Community: Los Angeles

Print this Article | Send to Colleague

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 Los Angeles Waterfront.

Los Angeles to Award $1 Million in Community Grants 

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 Los Angeles Waterfront.

The fiscal year 2014-2015 Community Investment Grant Program – which combines port community grant making into one program – follows the successful 2013 pilot program of awarding a smaller portion of grants through a "test" competitive process. Grant applications are due June 2, 2014.

"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 visitor destinations, as well as ideas that highlight the area’s maritime history and traditions.

Funding for the 2014-2015 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).

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.