Port of Oakland Community Investment Program in California

The Port of Oakland Community Investment Program, established in July 2015 by the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners, provides financial support to non-profit organizations serving communities within the Port’s designated Local Impact Area and Local Business Area. The Local Impact Area includes the cities of Oakland, Alameda, Emeryville, and San Leandro, while the Local Business Area encompasses Alameda and Contra Costa counties. This initiative aligns with the Port's commitment to enhancing the quality of life in its neighboring communities through focused investments in economic development, environmental sustainability, and education. Grants are available quarterly, with each award cycle offering funding up to $5,000. The grants support non-profit organizations whose programs align with one or more of three key funding priorities: Economic Vitality, Environmental Sustainability and Healthy Communities, and Workforce Development and Education. The Economic Vitality focus promotes community economic viability through support for small and local businesses, including technical assistance and access to Port-related opportunities. Environmental grants are intended for initiatives that align with the Port’s goals around air quality, clean water, and energy conservation. The Workforce Development and Education priority targets programs that prepare individuals for careers in port-related fields such as logistics, construction, STEM, aviation, and building trades. The grant application schedule is structured around four annual cycles: Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring. For Summer 2025, applications open on July 1 and are due by July 31, with award notifications by August 31 and funding disbursed in mid-September. Similar timelines follow for subsequent seasons. Each application window requires about 30 days for review, with funding provided approximately 15 days after notification of awards. Interested applicants must be registered 501(c)3 non-profits, or have a designated fiscal sponsor with this status if not yet approved by the IRS. The application process is straightforward, though the online application form will only become available on the opening date of each grant cycle. Organizations should plan in advance, considering the lead time from application submission to funding receipt, particularly for event planning or time-sensitive programming. A fiscal sponsor is necessary for groups lacking 501(c)3 status, emphasizing the program's dedication to formal nonprofit structure and compliance. For assistance or inquiries about the program, the primary contact is Luana España, Community Affairs Representative for the Port of Oakland. All questions should be directed to her through the contact methods provided on the Port’s website. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the site for updates and to ensure timely submissions within the designated application windows. The Port of Oakland’s Community Investment Program represents a strategic initiative to leverage Port resources in support of its surrounding communities, with a clear structure for quarterly funding, specific priority areas for investment, and a dedicated support contact to facilitate engagement and application support.