The Rosewood Community Garden was one of six projects to receive funds from the second cycle of the Beautify L.A. Grant program. (photo courtesy of the Rosewood Community Garden)

As part of Cycle 2 of the Beautify L.A. Grant program, the Los Angeles Board of Public Works unanimously approved recommendations from the Office of Community Beautification and Keep Los Angeles Beautiful to award funding to six neighborhood beautification projects.

“We are thrilled to see more community groups eager to invest in improving their neighborhoods through the Beautify L.A. Grant program,” said board president and KLAB chair Aura Garcia. “When we work together, we are able to do even more to beautify our communities and allocate resources more efficiently by making improvements that meet the current needs of the area.”

This year’s top projects focused on drought-tolerant landscaping for public right-of-way spaces like community gardens, streets and alleyways. Pending final permit approvals, matching $2,500 grants will be awarded to projects including the Rosewood Community Garden in East Hollywood, the London Street Garden, Elysian Park Canopy Restoration Tree Planting, the Welcome Garden of Inclusion, Tabor Court Green Alley Rehabilitation and Beautify Stanford Avenue.

The initial review round included 31 applications, 20 of which were rated high enough to make it to the second round. Of the 12 final applications, six were recommended for funding. The KLAB Advisory Committee was responsible for evaluating proposals during the application and proposal rounds. Finalists were determined by an evaluation and scoring process which considered proposal criteria, geographical location – with additional points given to projects by and within disenfranchised and low-income communities – and the city’s needs and priorities. Grant funding is limited and was awarded on a competitive basis.

“The Beautify LA Grant has once again been an opportunity to connect with local groups and help various beautification projects move forward, whether through funding or by connecting them with city resources,” said Paul Racs, director for the Office of Community Beautification. “We appreciate the work of our volunteer-based KLAB Advisory Committee who evaluated the grant proposals and helped select the top projects that align with the city’s needs at this time.”

The Beautify L.A. Grant program is intended to engage, educate, and empower individuals to take personal action to improve their neighborhoods, foster new partnerships and build community pride. Finalists are required to match a minimum of 25% of the grant amount through contributions including outside funds, discounts or donations of professional services or materials and supplies, and general volunteer time.

For information, visit laocb.org.