Richmond Shines

Richmond Shines is a month-long, citywide cleanup effort bringing people together to care for our neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces. Folks across the city are claiming blocks, organizing cleanups, and gettin’ after it.

Claim Your Block.

Clean Your City.

We’re building on the momentum of Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s  Clean the Bay Day and working with  Clean City Commission,  Southside ReLeaf, and other partners to push this work upstream—cleaning up neighborhoods, streets, and storm drains before litter reaches the James River and the Chesapeake Bay. Our goal is to make Richmond Shine bright this April and gather communities to clean our city!


Richmond ToolBank holds more than 10,000 tools in our ToolBank at just 6% of the retail value to allow community-based organizations to focus on their ambitious goals rather than financial barriers. In light of Richmond Shines, ToolBank is offering to wave ALL Tool Lending fees (with eligible Tools) for the month of April for community-groups who join the Richmond Shines initiatives.

How to Get Involved

Eligible Projects (Free Tool Access)

Richmond Shines projects qualify for free tool access when they:


  • Are volunteer-led and open to the community
  • Focus on cleaning, maintaining, or improving public spaces
  • Take place within the City of Richmond
  • Are aligned with one or more of the following:
  • Litter and debris removal
  • Storm drain clearing
  • Tree care (mulching, light maintenance)
  • Public space cleanup (bus stops, sidewalks, vacant lots)
  • Graffiti removal and light beautification


Projects that are not eligible:

  • Private residential yard work (unless it serves a broader community purpose)
  • For-profit or contracted work
  • Fundraisers, Walks/Runs, Community Outreach Events
  • Construction, demolition, or skilled trade projects
  • Any project requiring heavy machinery or specialized equipment


If you’re unsure, just ask—we’ll help you figure it out.

Tools Available with Richmond Shines Fee Waiver

Richmond ToolBank will waive tool fees for approved Richmond Shines projects. Available tools include:

Cleanup & Litter Tools

  • Trash grabbers
  • Shovels, rakes, hoes
  • Brooms, street sweeps, dustpans
  • Walk-behind sweepers
  • Trash cans
  • Buckets

Landscaping & Tree Care

  • Mulch forks and pitchforks
  • Hand pruners and loppers
  • Garden tools
  • Wheelbarrows

PPE & Visibility

  • Gloves
  • Safety vests
  • Traffic cones

Graffiti & Cleaning

  • Pressure Washers
  • Scrapers and wire brushes
  • Paint supplies (rollers, trays, brushes)


Consumable supplies (trash bags, gloves, etc.) may also be available depending on funding and partner support.


Final tool availability depends on inventory and demand—get your order in early.

How to Get Involved


Join a Cleanup

Browse and register for a volunteer opportunity: https://www.cfengage.org/richmond-shines


Start Your Own Cleanup on Behalf of an Organization

Want to lead something in your neighborhood? Do it.


Step 1: Create a volunteer opportunity
https://www.cfengage.org/richmond-shines

To have your cleanup project listed through Richmond Shines, contact Diana Villrreal at dvillarreal@cfrichmond.org for assistance. 


Step 2: Order your tools
https://www.richmondtoolbank.org/borrow-tools

  • Include “Richmond Shines” in your project description
  • Apply for a ToolBank membership if your group doesn’t already have one


We’ll take it from there and get you what you need.


Join the Movement

This only works if the whole city shows up.


  • Bring a group
  • Recruit your neighbors
  • Share it with your network
  • Claim a block and make it yours


Want to Partner?

We’re building a strong coalition of organizations helping make this happen.



Reach out to our Executive Director: toby@richmondtoolbank.org 

The Finish Line

Richmond Shines culminates on Saturday, May 2nd -  Clean the Bay Day.


Cleanups will be happening all over the city, and we'll wrap it up with a celebration at Richmond ToolBank with partners, volunteers, and sponsors. This celebration will be at our warehouse (1407 Cummings Dr) from 1pm - 5pm.


This isn't just about trash. It's about showing up. Together, let's make Richmond shine.