Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Empowering Communities for a Cleaner, Greener America
Keep America Beautiful is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and educating people to take action to improve and beautify their community environments. Since 1953, we have built a dynamic movement powered by millions of volunteers, nearly 700 local affiliates, and a coast-to-coast network of civic leaders, companies, and local governments. Our work spans community cleanups, recycling initiatives, tree planting programs, and environmental education efforts. We believe real change starts when people collaborate with empathy, respect, and shared purpose.Our core values of trust, creative energy, positive spirit, shared accountability, and courage guide our approach to creating healthier, stronger communities. With measurable impact across the nation, we continue to lead the fight against litter, promote sustainable practices, and foster community pride through actionable programs like the Great American Cleanup and America Recycles Day.
Services
Community Cleanups
Recycling Initiatives
Tree Planting Programs
Environmental Education
Disaster Recovery
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- We have 70+ years of experience driving community environmental action nationwide.
- Our network includes nearly 700 local affiliates and thousands of community partners.
- We implement proven programs like the Great American Cleanup and America Recycles Day.
- We focus on measurable outcomes through research-backed litter prevention strategies.
- We combine volunteer mobilization with corporate and government partnerships for maximum impact.
Services
Community Cleanups
Our community cleanups mobilize volunteers to remove litter and debris from public spaces. These initiatives strengthen neighborhood pride while addressing environmental hazards. Participants contribute to measurable improvements in local cleanliness and community cohesion.
Recycling Initiatives
We implement nationwide recycling education and infrastructure projects to increase proper waste management. Our America Recycles Day campaign raises awareness about effective recycling practices and reduces contamination rates in municipal waste streams.
Tree Planting Programs
Our RETREET program focuses on community restoration through native tree planting. These efforts enhance urban canopies, improve stormwater management, and create more resilient communities following natural disasters.
Environmental Education
We provide educational resources and training programs to promote environmental stewardship. Our curriculum and workshops teach sustainable practices to individuals, schools, and community groups across the country.
Cigarette Litter Prevention
Our Cigarette Litter Prevention Program reduces tobacco waste through targeted interventions. This evidence-based approach has cut cigarette litter by 50% in participating communities through strategic placement of ash receptacles and public awareness campaigns.
People
Jennifer Lawson
President and CEO
Jennifer Lawson leads Keep America Beautiful's national environmental initiatives with decades of nonprofit leadership experience. She directs strategic programs that engage millions in community improvement efforts across the United States.
Allison Hannel
Chief Marketing and Operations Officer
Allison Hannel brings 17+ years of corporate social responsibility expertise to our marketing and operations. She develops strategic partnerships and drives national campaign execution for community beautification programs.
David Wheeler
Vice President, National Partnerships
David Wheeler oversees corporate collaborations that expand our environmental impact. He builds relationships with businesses and organizations to support community cleanup and sustainability initiatives nationwide.
Dr. David Scott
SVP Evaluation, Measures and Research
Dr. David Scott leads research initiatives measuring program effectiveness. His work provides data-driven insights to improve litter prevention strategies and community engagement approaches since 2019.
Jeri Irby
Director RETREET and Green Initiatives
Jeri Irby directs conservation programs with decade of forestry experience. She manages the RETREET initiative that combines disaster recovery with community tree planting efforts across affected regions.
Questions
What is Keep America Beautiful's primary mission?
Our mission is to inspire and educate people to take action improving their community environments through litter prevention, recycling initiatives, and beautification projects.
How can individuals participate in your programs?
Individuals can join local cleanups, participate in America Recycles Day events, plant trees through RETREET, or access environmental education resources through our affiliate network.
What national programs do you offer?
We operate the Great American Cleanup, America Recycles Day, RETREET disaster recovery program, and Cigarette Litter Prevention Program across the United States.
How do you measure program effectiveness?
We use research-backed metrics tracking litter reduction, recycling rates, volunteer participation, and community engagement to evaluate our programs' environmental and social impact.
Can businesses partner with your organization?
Yes, we collaborate with corporations on sustainability initiatives, employee volunteer programs, and environmental education campaigns to amplify community impact nationwide.
How do you support local communities?
Through nearly 700 local affiliates, we provide resources, training, and funding to empower community-led cleanups, recycling education, and beautification projects across America.
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