Mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced a one-year beautification grant opportunity for Boston’s gardeners, community groups, and open space advocates.

Underwritten by $275,000 provided by the City of Boston, the Beautify Boston grant program is offered by Mayor Menino and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to qualified not-for-profit organizations.  Approved beautification projects will receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.  Grants of $10,000 or more will require an equal match in funding. 

“Beautify Boston carries on my administration’s tradition of working in partnership with residents and community groups to bring out the best in our neighborhoods,” Mayor Menino noted.  “We are grateful to members of the community who have enthusiastically supported our flower and tree planting efforts in the past and I anticipate that many citizens will eagerly assist us again after receiving Beautify Boston grants.” 

All projects must be physically and visually accessible from a public way and have the appropriate City-issued permits and approvals, including those from entities such as the Boston Art Commission.  Property owners, including City of Boston agencies, must approve projects and sign a Property Owners Consent Form.  Letters of support from the community and abutters are required.  Applications must be received by Thursday, November 15, 2012, at 5 p.m.  To apply online, please go to http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/beautifyboston/register.aspx

Mayor Menino’s beautification efforts also include the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s Seed Grants program, which awards up to $250 to eligible community garden and friends groups, Mayor Menino’s annual Garden Contest which recognizes amateur gardeners for their gardens citywide, and Mayor Menino’s fall daffodil program during which volunteers will plant 40,000 daffodil bulbs along public ways throughout Boston.
Beautify Boston grant applications may be submitted online, emailed or mailed in. Applications are available at the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, by calling (617) 635-4505, or available for download at www.cityofboston.gov/parks/beautifyboston.