Tuesday, March 8, 2016

POLA Reopens Community Grant Program

By Mark Edward Nero

For the third consecutive year, the Port of Los Angeles is making up to $1 million in non-taxpayer funded community grants to support initiatives, programs, and events benefiting Los Angeles Harbor communities.

During its first two years, the Community Investment Grant Program, which combines port community grant-making into one program, funded 85 programs, projects and events.

Grant awards will focus on initiatives that:

Promote the Port of Los Angeles and the maritime and LA Waterfront related jobs the port generates;
Provide education, training and/or workforce development in the areas of shipping, fisheries, international trade and maritime industry.

Address impacts of the Port of Los Angeles and maritime operations on surrounding communities, including health, aesthetic and environmental impacts.

Promote and implement sustainable practices for preservation and conservation of natural resources in the port environment, from air and water quality initiatives, to renewable energy, wildlife and biological resources at the port.

Funding will be made available in three categories: small grants of $5,000 or less; medium grants between $5,001 and $99,999; and large grants of $100,000 or more.

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, 2016 – June 30, 2017).

A committee comprised of port, city and community representatives will review and approve all grant applications.

To help local organizations prepare grant applications, the port is hosting Community Investment Grant Program workshops, with the first scheduled for Wed., March 30, at 6 p.m. at the Port of Los Angeles Administration Building Boardroom, 425 S. Palos Verdes Street in San Pedro.

The second workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thurs., March 31 at Banning’s Landing Community Center, 100 E. Water St. in Wilmington.

Grant applications are due by 5 p.m. Mon., May 9. More information about the Community Investment Grant Program, including a link to where the application can be viewed and downloaded, is available at https://www.portoflosangeles.org/newsroom/2016_releases/news_030216_Comm_Invest_Grant.asp.

For additional information or questions, applicants may call the Port of Los Angeles Public Relations Division at (310) 732-3508.