Des Moines, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — There is no denying the beauty surrounding us in Northwest Iowa, but some communities are getting a little more help with the Keep Iowa Beautiful program.

Recently, Keep Iowa Beautiful announced winners fo the 2026 Plan Iowa Beautiful mini-grant pgoram. Supported by Landus Cooperative, 12 projects each received $500 to enhance public spaces ahead of the U.S. semiquincentennial, or Amerca’s 250th birthday.

In the KICD listening area, three communities receieved grants including Alta, Lake Park and Storm Lake.

Keep Iowa Beautiful is a non-profit that empowers volunteers to revitalize their hometowns through beautification, litter reduction and leadership coaching.