Seeking impactful projects achieving substantial environmental benefits

The Port of Long Beach Community Grants Program is accepting proposals from government agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to fund large, impactful environmental projects at the area’s existing and future public parks and open spaces.

This solicitation, which at $7 million is the highest amount offered to date, represents a unique opportunity to fund proposals capable of achieving substantially greater environmental benefits in the neighborhoods most affected by Port operations. Eligible applicants will propose open space and “multi-benefit” parks projects, which support the community and the environment. Fundable project elements include trees and vegetation, irrigation, stormwater systems, noise buffers, paved areas creating access to the park and support facilities.

Prospective applicants should describe projects at a high level and allow program staff to determine eligibility. Eligibility for this solicitation is defined by the Community Infrastructure guidelines. To view project guidelines and the pre-solicitation workshop presentation held on Aug. 9, go to www.polb.com/grants and select Program Overview. A conference call to answer questions about the solicitation will be held from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday Sept. 13, and can be joined by clicking here or calling (323) 451-1087 and entering conference identification 133 721 215#.

Concept papers must be submitted online by 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2. To apply, use this link.

The award-winning Community Grants Program is a more than $46 million effort to fund projects that help those in the community who are most vulnerable to port-related environmental impacts. These projects are expanding asthma services, controlling stormwater runoff through the building of permeable parking lots, and creating open space buffers between port operations and communities, to name a few. Combined with a previous program started in 2009, the Port of Long Beach has set aside more than $65 million, making it the largest voluntary port mitigation initiative in the country. To date, $38.9 million has been committed.