SAN PEDRO -- Some 40 local organizations will benefit from $1.23 million in grants to support their programs, projects and events for residents in Wilmington and San Pedro, officials announced Thursday.
Through its Community Investment Grant Program for fiscal year 2024-25, the Port of Los Angeles will provide these awards, which come from revenue generated through shipping fees and leasing contracts. Since 2014, the port has provided 374 community grants totaling more than $12 million.
"These grants represent an important investment in organizations playing an important role in delivering services and programs benefiting our surrounding communities," Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard said in a statement. "The port is proud to support these local efforts that do so much to improve the well-being and quality of life in the harbor area."
This year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor, which serve 2,600 local youths annually at 20 different area sites, and the International Seafarers Center, a nonprofit, received first-year large grants or funding of more than $100,000.
Second-year large grants were awarded to EXP, an organization focused on next-generation maritime workforce development, and the Los Angeles Maritime Institute.
Avalon Arts & Cultural Alliance, Cabrillo Beach Youth Sailing, Los Angeles Sailing Foundation, San Pedro City Ballet and San Pedro Waterfront Arts District also received grants.
Final grant awards were reviewed and made by a committee of six individuals: three from the port's Community Relations Division, one from Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, one from San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and one from Los Angeles Council District 15.
"The port's success over the last decade has resulted in millions of dollars to local organizations, providing a consistent and dependable stream of funding for those doing great work in our communities," Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, said in a statement. "It's the port's privilege to assist this year's diverse group of local organizations."