Community Foundation Announces New $12 Million Investment in South Los Angeles

Bequest from Anonymous Donor Establishes the Preparing Achievers for Tomorrow Initiative for Youth

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- California Community Foundation (CCF) today announced the Preparing Achievers for Tomorrow (PAT) Initiative, a five-year, $12 million catalyst for improving opportunities and achievements by youth in South Los Angeles.  Funding is provided through grants to community-based nonprofit organizations specifically to provide quality after-school activities in music, sports and recreation for 14-18 year olds. 

This is the latest in a long history of investments by CCF in the community of South L.A.

"We know from research that youth benefit from participation in social and recreational activities, and that this lifestyle increases motivation, engagement, achievement and development of social competencies," said Antonia Hernandez, President and CEO of CCF.  "Sadly, because budgets for school and government-supported programs continue being cut and nonprofit organizations suffer from inadequate funding, more families than ever lack basic access to quality after-school programs."

Seven nonprofit organizations serving South L.A. have been selected to receive the first in a series of PAT grants totaling $875,000.  They are: A Place called Home, A World Fit for Kids, Heart of Los Angeles, Kids in Sports, Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade, The HeArt Project, and Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club.

The PAT Initiative is made possible by a generous $12 million bequest to CCF from an anonymous donor who was active in the community and believed strongly in the power of music and athletics to help disadvantaged youth to reach their full potential.  Bequests have been a tradition at CCF since it received its first such gift in 1915, and continue to be a significant source for funding new as well as ongoing needs in the community.

California Community Foundation (CCF) is a public, charitable organization serving all of Los Angeles County for almost 100 years.  It encourages philanthropy by individuals, families, companies and organizations, and serves as a steward of their charitable funds and legacies.  It also makes grants to nonprofits and collaborates in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations such as youth emancipated from foster care.  In addition, it actively engages in community problem solving with business, civic, government and other organizations.  For more information, visit www.calfund.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/calfund.

Contact: Barbara Lee, Media Specialist
Phone:  (213) 413-4130 ext. 258
E-mail:  [email protected]

SOURCE California Community Foundation