PORT OF VANCOUVER USA ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF 2023 COMMUNITY FUND

Projects involving tourism, small business training and job development in the trades receive funding

The Port of Vancouver USA announced the recipients of its 2023 Community Fund. The Community Fund assists programs and projects in the local community that share the port’s mission of economic development, workforce training and tourism. The Community Fund will disburse $10,000 among the following projects and programs in 2023:

Vancouver Farmers Market – The market will receive $2,500 to continue its Market Assistance Program which provides free booth space and training to nontraditional and marginalized entrepreneurs. This program aims to help these small businesses become successful at the market and beyond. In its pilot phase in 2022, the program served 10 new businesses that generated $26,400 in revenue during 34 selling days.

WHY Community– The WHY Community will receive $2,500 from the port to support approximately 100 free registrations for a variety of community runs and fitness events held during the year. These events bring 15,000 people to the Vancouver community and generate over $5 million in local economic activity. Port funds will be used to provide free registrations for children, veterans, cancer survivors and other at-risk groups.

Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools – Career and Technical Education – The Construction Trades Program at Hudson’s Bay High School will receive $5,000 from the port toward construction of a tiny home. Students will work with industry professionals to learn all aspects of construction including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Last year the students completed construction of a shed on campus with the help of the Community Fund, and are tackling a more ambitious project this year.

The port launched the Community Fund in 2020. For its 2023 award consideration, the Community Fund received eight applications requesting a total of $57,000.

“We continue to be very pleased with all the applications we received for the Community Fund,” said the port’s Chief of External Affairs, Ryan Hart. “All of the applicants were deserving of the funds which made the job of the selection committee all that more difficult. We congratulate all the organizations receiving funds and believe each fits well with port priorities to generate economic opportunities, prepare our local workforce and strengthen tourism here in Vancouver,” he added.

Several ports in Washington state operate community funds and the port drew from that expertise in developing its own guidelines. Port of Vancouver’s program supports its Strategic Plan and a stated community goal of: Pursuing opportunities to share port resources with community partners to advance shared goals.

The port will solicit applications for the 2024 round of funding later this year.

2023 Meeting Calendar

d b

January 11, 2023: Virtual Meeting

March 8, 2023: Virtual Meeting

May 10, 2023: Hybrid Meeting

Port of Vancouver USA

July 12, 2023: Virtual Meeting

September 13, 2023: Hybrid Meeting MSU Portland

November 8, 2023: Virtual Meeting a c

Board of Directors : 1330-1405 hrs

General Membership: 1415-1530 hrs