In a show of dedication to community prosperity, Los Angeles County is gearing up to hand out a hefty sum to local organizations. This Wednesday, a luncheon hosted by the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD) and the Amity Foundation will see more than 120 community-based organizations receiving over $120 million in grants, part of the second year of the Care First Community Investment (CFCI) initiative.

JCOD, under the guidance of the county's Board of Supervisors, established the CFCI last year to funnel a slice—roughly 10 percent—of the county's unrestricted revenue towards community investment and alternatives to incarceration. This approach not only continues but also expands their support for services such as housing assistance, youth programs, employment training, and minority-owned businesses.

The lunch bash, scheduled for December 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jesse Owens Community Regional Park, will celebrate the awarding of these grants. Last June, JCOD distributed $55 million to 118 organizations for the program's first year, and it looks like they're just warming up. With year three applications now open, they're inviting community-based organizations (CBOs) to throw their hats in the ring for a shot at a piece of the even bigger $175 million pie available next year.

Organizations interested in applying had until January 5th, 2024, to submit their applications. The process is only a click away, as JCOD has provided a convenient link on their website to streamline the application procedure. As this second year's luncheon approaches, Los Angeles County reinforces its commitment to investing in community advancement and creating sustainable alternatives for its residents.