Richmond Shines

Richmond Shines is a citywide volunteer cleanup initiative in Richmond, VA, bringing residents together to clean neighborhoods, streets, parks, and storm drains. Join a cleanup crew, start your own project, and help make Richmond shine.

Volunteer for Richmond Shines: Community Cleanup in Richmond, VA

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 waive ALL Tool Lending fees (with eligible Tools) for the month of April for community-groups who join the Richmond Shines initiatives.

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 an existing Richmond Shines volunteer opportunity

Volunteer for 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


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

Create a Project!

Step 2: Order your 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.

Order Tools

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 

Cheers to Volunteers

National Volunteer Appreciation Month and our Richmond Shines campaign may end in April, but we’re throwing one final bash to celebrate the impact you’ve made!


Join us on Saturday, May 2nd—Clean the Bay Day—as we culminate a month of hard work with a city-wide cleanup followed by a celebration at the Richmond ToolBank. We’re inviting all partners, volunteers, and sponsors to toast to a cleaner RVA.


The Details
  • Where: Richmond ToolBank Warehouse (1407 Cummings Dr)
  • When: Saturday, May 2nd | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM


This isn't just about picking up trash—it’s about showing up for our community. Let’s come together and make Richmond shine.

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FAQs

If you have a question that isn't listed here, please contact our ED: toby@richmondtoolbank.org

  • How can I participate in Richmond Shines?

    Join an existing cleanup, partner on a project, or organize your own eligible cleanup effort. 

    Existing Projects

  • Who can join?

    Residents, neighborhood groups, nonprofits, community partners, and volunteers are all welcome.

  • Are tools free?

    During April, Richmond ToolBank is waiving tool lending fees for eligible Richmond Shines projects, subject to inventory and availability.

    Tools Available

  • How do I request tools?

    Apply for a membership if you don't already have one. A Tool Lending membership is free. Submit your request through our borrow tools page as early as possible so we can match your project with available inventory.


    Make sure to put "Richmond Shines" in your project description.

  • Can I organize my own cleanup event?

    Yes! Contact our team for further assitance on this 

    Contact