File photo. 

Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) is accepting applications for community members’ beautification ideas where the winning idea can earn up to $10,000, the DLBA announced Wednesday.

Starting today, downtown residents with ideas on transforming public spaces into attractive, useful locations are encouraged to apply online for community-based grants.

Proposals will go through a two-stage process and will be evaluated based on the ability of the project to have a lasting impact on the neighborhood within the categories of public safety, beautification and space activation, a press release said.

“The initial application simply asks for a description of the project in 200 words or less, how much it will cost, and how it will benefit DTLB,” said DLBA Placemaking Manager Sean Warner in a statement. “That’s all. We wanted to make the application process accessible to as many people as possible while at the same time spurring creative project ideas.”

The grant pool contains a total of $40,000. The amount for each winner will vary, although the maximum a project can receive is $10,000.

The second phase of the selection process involves a longer essay describing the project and its relevance will be chosen.

“Ultimately, we are looking for the ideas that creatively solve simple problems or projects that aesthetically and physically contribute to the greater good of a neighborhood,” said DLBA Public Realm Committee Chair Ryan Altoon in a statement. He said it’s “the prerogative” of the DLBA to ensure resident and stakeholder opinions are taken into account.

An optional, informal mixer will also be hosted by the DLBA on June 10 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at MADE Long Beach for potential project collaborations with Downtown Long Beach stakeholders, the release stated.

MADE Long Beach is located at 236 Pine Avenue.

{FG_GEOMAP [33.7699106,-118.19237620000001] FG_GEOMAP}