Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) have announced that 16 organizations across 13 parishes will receive a total of $105,318 in Greener Grounds Grants. These grants are intended to help improve waste reduction and litter prevention efforts at large-scale outdoor events throughout Louisiana.
"Outdoor festivals and events are a major part of what makes Louisiana so attractive to visitors from around the world," said Lieutenant Governor Nungesser. "With over 400 events taking place each year, it's important that we not only deliver great experiences but also keep our communities clean and sustainable. The Greener Grounds Grant plays a key role in making our events more environmentally responsible, which in turn improves tourism and protects our unique culture and landscape."
Susan Russell, Executive Director of KLB, emphasized the importance of responsible waste management: "We all enjoy letting the good times roll, but we also need to make sure the trash generated doesn’t harm our environment. Clean event spaces create a better experience for everyone and prevent litter from damaging our ecosystems and quality of life."
The Greener Grounds Grant offers up to $10,000 in reimbursements for eligible outdoor events like festivals, fairs, concerts, and parades that draw more than 1,000 attendees. Funded events must be held between September 2025 and May 2026, with specific criteria required for eligibility.
In 2023, KLB collaborated with French Quarter Festivals, Inc. to develop the Greener Grounds Guidebook and Workbook, providing event organizers with practical tools to reduce waste, boost recycling efforts, and manage litter. The newly awarded grant recipients will implement strategies from these resources.
KLB encourages all Louisiana event organizers to use these free tools, available at KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org, whether or not they apply for a grant.
In total for 2025, KLB has distributed $1.12 million across various grant programs, including the Greener Grounds Grant, Healthy Communities Grant, Community Affiliate Grant, University Affiliate Grant, Trash Receptacle Grant, Beautification Grant, Sheriff’s Grant, and Surveillance Camera Grant. More details on these opportunities are available on their website.
2025-2026 Greener Grounds Grant Recipients:
- Franklin Parish
- Crowville Fall Festival (October 18, 2025)
- Organization: Friends of Crowville
- Grant Parish
- Louisiana Pecan Festival (November 7–9, 2025)
- Organization: Louisiana Pecan Festival, Inc.
- Rapides Parish
- Alex Winter Fête (December 4–6, 2025)
- Organization: City of Alexandria
- Tangipahoa Parish
- Tangipahoa Parish Fair (October 1–5, 2025)
- Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days (November 7–9, 2025)
- Organizations: Tangipahoa Parish Government & Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce
- East Baton Rouge Parish
- Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Heritage and Music Festival (March 20–22, 2026)
- Organization: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Heritage and Music Festival
- Pointe Coupee Parish
- Harvest Festival on False River (October 31–November 2, 2025)
- Organization: City of New Roads
- Iberville Parish
- International Acadian Festival (October 24–26, 2025)
- Organization: Iberville Parish Government
- Lafayette Parish
- Christmas in the Park (December 12–14, 2025)
- Organization: Lafayette Moncus Park
- St. Bernard Parish
- Louisiana Crawfish Festival (March 22–29, 2026)
- Organization: Louisiana Crawfish Fest Foundation
- Jefferson Parish
- Gretna Fest (October 3–5, 2025)
- Organization: City of Gretna
- Orleans Parish
- Lights on the Lake (December 13, 2025)
- Recycle Dat! (February 7–17, 2026)
- French Quarter Fest (April 16–19, 2026)
- Organizations: Pontchartrain Conservancy, Grounds Krewe, French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
- Lafourche Parish
- French Food Festival (October 24–26, 2025)
- Organization: Bayou Civic Club, Inc.
- Terrebonne Parish
- Terrebonne Parish Mardi Gras (January 6–February 17, 2026)
- Organization: Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government
About Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB)
Keep Louisiana Beautiful is a statewide initiative under the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and the Department of Culture, Recreation, & Tourism. The organization promotes community pride and environmental stewardship through programs focused on litter prevention, recycling, beautification, waste reduction, and sustainability. KLB is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and works with a broad network of local community and university affiliates.
For more information, visit KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org.
Media Contacts:
- Melissa Kenyon, Keep Louisiana Beautiful
985-778-0067 | marketing@keeplouisianabeautiful.org - Barry Landry, Office of the Lieutenant Governor
225-342-7009 | blandry@crt.la.gov
