PORT OF LOS ANGELES AWARDS RECORD $1.3 MILLION IN COMMUNITY GRANTS
Funding to 36 Local Organizations Supports Environmental Initiatives, Workforce Development, Youth Education and the LA Waterfront
SAN PEDRO, Calif. – Sept. 8, 2022 – The Port of Los Angeles has awarded an unprecedented $1,321,350 in grants to support 36 nonprofit organizations undertaking initiatives benefiting the communities of the Los Angeles Harbor area. Funding for the Fiscal Year 2022/23 grants is provided through the Port’s Community Investment Grant Program, which ties grant funding to annual Port shipping and lease revenues.
“We are pleased to increase our grant allocations by more than 30% this year, made possible because of all the hard work of our Port stakeholders and staff during the past 12 months,” said Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner Anthony Pirozzi. “This increase in funding meant that 77% of the non-profit applicants this year were awarded a grant. And that’s great news for our community.”
Of the 36 grants awarded, six were made in the small category (less than $5,000), 27 in the medium category ($5,001-$99,999), and three to larger initiatives (more than $100,000).
Of the many inspiring programs receiving support this year, highlights in each category include:
• Boys & Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor – The grant will support the Club’s ongoing Port Ocean & Land Awareness Program, which provides various maritime, fishing, water-recreation and ocean-focused learning activities for youth.
• Cabrillo Beach Youth Sailing – The grant will support year-round after-school and summer sailing enhancement programs, serving local and at-risk youth with sailing opportunities. More than 4,000 youth sailing days will be supported through the grant.
• The Wilmington Teen Center – The organization will use its grant to host field trips for local youth—many who live within sight of the Port but know little about it. Participating youth will explore and learn about the Port and its nearby wetlands.
Each year, through the Community Investment Grant Program, the Port looks to fund activities and programs that support its goals in the areas of international trade, environment, sustainability, public safety and security. Since the program began in 2014, the Port has awarded more than $9.3 million in grants.
Final grant awards this year were made by a committee of six individuals – three from the Port’s Community Relations Division, one from Los Angeles Council District 15, and one community representative each from San Pedro and Wilmington. A complete list of all grant recipients can be found here.