How are Los Angeles non-profits transforming the community with $3.3 million in grants?

Bank of America has recently awarded the first round of grants totaling $3.3 million to 86 local nonprofits across Los Angeles. These grants aim to support workforce development, health resources, and basic needs. Among the awardees are The Chrysalis Center’s Chrysalis Employment Program, Adventist Health White Memorial’s healthcare workforce training programs for Hispanic youth, and Food Forward, which focuses on healthy food access in Los Angeles County.

Raul A. Anaya, president of Bank of America Los Angeles, emphasized the bank’s commitment to creating change in Los Angeles by partnering with local organizations focused on youth workforce development and pathways to employment and health. Since 2019, Bank of America has provided $54 million to Los Angeles organizations, underscoring its commitment to supporting economic opportunities for diverse communities. Additionally, Los Angeles employees have contributed 222,000 volunteer hours since 2019, highlighting the importance of employee volunteerism.

Homelessness and Public Safety in Santa Monica

In recent news, a security guard in downtown Santa Monica was assaulted by a homeless man in a parking structure, resulting in minor injuries for the guard. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges related to homelessness and public safety in the area. The Santa Monica Police Department is actively involved in addressing these issues, including the use of drones as part of their Drone as a First Responder program to enhance public safety.

Moreover, the city has been actively engaging in discussions about homelessness, as seen in recent Santa Monica City Council meetings. These meetings have focused on the intersection of homelessness and public safety, reflecting the community’s concern and the need for effective solutions.

LA County’s Increased Investment in Arts and Culture

Los Angeles County has announced grants totaling $6.4 million to 320 nonprofit organizations through the 2024-25 Organizational Grant Program and Community Arts Impact Grant awards. This marks the first increase in funding since the program’s inception 15 years ago. Supervisors Hilda Solis, Holly Mitchell, and Lindsey Horvath have been instrumental in this increased investment.

The Organization Grant Program will allocate $5,668,000 to 238 organizations, including 34 first-time applicants. Grants range from $700 to $122,300 and aim to strengthen the region’s cultural ecosystem by supporting critical needs such as staffing, infrastructure, and public arts programming. Notably, 94% of the awarded organizations have budgets under $5 million, and 50% have budgets under $200,000, addressing systemic inequity in arts funding.

The Community Impact Arts Grant supports arts-based programs related to social justice and service organizations, with a total allocation of $750,000. This year’s 80 awardees include 19 new applicants, with grants ranging from $6,300 to $10,600. These grants are designed to make arts services available to county residents and encourage the integration of arts across nonprofits.

Bank of America’s Broader Commitment to Community Development

In addition to the grants awarded in Los Angeles, Bank of America has committed $84 million in partnership with the Kataly Foundation to support the Inclusiv Impact Deposits Fund. This national effort aims to enable $100 million in lending through community-development credit unions, benefiting entrepreneurs, helping families buy homes, combating climate change, and building financial security in marginalized communities.

Since 2019, Bank of America has gifted $9.4 million to the Inland Empire, including $435,000 in the first round of grants for nonprofits in the Coachella Valley. These grants support workforce development, health resources, and basic needs for individuals and families in the region. Bansree Parikh, President of Bank of America Inland Empire, highlighted the bank’s long-term commitment to supporting economic opportunities for diverse communities.

Our Advice on the City

For occasional travelers visiting Los Angeles, we recommend exploring the vibrant arts and cultural scene supported by the recent grants. Visit local galleries, attend community theater performances, and engage with public art installations to experience the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

For expert travelers, consider delving deeper into the social impact of these nonprofit organizations. Volunteer your time or donate to causes that resonate with you. Engaging with the community on a meaningful level can provide a more enriching travel experience and contribute to the ongoing efforts to build a thriving and inclusive Los Angeles.

In conclusion, the recent grants and investments in Los Angeles highlight the city’s commitment to fostering economic opportunity, supporting diverse communities, and enriching its cultural landscape. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover and contribute to in this dynamic city.