POLA Awards Record $1.3 Million In Grants

SAN PEDRO — The Port of Los Angeles Sept. 8, 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.

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).

Programs highlighted in each category include:

• Boys & Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor – The grant will support the club’s ongoing port ocean and 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.

The port annually funds activities and programs that support its goals in the areas of international trade, environment, sustainability, public safety and security. 

Final grant awards were made by a committee of six individuals from the port’s community relations division: Theresa Adams-Lopez, Cecilia Moreno, Augie Bezmalinovich; one from Los Angeles Council District 15: Ryan Ferguson; and one community representative each from San Pedro and Wilmington Chambers of Commerce, respectively: Elise Swanson and Dan Hoffman.

Details: Grant recipients: www.portoflosangeles.org/community/grants