Time is running out for Mandeville organizations wanting to apply for one of the $500 grants the Keep Mandeville Beautiful organization is giving away.

After collecting $1,500 from a Tree Alliance grant in mid July, KMB Director Susan Russell and other board members decided to distribute those funds to the public in three $500 grants.

Russell said the grants will go to any qualified organization or community group within city limits looking to landscape or beautify a public area. “The application process is very easy,” Russell said.

To qualify for the grant, applicants should submit several short paragraphs explaining the purpose of the project and a sketch of the planned garden or landscaping, and finally, Russell said, applicants need to include an item list that will be purchased using the money.

Applications should be signed by the party responsible for overseeing and maintaining the project and sent to Russell at KMB@cityofmandeville.com.

Today is the deadline, Russell said.

“So far we’ve received several applications,” Russell said. “The storms kind of sidetracked everybody, so I just want to remind them there’s still time to apply.”

After the October deadline, Russell said board members will review the applications then award the grants to the qualifying parties. Russell said most of the applications they have received are either community groups or neighborhood associations looking to revamp their entrances or recreational sections of the subdivision.

Grant recipients must agree to maintain the area, and projects must be completed within six months after receiving the grant notification.

Award letters will be sent out the first week of October, Russell said, adding this is one more effort KMB is conducting to maintain a cleaner environment for residents to live.