Grants Fuel Revival of America's Historic MLK Corridors

STAMFORD, CT – January 19, 2026 – Keep America Beautiful® today announced a new infusion of capital aimed at revitalizing some of the nation's most historically significant and often-neglected public spaces. The organization is now accepting applications for its 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, making $228,000 available to empower community-led projects. The initiative, now in its seventh year, is supported by lead sponsor Target and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.

Since its inception in 2020, the program has channeled over $750,000 into projects that transform roads, parks, and neighborhoods named in honor of the civil rights icon. These grants provide critical funding for projects ranging from community gardens and vibrant murals to litter removal and the installation of new recycling infrastructure. Applications for the current grant cycle, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, are due by February 16, 2026.

Beyond Beautification: Investing in a Complicated Legacy

Across the United States, more than 950 streets bear the name of Martin Luther King Jr. Many were named in the years following his assassination as a grassroots tribute to his life and vision. Intended to be grand public thoroughfares, these corridors were meant to symbolize progress and honor a national hero. However, the reality of many MLK Boulevards today tells a more complex story.

Research and urban studies reveal that these corridors often traverse historically under-resourced and segregated communities. Decades of systemic issues, including redlining, urban renewal policies that divided neighborhoods, and chronic disinvestment, have left a lasting mark. Consequently, many MLK streets are characterized by lower property values, higher rates of poverty, and a lack of economic investment compared to other parts of the same cities. For the residents who live and work along them, these streets can represent both a source of pride in their namesake and a daily reminder of an unrealized dream.

The Keep America Beautiful grant program directly confronts this paradox. By targeting these specific corridors, the initiative provides a mechanism for local leaders to reclaim the narrative, transforming these symbolic spaces into thriving, beautiful, and functional parts of their community. The program operates on the principle of self-determination, funding projects that are identified and driven by the communities themselves.

From Murals to Gardens: A Legacy of Tangible Change

The impact of the MLK Corridor Community Grants is visible in cities across the country. The program has a proven track record of converting grant dollars into tangible improvements that foster community pride and environmental stewardship. In 2025 alone, grant recipients launched a diverse array of successful projects.

In Mobile, Alabama, Keep Mobile Beautiful undertook a comprehensive restoration of three historic sites along MLK Avenue, which included litter removal, planning for cemetery restoration, and preserving the façade of a National Register landmark. The project culminated in a community mural honoring the corridor's rich civil rights legacy.

Meanwhile, Keep Winter Park Beautiful & Sustainable in Florida focused on food security and education by building a community garden in MLK Park. The garden features edible plants and educational signage, providing residents with access to healthy food and hands-on learning opportunities. In Charlotte, North Carolina, Keep Charlotte Beautiful rehabilitated a dormant greenhouse at a Title I school, creating an inclusive green space for students with disabilities to grow produce and learn about pollinators.

Youth engagement has been a consistent theme. In Slidell, Louisiana, youth-led art projects were central to the revitalization of Ducksworth Park, while in Denton, Texas, young volunteers designed and painted a landmark mural at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. In Seattle, Washington, Urban ArtWorks provided paid apprenticeships for local youth to design and install a large-scale mural, beautifying a commercial district while creating economic opportunities.

“MLK corridors reflect the strength, resilience, and pride of the communities they serve,” said Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “Through this program, we honor Dr. King’s legacy by investing in local leadership and supporting projects that create visible, lasting improvements—while advancing environmental stewardship and community pride.”

The Power of Partnership: Corporate Funding Meets Community Action

A key driver of the program's success is the strategic partnership between a national nonprofit and major corporate sponsors. The sustained support from Target and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation exemplifies a growing trend of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that aim to address systemic social and environmental challenges.

Target has a long-standing commitment to donating 5% of its profits to communities, focusing on economic opportunity, community development, and environmental sustainability. Its role as lead sponsor aligns with its goal of fostering community-based approaches that are anchored in listening to local needs. The investment in MLK corridors is a direct reflection of this strategy, targeting resources to promote social equity and neighborhood well-being.

Similarly, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation’s mission is centered on creating healthier communities through the development of gardens and green spaces. Its support for the MLK grants directly connects to its core pillars of community enhancement and environmental improvement. The foundation's focus on everything from protecting waterways to creating pollinator habitats makes it a natural partner for projects involving tree plantings, community gardens, and transforming blighted lots into green oases.

This public-private partnership model is crucial for revitalization efforts, providing the necessary capital for grassroots organizations to execute their vision. It allows community groups, which may lack access to traditional funding streams, to implement impactful projects that would otherwise be out of reach.

How Communities Can Act: The Path to a Grant

Keep America Beautiful is encouraging a wide range of organizations to apply for the 2026 grants. Eligibility extends to the organization's affiliates, other nonprofit organizations, local governments, and community groups. While any eligible group can apply, proposals from or in partnership with a Keep America Beautiful affiliate receive priority review.

Successful applications must demonstrate a clear, community-identified need for the proposed project. A critical component of the application is the inclusion of at least one letter of support from a local government official or community partner, which serves to validate local buy-in and the project's collaborative nature.

Projects must be located along or near an MLK-named corridor and should aim to create visible, lasting change. The grant cycle is structured for timely implementation, with award announcements scheduled for March–April 2026 and projects expected to be carried out between May and December 2026. This framework ensures that communities will see the benefits of their efforts within the year. Interested organizations can find more information and application details on the Keep America Beautiful website.