Keep Tennessee Beautiful
Law Enforcement Grant

Keep Tennessee Beautiful, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police, is offering grants to city police departments to support litter prevention and cleanup initiatives, aiming to raise public awareness and enforce state litter laws. These funds can be used for projects such as litter patrols, cleanups, and equipment purchases.

The goal of the grant is behavior change and public awareness of the statewide litter problem. A focused enforcing of the state litter law sends a clear message to the public that it is an issue of concern. The presence of litter is damaging to road safety, wildlife, property values, the tourism industry, and so much more.

When applying for the grant it is important to emphasize litter prevention. Keep Tennessee Beautiful will prioritize projects focused around: litter cleanup, overtime hours for patrol, unsecured loads, illegal dumping cleanup/prevention.

Funds can be used for but are not limited to the following:

  • Special equipment to assist for litter cleanups (trailers, tarps, wenches, trash bags, yard tools, etc.)

  • Litter prevention items such as trail cams, fencing, signage, etc.

  • Safety equipment for litter cleanups like caution signs, safety vests, gloves, etc.

  • Over time salary for officers on patrol specifically for (litter offenses, uncovered loads, litter cleanup safety, litter cleanups with inmates, etc.)

  • Grant recipients will be required to report on the results of the grant funded activity as well as results.

  • If grant funds are applied to litter patrol overtime, reports will include number of hours devoted to patrol and number of citations/warnings given.

  • If grant funds are used for litter cleanups, photos, as well as pounds of litter removed must be reported.

Grants projects are capped at $5,000 reimbursements. Grants will require a litter law training from Keep TN Beautiful for all officers participating in grant funded activity. Training is POST certified, and is typically administered in person, but can be led virtually to accommodate for social distancing.

When applying, please be detailed as possible on how funding will be used. When planning to purchase equipment or materials, please include quotes or cost estimates per item and quantity desired. If funding will be used for overtime salary, please include the hourly rate and estimates of how many hours will be allotted to patrol.

Questions about the program? Email us at whoward1@memphis.edu