Funds available to support local arts, social justice, environment events

To raise awareness about maritime trade and promote social responsibility, the Port of Long Beach sponsors many community events, such as the Daisy Avenue Parade.The Port of Long Beach is accepting applications during the month of March for its community sponsorship program.

The Harbor Department provides sponsorship funds to local groups for community events and programs that help inform residents about the Port's role as an economic engine and a leader in environmental sustainability.

Last November, Harbor Commissioners awarded 100 Port sponsorships totaling a record $440,650 to organizations for events and programs that benefit the community. The local groups that received funding included a wide variety of organizations focusing on areas including education, arts, diversity, environment and health.

Community groups can submit their sponsorship funding requests from Thursday, March 1, through Friday, March 30. The next and final call for applications this year will be in September. 

Applicants are advised to plan ahead for their events – after the application period closes, it will take about 45 business days before recommendations will be sent to the Board of Harbor Commissioners for consideration. It is expected funding will be awarded in mid­-May. There is no restriction on organizations that have received past awards. Applicants are judged on how they can help the Port inform the community about Port of Long Beach programs, projects and events.

For more information on the Port's sponsorship program and to apply, go to www.polb.com/sponsorship.