PORT OF LOS ANGELES TO AWARD $1 MILLION IN COMMUNITY GRANTS
Port’s Community Investment Grant Program Streamlines Funding into a
Competitive Process; Applications Due June 2
SAN PEDRO, Calif. – April 28, 2014 – The Port of Los Angeles will make available $1 million in non-taxpayer funded community grants to support initiatives, programs and events benefiting Los Angeles Harbor communities and the LA Waterfront.
The newly streamlined fiscal year 2014-15 Community Investment Grant Program – which combines Port community grant making into one program – follows the successful 2013 pilot program awarding a smaller portion of grants through a “test” competitive process. Grant applications are due Monday, June 2, by 5 p.m.
“There are so many outstanding organizations in our Port community with great ideas and programs that deserve our support,” said Cynthia Ruiz, the Port’s Deputy Director for External Relations. “By using a competitive process, we can assure a more open and transparent award process, while also spurring creativity and supporting the best programs possible.”
Grant awards will focus on initiatives that benefit the local community and help promote the Port’s goals related to international trade, the environment and sustainability, and public safety and security. The Port will also look for programs that promote the LA Waterfront and surrounding coastal areas as vibrant visitor destinations, as well as ideas that highlight the area’s rich maritime history and traditions.
Funding for the 2014-15 fiscal year will be made available in three categories: small grants under $5,000 (up to $75,000 total); medium grants between $5,000 and $99,000 (up to $125,000 total); and large grants over $100,000 (up to $800,000 total).
To help local organizations prepare grant applications, the Port is hosting Community Investment Grant Program workshops. The first will be held Tuesday, May 6, at
6 p.m. at the Harbor Department Administration Building Boardroom, 425 S. Palos Verdes Street in San Pedro. The second workshop will be held at the Banning’s Landing Community Center, 100 E. Water St. in Wilmington, on Wednesday, May 7, at 6 p.m.
Organizations must be nonprofit with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to apply for Port grants, and funds must be spent within the fiscal year granted (July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015), unless an extension is granted. A grant committee comprised of Port, City and community representatives will review and approve all grant applications. Funds for this grant pilot program come from Port of Los Angeles revenues, which are non-tax supported.
The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port. A brighter future.