Sherwin-Williams Partners With Keep America Beautiful 2013 Graffiti Hurts Grant Program

Keep America Beautiful (KAB) announced the availability of the 2013 Graffiti Hurts Grant Program, designed to assist communities in augmenting their local graffiti prevention activities. 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.
“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 officer, 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 and 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 (CPTED), and engaging and educating youth are encouraged.
The deadline for all applications is July 10, 2013. All interested communities and organizations should complete the online application available at kab.org/grants. Grant winners will be announced by Oct. 9, 2013.
The following organizations were the recipients of the 2012 Graffiti Hurts Grant Program awards:

$2,500 cash grant recipients
• French Quarter Business Association – New Orleans, LA.
• Community Housing of Wyandotte County – Kansas City, KS.
• Keep Cincinnati Beautiful – Cincinnati, OH.
• University Heights Tool Library – Buffalo, NY.
• $2,500 Sherwin –Williams paint supply certificate recipients
• Cal State University, Northridge Police – Northridge, CA.
The Our Town Project – Oakland, CA.
Q-Star FlashCAM recipient
• Keep Las Cruces Beautiful  – Las Cruces, NM.