$500,000 will support education, arts, historic preservation

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners this month approved 138 community sponsorships totaling $500,675, the highest amount awarded in a single sponsorship call.

The Port has awarded $10.5 million to the community through its sponsorship program since 2007. Events and programs represent a wide cross-section of the city and causes such as the arts, environment, social justice, and historic preservation.

The Harbor Commission approved a $1 million community sponsorship budget for the 2022 fiscal year that began Oct. 1, 2021. Requests for funding are open twice a year, in March and September.

“As many nonprofit organizations re-establish themselves after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are happy to offer support through our sponsorship program,” said Harbor Commission President Steven Neal.

“The Port is proud to support so many community organizations through our sponsorship program,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “Even during supply chain challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, our commitment to the community has never wavered.”

Among the many events and programs sponsored in the latest call for applications are the Friends of Belmont Shore’s Summer Community Concert, the WomenShelter of Long Beach’s 5th Annual Youth Conference, and the Orange Coast College Waterfront Campus’ Professional Mariner Training Center Open House Event Series.

Recipients are required to spread awareness of the Port’s programs and projects. Port staff members also attend some of the sponsored events to help provide information about the Port.

The Port accepts sponsorship applications twice a year, in March and September. More information about the Community Sponsorship Program and a list of approved sponsorships can be found here.