Keep America Beautiful and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced the availability of the 2013 Graffiti Hurts Grant Program, designed to assist communities in augmenting their local graffiti prevention activities.

Applications are due to Keep American Beautiful July 10.

With municipal government funding under increasing burdens, KAB believes that the grant program will serve as a catalyst to combat the economic and quality-of-life setback caused by graffiti vandalism.

Keep America Beautiful is offering six grants for the 2013 program: four cash grants of $2,500 each; two paint product grants from The Sherwin-Williams Company, valued at $2,500 each; and one FlashCAM from Q-Star Technology, valued at $6,995.

Past Pennsylvania grant winners include the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and the South Side Revitalization Project of the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“We applaud the work being done through this program to prevent and abate graffiti vandalism on the local level, resulting in safer, more vibrant communities,” said Becky Lyons, chief operating office, Keep America Beautiful. “Keep America Beautiful’s valuable partnership with The Sherwin-Williams Company continues to provide key awareness tools and resources that actively engage communities in impactful graffiti eradication practices.”

“Sherwin-Williams is excited to once again partner with Keep America Beautiful on the Graffiti Hurts program. It is rewarding to see the growing national impact this program has on graffiti abatement, awareness, and education in cities and towns across America,” said Harvey Sass, president & general manager, Diversified Brands Division, The Sherwin-Williams Company.  “As local governments continue to face budget constraints, providing these resources to communities is a meaningful way for Sherwin-Williams to activate groups dedicated to graffiti prevention and eradication.”

Local governments, police departments, youth groups, downtown associations, crime prevention organizations, and other groups dedicated to eradicating graffiti vandalism are encouraged to apply.  (Businesses that make or operate graffiti-removal equipment or technologies are not eligible.)

Proposed projects can address graffiti prevention and education, eradication, or enforcement of local anti-graffiti laws. Programs that focus on prevention initiatives, including Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, and engaging and educating youth are encouraged. 

Grant winners will be announced by October 9.

All interested communities and organizations should complete the online application at KAB’s Graffiti Hurts Grant webpage. 

7/1/2013