Port of L.A. to award $1 million in community grants

LOS ANGELES —  The Port of Los Angeles will provide $1 million in non-taxpayer funded community grants to support initiatives, programs and events benefiting Los Angeles Harbor communities and the L.A. Waterfront.

The new fiscal year 2014-2015 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 by 5 p.m., Monday, June 2.

The port will look for programs that promote the L.A. Waterfront and surrounding coastal areas as “vibrant visitor destinations,” as well as ideas that emphasize the area’s maritime history and tradition.

The grand awards will also focus on initiative 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.

“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.”

Funding got 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 fund must be spent within the fiscal year granted unless an extension is granted. A grant committee comprised of port, city and community representatives will review and approve al grant applications.

For more information call Public Relations at (310) 732-3508