documents project accomplishments, measurable outcomes, photographs, and lessons learned. 

Grant Review Process & Considerations 

Applications will be reviewed by Keep America Beautiful staff and select external advisors and evaluated based on the following criteria: 

• Alignment with findings from the 2026 National Litter Study. 
• Innovation in addressing litter challenges through prevention, infrastructure, technology, education, partnerships, or community engagement. 
• Clear articulation of project goals, activities, and intended environmental impact. 
• Potential for measurable, lasting community benefits. 
• Strength of community partnerships and volunteer engagement. 
• Sustainability of project outcomes beyond the grant period. 
• Reasonableness and feasibility of the proposed budget. 
• Ability to successfully complete the proposed activities within the grant timeline